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As the current football season comes to a close, BYU was able to finalize some plans for the coming year.
Earlier this morning, BYU announced what is likely to be the final piece in their 2017 schedule with a season-opening game against FCS foe Portland State.
BYU and Portland State University have finalized an agreement to play a football game at LES on Sat, Aug. 26, 2017.#BYUFOOTBALL #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/kRb3xOi8KD
— BYU Football (@BYUfootball) December 5, 2016
The game, which will take place on August 26th, will be BYU’s 13th scheduled game for the 2017 season. The Cougars will be taking advantage of an NCAA rules that allows teams traveling to Hawaii to schedule an additional game to their schedule.
Portland State (a member of the Big Sky conference) had a breakout 9-3 season in 2015 which included a win against Washington State. This last season they struggled to find the same magic as they finished the year 3-9.
The additional game to start the season looks like a smart move for BYU as they originally had their first game scheduled against LSU in a neutral Houston location. By playing an FCS opponent to start the season at home, they have an opportunity to fine tune some things before they hit a brutal three game stretch that includes LSU, Utah and Wisconsin.
BYU will be one of the only teams playing that day, so look for a potential national TV spot for the game.