The Colorado State-Wyoming Border War rivalry is moving to Rivalry Weekend.
The Nov. 23 date in Fort Collins will be the latest calendar date for a Border War since Nov. 24, 1932.
It’s the day after Thanksgiving, known as “Black Friday” for the predawn rush on Christmas sales. Rivalry weekend across the country features instate, cross-state and crosstown rivalries.
“Playing an afternoon game on the Friday after Thanksgiving should attract a large crowd, and the fact that it’s the Border War enhances it,” CSU athletic director Paul Kowalczyk said. The noon kickoff is two hours after the Nebraska-Colorado start in Boulder.
The Mountain West Conference released the entire 2007 schedule Tuesday.
As previously announced, CSU opens against CU in Denver on Sept. 1 followed by a home date Sept. 8 against Cal. The CSU-Air Force game, often played on a Thursday, moves to Saturday, Oct. 13, in Fort Collins.
“We’ll play the hand we’re dealt. It’s a tough nonconference schedule and the conference is tough, as proven in football and basketball,” CSU coach Sonny Lubick said.
Pending the announcement for televising the CU-CSU game, CSU’s only national TV dates will be on CSTV or Versus on Sept. 8 and CSTV at Houston on Sept. 22. Other games will be on the regional channel, the Mtn.
Air Force opens at home against South Carolina State on Sept. 1 and closes at home Nov. 17 against San Diego State. The Falcons draw an NBC game Nov. 10 at Notre Dame.
There is also a trip to Salt Lake City in the second week of the season to open MWC play at Utah. Air Force plays three MWC foes before CSU even starts its conference slate. The annual service academy rivalries and Notre Dame series force AFA to move up the start of its league season.
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
