BYU to open '08 football season with Northern Iowa

PROVO — BYU announced Monday the finalization of its 2008 non-conference football schedule, with Northern Iowa — a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-AA) foe — visiting Provo on Aug. 30 for the season opener.

The Panthers will replace Nevada, which backed out of its game with the Cougars to play Grambling State instead.

Northern Iowa posted a 12-1 mark in 2007, including a streak of 12 consecutive victories before losing to national runner-up Delaware in the FCS playoffs. One of those wins came against Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I) opponent Iowa State (24-13) of the Big 12.

The Panthers were ranked No. 1 for six weeks during the season and finished No. 4 in the final FCS rankings.

The Cougars, who went 11-2 this past season and ended up ranked No. 14 in the final polls, are looking to go undefeated and play in the Bowl Championship Series next year.

"Given the short notice, we had to find an opponent. We're excited to be able to bring such a highly respected program in for our season opener," said BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe.

"Northern Iowa is a top-ranked program that has enjoyed a great deal of success over the past few seasons. It will be a competitive game, and there will be plenty for our fans to be excited about as coach (Bronco) Mendenhall and his staff prepare our team for a run at the BCS next season."

Following the game against Northern Iowa, BYU will visit Washington (Sept. 6), then hosts UCLA (Sept. 13). The Cougars renew their rivalry with Utah State in Logan on Oct. 3.

"This is a well-balanced non-conference schedule that includes two Pac-10 opponents, an in-state rival and one of the premier teams at the Championship Subdivision level," Mendenhall said. "Our fans deserve a BCS-caliber football program. Under the current format for inclusion into a BCS game, this schedule gives us that opportunity."

Holmoe also announced Monday a four-year series with Boise State, a highly regarded member of the Western Athletic Conference, that's set to begin in 2012 in Boise.

The Broncos boast the fifth-best record in the FBS over the past three seasons (32-7). In 2006, Boise State went 13-0, including a memorable victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Last season, the Broncos posted a 10-3 record. BYU is 0-2 all-time against Boise State, losing to the Broncos in 2003 (50-12) and 2004 (28-27).

"We're excited about the series with Boise State," Holmoe said. "This will be a great regional match-up with a lot of national interest."

BYU's future opponents

2009 — at Arizona State, vs. Florida State, vs. Utah State

2010 — vs. Washington, at Florida State, Utah State

2011 — at Washington, at Army, vs. Arizona State, vs. Utah State

2012 — vs. Army, vs. Washington, vs. Utah State, at Boise State

2013 — vs. Boise State

2014 — at Boise State

2015 — vs. Boise State

2008 non-conference opponents

Date ... Opponent

Aug. 30 ... vs. Northern Iowa

Sept. 6 ... at Washington

Sept. 13 ... vs. UCLA

Oct. 3 ... at Utah State