Boise State Broncos vs Idaho Vandals: Moscow Football Battle

The Boise State Broncos are traveling to Moscow, Idaho. They will play against the Idaho Vandals. This is a big college football game. Both teams have a long history. Fans are excited for this matchup.

College football brings people together. This game is special. It is a rivalry game. The Broncos and Vandals have played many times. Each game is intense. Players give their best effort. Coaches plan smart strategies. Fans cheer loudly for their team.

Moscow is a small city in Idaho. It is home to the University of Idaho. The Vandals play at the Kibbie Dome. This is an indoor stadium. It can be loud during games. The Broncos will need to focus. They must ignore the crowd noise.

This article will cover everything about the game. We will look at team histories. We will discuss key players. We will give tips for attending the game. We will answer common questions. Let's begin our journey into this exciting football rivalry.

History of the Boise State-Idaho Rivalry

The Broncos and Vandals have played since 1971. They have met over 40 times. Boise State leads the series. They have won more games. But Idaho has had some big wins too.

This rivalry is called the "Battle of the Domes." Both teams play in dome stadiums. Boise State has the Albertsons Stadium. Idaho has the Kibbie Dome. The games are always competitive. Players know the importance of this matchup.

In the 1980s and 1990s, both teams were in the Big Sky Conference. They played every year. The games decided conference championships. Many players became local heroes. Fans still remember those exciting games.

In 1996, both teams moved to Division I-A. This is now called the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). They joined different conferences. But they continued to play each other. The rivalry remained strong.

Recently, the teams have played less often. This makes each game more special. Players who grew up in Idaho dream of playing in this game. They want to win for their state.

Memorable Games in the Rivalry

Some games stand out in this rivalry. In 1994, Idaho won 27-24. This was a big upset. Boise State was highly ranked. Idaho fans stormed the field after the game.

In 2009, Boise State won 63-25. This was a high-scoring game. Boise State's offense was excellent. They scored many touchdowns. The game was on national television.

In 2016, the teams played in Boise. Boise State won 45-25. The game was close at halftime. But Boise State pulled away in the second half. Their defense made key stops.

These games show the rivalry's intensity. Both teams play hard. The games are often close. Anything can happen in a rivalry game.

Boise State Broncos Football Program

Boise State University has a strong football program. They play in the Mountain West Conference. The team has had much success. They have won many conference championships.

The Broncos are known for their blue turf field. It is called "The Blue." It is one of the most famous fields in college football. Opponents sometimes find it strange to play on blue turf.

Boise State has produced many NFL players. Some famous alumni include Doug Martin and Ryan Clady. These players had great college careers. They helped put Boise State on the national map.

The team has had several great coaches. Chris Petersen was very successful. He led the team to two Fiesta Bowl wins. These were big accomplishments for a non-power conference team.

Current coach Andy Avalos is a Boise State alumnus. He played for the Broncos from 2001-2004. He knows the importance of the Idaho rivalry. He will have his team ready to play.

Broncos Key Players to Watch

The Broncos have several talented players. Quarterback Taylen Green is a dual threat. He can throw and run the ball. He makes big plays for the offense.

Running back Ashton Jeanty is another key player. He gains many yards rushing. He also catches passes out of the backfield. He is hard to tackle.

On defense, safety Alexander Teubner leads the secondary. He makes tackles and intercepts passes. He helps organize the defense.

These players will be important against Idaho. They need to perform well. The team relies on their leadership.

Idaho Vandals Football Program

The University of Idaho Vandals have a proud football history. They play in the Big Sky Conference. This is in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The team has had ups and downs.

Idaho plays in the Kibbie Dome. This indoor stadium seats about 16,000 fans. It can get very loud during games. The dome gives Idaho a home field advantage.

The Vandals have had some successful seasons. In 1998, they won the Humanitarian Bowl. This was a big achievement. The team has produced NFL players like Jake Scott and Mike Iupati.

Coach Jason Eck is building the program. He wants to make Idaho competitive again. He recruits talented players. He develops them through good coaching.

The Vandals take pride in their rivalry with Boise State. They see it as a chance to prove themselves. A win against Boise State would be huge for the program.

Vandals Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Gevani McCoy leads the Idaho offense. He makes good decisions with the ball. He can throw accurate passes. He needs to avoid turnovers against Boise State.

Wide receiver Hayden Hatten is a playmaker. He catches many passes. He finds ways to get open. He could have a big game.

On defense, linebacker Fa'avae Fa'avae makes tackles. He stops the run and covers passes. He is the leader of the defense.

These players must step up against Boise State. They need to make big plays. The team depends on them.

Game Day Experience in Moscow

Attending a game in Moscow is fun. The city has a college town feel. There are many things to do before the game. Fans should arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere.

The Kibbie Dome is on campus. It is easy to find. Parking can be challenging. Fans should consider parking away from campus and walking. This avoids traffic after the game.

Inside the dome, the noise level is high. Fans cheer loudly for the Vandals. The sound stays inside the dome. This makes it difficult for opposing teams.

There are concession stands with typical stadium food. Fans can buy hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks. The prices are reasonable compared to larger stadiums.

The University of Idaho campus is beautiful. Fans can walk around before the game. They can see famous buildings like the Administration Building.

Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow has many good restaurants. Breakfast fans should try The Breakfast Club. They serve large portions of classic breakfast foods.

For lunch, Mikey's Gyros offers Greek food. Their gyros are popular with students and locals. They are affordable and delicious.

Dinner options include Sangria Grille. They serve Spanish and Mediterranean food. The atmosphere is nice for a pre-game meal.

After the game, fans can go to Mingles Bar and Grill. They have pub food and drinks. It is a good place to discuss the game.

Travel Tips for Attending the Game

Planning your trip to Moscow requires some preparation. Here are practical tips for attending the game:

• Book accommodations early: Hotels fill up fast for rivalry games. Reserve your room months in advance.
• Check weather conditions: Moscow can be cold in football season. Bring warm clothes for the game.
• Purchase tickets early: This game will sell out. Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale.
• Arrive early: Give yourself extra time for traffic and parking. Aim to arrive 2-3 hours before kickoff.
• Wear team colors: Boise State fans wear blue and orange. Idaho fans wear silver and gold. Show your team spirit.
• Be respectful: Rivalry games can get intense. Cheer for your team but don't insult opposing fans.
• Stay hydrated: Even indoors, you can get dehydrated. Drink water during the game.
• Plan your exit: Traffic after the game will be heavy. Have patience leaving the parking areas.

Following these tips will make your game day experience better. You will enjoy the game more with proper planning.

Football Rivalry Statistics and Facts

Here are some important statistics about the Boise State-Idaho rivalry:

• First game played: 1971 (Idaho won 42-14)
• Total games played: 43 through 2023
• Boise State leads series: 33-10
• Largest margin of victory: Boise State won 63-6 in 2004
• Longest winning streak: Boise State won 12 straight from 1999-2010
• Most points scored by one team: Boise State scored 63 points in 2009
• Last Idaho win: 2010 (Idaho won 34-31 in overtime)

These statistics show Boise State's dominance in recent years. But rivalry games can surprise people. Idaho will try to change these trends.

According to the NCAA website, rivalry games have higher attendance. Fans care more about these games. Players feel more pressure to perform well.

The ESPN College Football coverage often features rivalry games. They know fans enjoy watching them. The Boise State-Idaho game gets regional attention.

Step-by-Step Guide to Watching the Game

Can't attend the game in person? Here's how to watch from home:

1. Check the broadcast schedule: Games are usually on ESPN networks or local channels. Visit the Mountain West Conference website for broadcast information.
2. Set up your viewing area: Make sure your TV or streaming device works properly. Test it before game time.
3. Invite friends over: Watching with others makes it more fun. Ask friends who support your team.
4. Prepare game day food: Make snacks like nachos or wings. Have drinks ready for everyone.
5. Wear your team apparel: Put on your jersey or hat. This shows support for your team.
6. Follow along on social media: Use Twitter to see fan reactions. Search for hashtags like #BoiseState or #IdahoVandals.
7. Enjoy the game: Cheer for your team. Don't get too upset if things go badly. Remember it's just a game.

Following these steps will enhance your viewing experience. You will feel connected to the action even from home.

FAQ Section

When is the Boise State vs Idaho game?

The game date changes each year. Check the team schedules on their official websites. Games are usually in September or October.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available through the University of Idaho ticket office. You can also check secondary markets like StubHub. Buy early for best prices.

How long does the game last?

College football games usually last 3-4 hours. This includes halftime and timeouts. Plan your day accordingly.

Can I bring a bag into the Kibbie Dome?

The Kibbie Dome has a clear bag policy. Only clear bags smaller than 12x6x12 inches are allowed. Check their website for full details.

What is the best way to get to Moscow?

Moscow is about 90 minutes from Spokane International Airport. You can also drive from Boise. The drive takes about 6 hours.

Are there activities for children at games?

Yes, the Kibbie Dome has family-friendly activities. These include face painting and games. Children usually enjoy the experience.

Will the game be on television?

Most likely yes. Check your local listings or ESPN networks. Conference games usually get television coverage.

Conclusion

The Boise State vs Idaho game is a special rivalry. It brings together fans from across Idaho. The history between these teams makes each game meaningful.

Players understand the importance of this matchup. They play with extra intensity. Coaches prepare special game plans. Everyone wants to win bragging rights for their school.

Whether you attend in person or watch from home, enjoy the game. Appreciate the effort these student-athletes give. Remember that sports should bring people together.

This rivalry will continue for many years. New players will create new memories. Fans will continue to support their teams. The Battle of the Domes remains an important part of Idaho sports culture.