3 reasons why No. 21 Boise State is BYU's biggest game, 1 reason it might not be

PROVO — It's finally here: game week.

Yes, that game.

The week that fans, media and even to some extent BYU players and coaches — if they're being honest — have been waiting for is finally here.

No. 9 BYU will travel to Boise to face the 21st-ranked Broncos in a Top 25 showdown Friday on the blue turf of Albertsons Stadium (FS1, 7:45 p.m. MT) in what many would consider the Cougars' biggest game of the year.

At the very least, it's the biggest game this week. Even BYU head coach Kalani Sitake would admit that openly, with all the coach-speak and platitudes aside.

"I know a lot of the media wanted to talk about this game last week or two weeks ago, but our entire focus has been on each week," Sitake said Monday. "Nothing's going to change; we've been on the road before. I've been really pleased with the way players have kept their focus."

Still, there's no denying that games between the Cougars (7-0) and Broncos (2-0) mean a little bit more. It's why Sitake's weekly teleconference with reporters more than doubled in volume from last week's call prior to a 41-10 win over Western Kentucky.

National media is paying attention. Boise State media is paying attention. Most of college football will be watching the near-standalone game. But here are three reasons why Friday night's game is the most important on BYU's schedule — and one reason why it might not be.

1. It's a rivalry — sort of

While the "battle for blue" will never be The Rivalry, the absence of a Red-Blue rivalry and a Wagon Wheel game due to the coronavirus pandemic makes the 2020 showdown in the Gem State arguably the most important game on the schedule — for both teams.

There's no capitol-T signifying The Rivalry. But when BYU lines up its three most distinct regional opponents, the Broncos — who are contracted to face BYU nearly every year through 2035 — deserve their spot alongside Utah and Utah State. Boise State did its part by keeping its sparkling record intact, too, first with a 42-13 win over Utah State followed by a 49-30 victory over Air Force.

"It certainly adds a new element to this game," said wide receiver Dax Milne, who was a walk-on freshman the last time BYU visited the blue turf. "I've been a part of games in the past, and it's always a fun atmosphere. I know there won't be any fans, but I think the energy will be there because everyone on the field knows the kind of rivalry that we've had."

2. BYU and Boise State need each other

It's an important game, and nobody is arguing that. These two teams need each other. But it's also important not to oversell the hype and value of one game.

Besides, two teams that rank in the Top 25 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense will make the objective hype big enough. The Broncos average 45.5 points in their first two games of the season, the third-best mark in the nation, while the Cougars have scored 44.4 points in their first seven games — just behind a three-way tie for fourth nationally.

There's no need to add value to this game. It's always there.

"I don't even look at it like that, honestly," senior safety Troy Warner said. "This is another game on the schedule, and to buy into all the hype could throw you off your game.

"Obviously, Boise is another rivalry game for us and it's always fun playing there. It's exciting, and we're going to do what we can to come ready for a dogfight."

3. BYU-Boise State was always going to be played, if it could be

When BYU was down to two games on the 2020 schedules as teams canceled seasons or moved to conference-only play due to the pandemic, athletic director Tom Holmoe always kept the previously scheduled Nov. 7 road game with Boise State on the table. Despite adding games against Navy, Army, Troy, Louisiana Tech and so forth, he never touched that game.

If there was a way for BYU and Boise State to play, they were going to do so.

"It was nice to have Boise step up and make this game happen," said Sitake, who thanked the leadership at Boise State and the Mountain West Conference. "A lot of gratitude and appreciation that we have this opportunity."

Not even a shorter-than-expected week with Election Day and all its ramifications could stop this game from happening, either.

"Everybody's so excited to play them," BYU center James Empey said. "We've got a short week, which is exciting because everyone is so excited to go and play football."

Another contender approaches

But is it the most important game on the schedule?

Even statistically, that could be debated this year. Like Boise State, fellow Mountain West power San Diego State is also 2-0 in its young season and ranked 24th nationally with 36.0 points per game. The Aztecs are led by running back Greg Bell, who ran for 157 yards and a touchdown in pulling away for a 38-7 win over Utah State last week.

San Diego State (2-0) won't play Boise State in 2020 outside of a potential shot in the Mountain West title game, and three of the Aztecs' next five games are at their temporary "home" of Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, the home of Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy, before setting up the latest (and coldest?) home game in BYU football history Dec. 12 in Provo.

The Aztecs count for both sides, too. As big of a "rivalry" as the Cougars and Broncos are developing, does it matter more for Boise State than a potential Mountain West title game against San Diego State?

So even after this week, another "most important game" could await the Cougars. But for now, the Broncos firmly occupy that spot.

"I know everyone has been looking forward to this game for some time," BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes said. "I give our players a lot of credit for staying the course … but I think both teams have been looking forward to this game for some time."

ON THE AIR

No. 9 BYU (7-0) at No. 21 Boise State (2-0)

Friday, Nov. 6

Kickoff: 7:45 p.m. MT

TV: FS1

Streaming: Fox Sports

Radio: BYU Radio, KSL Radio

Series: Boise State leads, 7-3

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