Northern Iowa to Open 2008 @ BYU

[BigApp]

Northern Iowa’s football team took on a tall challenge to open the 2008 season: The Mountain West Conference’s BYU Cougars.

BYU, which ended the season ranked No. 14 among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision schools, released its non-conference schedule for next season Monday and will play host to the Panthers Aug. 30.

Northern Iowa athletic director Rick Hartzell said BYU will pay $375,000 to play the Football Championship Subdivision Panthers, who went 12-1 last season and reached the playoff quarterfinals.

“It matched our open date and the price tag was right,”Hartzell said.

Northern Iowa received $300,000 to play Iowa State in 2007 — and won.

Hartzell said BYU has indicated the Aug. 30 game with the Panthers will be televised and should be available for Iowa networks to pick up.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/p ... 2/80114045

[SuperHornet]

That's a VERY winnable game for the Warners.

[MrTitleist]

I don't think you know how tough BYU is. UNI probably won't keep it within 3 touchdowns. Those stormin' Mormons are pretty good football players, plus their freshman are usually older than most teams' juniors. The Cougars ran roughshod over my Wyoming Cowboys this year. Very well disciplined.

[SuperHornet]

Winnable doesn't always translate into a guarantee, Mr. T. My point is that BYU is no Michigan. One could make an argument that the Warners are comparable to Appy. Hence my supposition that the Warners COULD win.

[MrTitleist]

But they're not comparable to App. St.. they're not a dynasty with a powerhouse QB like Appy. St. BYU has only had 6 losing seasons since 1970.. this isn't a pushover team. That's MUCH better than anyone else can say about their football program. NoIowa isn't in their league.

[BigApp]

agree, BYU is a very good football program.