BYU football: Cougars' 2009 football opener is OK

PROVO — It's not yet known if the BYU football program will be opening the 2009 season against the defending BCS champions or the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.

What is certain, though, is that the Cougars will square off against perennial power Oklahoma on Sept. 5 at the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium in Arlington, Texas. The long-rumored game, which will mark the season-opener for both teams, was announced Tuesday.

But first, the Sooners, currently ranked No. 1, collide with No. 2 Florida Thursday in the BCS championship game. And should Heisman-winning Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford return next season for his junior campaign rather than go to the NFL, BYU will face a QB who led the Sooner offense to a record-breaking performance in 2008.

The Sooners have scored 702 points this season, the most in NCAA history, and have scored at least 60 points in their last five games, which is also an NCAA record.

BYU, which dropped its final two games of the '08 season after a 10-1 start, has a stiff test on its hands. But coach Bronco Mendenhall welcomes that challenge.

"We appreciate the unique opportunity of being part of the first college game played in the new home of the Dallas Cowboys," Mendenhall said in a statement. "Given the strong football traditions of Oklahoma, BYU and the Dallas Cowboys, it's a fitting matchup and a perfect venue for what should be a great football game."

Speaking of the venue, the price tag of the Cowboys' new stadium, which is currently being built, is in excess of $1 billion. Seating capacity is 80,000, with the possibility of expansion to accommodate 100,000. It will not only be the new home of the Cowboys but also of the Cotton Bowl. It will also host Super Bowl XLV in 2011. BYU has finalized the rest of its 2009 non-conference schedule, which features a game at Tulane on Sept. 12 and home games against Florida State on Sept. 19 and Utah State on Oct. 2.

Setting up this matchup with Oklahoma required the efforts and cooperation of ABC and ESPN, the Dallas Cowboys as well as other college teams. The Cougars had to drop Arizona State from their schedule to make room for the Sooners.

"We are excited about our nonconference schedule for next season," said BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe. "There were several teams involved in making things work out and we appreciate all those who worked hard to make it happen. The home schedule should be one of the best in school history. In addition to perennial football power Florida State, fans will enjoy home games with in-state rivals Utah and Utah State as well as TCU, Colorado State and Air Force in conference."

BYU-Oklahoma will be the first college game played at the Cowboys' new stadium. The Labor Day weekend showdown will be broadcast in prime time by either ABC or ESPN as part of the second annual ESPN Kickoff Week Presented by Gillette.

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