 |
| Mitchell Juergens celebrates game-winning toichdown in 2015. |
The BYU Cougars and Boise State Broncos will face off for the eighth time this week. Up to this point, these big blue brawls have had no middle ground. Each game has been either a nail biter or a blowout.
The first ever meeting was in 2003. Boise State came down to Provo and clobbered the Cougars, 50-12. Nothing more needs to be said about that game.
The next year, BYU travelled to Boise. On the blue turf, BYU put up a fight. With 23 seconds left, the only thing that stood between BYU and a monumental upset was a 38-yard field goal. Matt Payne missed, and Boise State escaped with a 28-27 win.
The two schools didn't meet again for eight years. In 2012, they picked up right where they left off--a one-point nail biter in Boise. After scoring a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to pull within one, 7-6, Bronco Mendenhall decided not to play for overtime. BYU went for two, and the win. The conversion failed, and Boise State ran out the clock.
In 2013, it was BYU's turn to deliver the blowout. Eager to finally notch a win against the Broncos, the Cougars jumped out to a 24-3 halftime lead. It was the largest halftime deficit Boise State had faced in several years. From there, BYU cruised to a 37-20 win.
Boise State got payback the next year. Back in Boise, the Broncos built a 41-16 halftime lead. The two schools traded touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters for a final score of 55-30.
The competitiveness in this Rocky Mountain rivalry returned in 2015. With less than a minute to play, BYU trailed 24-21. On 4th and 10 from the Boise State 35-yard line, Tanner Mangum heaved a prayer to the end zone. Mitchell Juergens came down with it to give BYU a 28-24 lead. In the final few seconds, as Boise State looked for its own miracle, Kai Nacua intercepted the ball and returned it 50-yards for a touchdown to make the final score 35-24.
Last year was a flashback to 2004. BYU drove into field goal range trailing 28-27. With 16 seconds to play, BYU attempted a game game winning 44-yard field goal. Boise State blocked it to win the game.
Which will it be Friday night? BYU's play this year is reminiscent of 2003. However, Boise State already suffered a blowout loss at home this year. Better just tune in to the game to find out.
The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com
Boise Sts Run game is worse than BYUs. It will be hard for them to find any consistency there. However, the Bronco's will get 350+ through the air vs BYU.
ReplyDeleteIf BYU's D can get a pic of two and if the offense can manage a mediocre performance (something they haven't done yet this season, though they came close vs Utah and before Hodge got hurt vs USU), they will win this game.
Interesting how both programs are not what they used to be.
ReplyDelete