BYU football: BYU vs. SDSU is dream matchup for Poinsettia Bowl

"I think it's more of a rivalry on the San Diego State side," he said. "What I like to refer to is the history that the two schools have had. BYU obviously has dominated the lifetime series (27-7-1), but there have been some great games between BYU and San Diego State. The one I remember is the 52-52 game in 1991."

The Cougars and Aztecs have played numerous memorable games over the years, and Binkowski is hoping for another one Thursday.

"There's always been that excitement when BYU plays San Diego State. In a bowl game, you want an excitement between the two universities. I think we'll accomplish that on Dec. 20. We're pleased with the matchup. The rivalry, the history between the two schools, and BYU's history with the Holiday Bowl, coming 11 times in the '70s, '80s, and '90s. To have them come back in the bowl game is pretty cool. It worked out."

And Binkowski would love to see BYU return to the Poinsettia Bowl in years to come.

"Absolutely. No question about it," he said. "What we need to find out is where everything is going to land (regarding the bowl situation). The Mountain West will be on one side, but we have no idea about the other side at this point. We will figure out a way to keep BYU in our mix. We think that's important. If BYU stays independent, we want to keep them coming to the Poinsettia Bowl on a regular basis."

Cougars and Aztecs on the air

BYU (7-5) vs. San Diego State (9-3)

Thursday, 6 p.m., MT, Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

TV: ESPN

Radio: 1160 AM, 102.7 FM