BYU football: Cougs to open '09 campaign vs. Oklahoma in new Dallas stadium

PROVO — As speculated for weeks, BYU will open the 2009 football season on Sept. 5 against Oklahoma at the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium in Arlington, Tex. The school made the announcement official on Tuesday.

Depending on the outcome of Thursday's game between No. 1-ranked Oklahoma and No. 2 Florida, the Cougars could start the year against the defending national champions. Depending on whether or not Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford remains in school for another year, BYU could also be facing the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner.

BYU and Oklahoma will be the first college game played at the Dallas Cowboys' new home and the Labor Day weekend showdown will be broadcast in prime time by either ABC or ESPN. BYU also released its entire 2009 non-conference schedule, with a game at Tulane (at the Louisiana Superdome, where Utah just beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl) on Sept. 12 and home contests against Florida State on Sept. 19 and Utah State on Oct. 2.

"We are excited about our non-conference schedule for next season," BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said in a statement. "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."

Said Cougar coach Bronco Mendenhall: "We appreciate the unique opportunity of being part of the first college game played in the new home of the Dallas Cowboys. 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."

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E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com

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