Ryan Tubongbanua / The Collegian
The past two college football bowl seasons have left me with mixed feelings about Fresno State̢۪s athletic conference, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
In back-to-back years, both Boise State and Hawaii have made it to a Bowl Championship Series game and in doing so, they have forced the national media to pay attention to the WAC.
While it was great publicity and much respect was gained for the conference, I still was not happy watching a team other than Fresno State reach the pinnacle of the sport and the respect that comes with it.
It was really tough seeing another team beating the Bulldogs to a BCS game. It made me, a lifelong Red Waver, so jealous of both Boise State and Hawaii.
Sitting on my couch, I knew that victories in these bowl games would benefit Fresno State̢۪s chances of making the BCS in the long run and it would be a nice pay check for the athletic department, but I just couldn̢۪t make myself pull for either WAC school.
After trying to get over my jealousy issues and trying to understand that the game did benefit Fresno State in a roundabout way, I had to think, which of Fresno State̢۪s rivals do I despise the most?
The answer to the question did not come as simply as I initially expected.
I first thought it was just as simple as wins and losses, but a true rivalry goes deeper than that. A real rivalry is a hatred of all things the other school represents and envy of what they have.
When talking about a true rival, a team that Bulldog fans can focus all of their negative energy on, the answer had to be a school in the WAC, a team the Bulldogs face every year.
The WAC is not known for being a power conference, so immediately, I was able to eliminate almost all of the teams in the conference. Idaho, Utah State, Louisiana Tech and New Mexico State just didn̢۪t do it for me. I am sure a true Bulldog fan can agree.
Nevada and San Jose State came a little bit closer and while these teams have been playing Fresno State for years, I still did not feel that they were qualified to be the ‘All Time Most Hated Rival of All Time’.
OK, I don̢۪t have an official name for it just yet.
The only two teams left in the running were Boise State and Hawaii.
Hawaii and Fresno State have been playing since 1938 and the Bulldogs lead the all-time series 20-19-1, so it̢۪s a historic and evenly matched rivalry, but the hate just wasn̢۪t there.
Yes, Hawaii did make the BCS game before Fresno State and the Warriors have a crazy homefield advantage, but I do not envy what Hawaii has.
They have been the end of many jokes since they were crushed in their matchup against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl last January and their recruiting situation is nowhere near where it needs to be.
So the final choice was Boise State. I came to the conclusion by process of elimination, but I knew it all along, or at least since they joined the WAC in 2001.
Boise State is just one step ahead of what the Fresno State is striving to be and that is exactly why I hate them.
The Bulldogs want to win the WAC every year; the Broncos have done it six of seven years in the conference.
Fresno State has been aiming to win a BCS berth since Pat Hill was hired on in 1997. Boise State did it in Chris Peterson̢۪s first year at the helm.
Fresno State has only beaten Boise State once in seven tries. They are everything I want my school̢۪s team to be, so I never really got over that jealousy thing.
One year won̢۪t change everything, but 2008 may be Fresno State̢۪s chance to make history of their own and catch up to Boise State.
If the Bulldogs can win the regular season finale on Boise State’s “Smurf Turf,â€Â win the WAC and break into the BCS, then maybe I won’t have as much hate for Boise State.
Who am I kidding? Boise State will always have that special place in my heart.
goBows15 • Sep 9, 2008 at 12:57 am
Hawaii fan here. I was in NOLA in January and that frickin hurt!
Very interesting article! I definitely agree with the reasoning here and I hate Boise for all the same reasons. The Hawaii – Fresno history has had some incredible games in it, especially the past 10 years. Blowouts and comeback wins in close games with either team ranked at times, we’ve really enjoyed the Fresno Hawaii games.
For years the number one rival for Hawaii, hands down, was BYU. Why? Because they beat our ass every year. Close games, blow outs, you name it the Cougars always won. The year BYU won the national title, the best WR Hawaii ever had dropped an easy game-winning touchdown in the end zone late in the fourth quarter! Of course then came the Smackdowns Hawaii laid on the Cougars in their most shining moments. The same day Ty Detmer won the Heisman Trophy, Hawaii beat BYU 56-10. In 2001 when BYU was ranked 5th in the country and was undefeated, Hawaii beat them 72-42. Now THATS a rivalry! Alas the BYU games are no more. For Hawaii fans, Boise and Fresno represent the quality teams we want to beat and that we measure our success by. The Fresno series has been awesome and you just want to punch those Boise guys in the face with that cute blue field.
goBows15 • Sep 9, 2008 at 7:57 am
Hawaii fan here. I was in NOLA in January and that frickin hurt!
Very interesting article! I definitely agree with the reasoning here and I hate Boise for all the same reasons. The Hawaii – Fresno history has had some incredible games in it, especially the past 10 years. Blowouts and comeback wins in close games with either team ranked at times, we’ve really enjoyed the Fresno Hawaii games.
For years the number one rival for Hawaii, hands down, was BYU. Why? Because they beat our ass every year. Close games, blow outs, you name it the Cougars always won. The year BYU won the national title, the best WR Hawaii ever had dropped an easy game-winning touchdown in the end zone late in the fourth quarter! Of course then came the Smackdowns Hawaii laid on the Cougars in their most shining moments. The same day Ty Detmer won the Heisman Trophy, Hawaii beat BYU 56-10. In 2001 when BYU was ranked 5th in the country and was undefeated, Hawaii beat them 72-42. Now THATS a rivalry! Alas the BYU games are no more. For Hawaii fans, Boise and Fresno represent the quality teams we want to beat and that we measure our success by. The Fresno series has been awesome and you just want to punch those Boise guys in the face with that cute blue field.
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Yes, Fresno State needs to win the WAC. But out of conference, Fresno State has had FAR more success than Boise State or Hawaii.
Nationally, how many people do you think realize Boise State has won the WAC over Fresno State so often? I’m willing to predict most would have the perception Fresno State has won it as many times as anyone, just because Fresno State has the most name recognition of any WAC school.
Keep in mind, Boise State has NEVER, not even once, beaten a BCS-conference team on the road…
P.S. As a lifelong ‘Dogs fan, I’d have to say Hawaii is the overall fiercest sports rivalry.
FSDogs1 • Sep 7, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Yes, Fresno State needs to win the WAC. But out of conference, Fresno State has had FAR more success than Boise State or Hawaii.
Nationally, how many people do you think realize Boise State has won the WAC over Fresno State so often? I’m willing to predict most would have the perception Fresno State has won it as many times as anyone, just because Fresno State has the most name recognition of any WAC school.
Keep in mind, Boise State has NEVER, not even once, beaten a BCS-conference team on the road…
P.S. As a lifelong ‘Dogs fan, I’d have to say Hawaii is the overall fiercest sports rivalry.
Cody • Sep 5, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I was born and raised in Boise, and I am an avid college football fan. My favorite team is Boise State, obviously, but my second favorite team is easily Fresno. I have always respected them, and they are the only other team that I actually become emotionally “invested in” every week, other than Boise State. I can’t quite explain it, but there is just something about the Bulldog’s toughness and their “giant killer” reputation that is very appealing to me. I remember running wildly around my living room when FSU beat Virginia in the 2004 H-Bowl, and how disappointed I was when FSU narrowly lost to the unbeaten USC dynasty. I would say most fans in Boise would also identify Fresno as their second favorite team. Anyways, best of luck to FSU this year! I’ll be pulling for you, except when you play Boise State!
Cody • Sep 6, 2008 at 12:25 am
I was born and raised in Boise, and I am an avid college football fan. My favorite team is Boise State, obviously, but my second favorite team is easily Fresno. I have always respected them, and they are the only other team that I actually become emotionally “invested in” every week, other than Boise State. I can’t quite explain it, but there is just something about the Bulldog’s toughness and their “giant killer” reputation that is very appealing to me. I remember running wildly around my living room when FSU beat Virginia in the 2004 H-Bowl, and how disappointed I was when FSU narrowly lost to the unbeaten USC dynasty. I would say most fans in Boise would also identify Fresno as their second favorite team. Anyways, best of luck to FSU this year! I’ll be pulling for you, except when you play Boise State!
Dale Applegate • Sep 5, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I am a rabid BSU fan. I want to hate Fresno as you hate BSU. Besides the underdog story (see BSU v Oklahoma) the hated rivalry is the most enjoyable aspect of sports. This is why my interest gravitates toward college team sports.
There is so much potential to for a great rivalry between BSU and Freno. In fact, there are only two things missing: a more equitable win loss record and a reduction in respect and kindness between fans. So I hope Fresno wins this year by a large margin at BSU. Further, I wish both Fresno and BSU fans can find a way to start the insulting and mud-slinging (you can take lessons from Hawaii’s football fan crowd, there are some aholes there). This requisite venom between the two sports crowds will be hard to develop and sustain (I’ve been to Fresno v Boise games in Fresno, you guys were way too nice to me) but with focus and a eye to the bigger picture we can do it.
I love how they decided to use a code for the Fresno airport that describes the people for Fresno. http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/IATA_Codes/IATA_Code_F.htm
Dale Applegate • Sep 5, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I am a rabid BSU fan. I want to hate Fresno as you hate BSU. Besides the underdog story (see BSU v Oklahoma) the hated rivalry is the most enjoyable aspect of sports. This is why my interest gravitates toward college team sports.
There is so much potential to for a great rivalry between BSU and Freno. In fact, there are only two things missing: a more equitable win loss record and a reduction in respect and kindness between fans. So I hope Fresno wins this year by a large margin at BSU. Further, I wish both Fresno and BSU fans can find a way to start the insulting and mud-slinging (you can take lessons from Hawaii’s football fan crowd, there are some aholes there). This requisite venom between the two sports crowds will be hard to develop and sustain (I’ve been to Fresno v Boise games in Fresno, you guys were way too nice to me) but with focus and a eye to the bigger picture we can do it.
I love how they decided to use a code for the Fresno airport that describes the people for Fresno. http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/IATA_Codes/IATA_Code_F.htm
Marc • Sep 5, 2008 at 9:46 am
It’s almost impossible for me to hate Boise State, I really want to but I just can’t. The best example of why can be seen in the first 2 posters. Their fans are just so darn nice. Most are very gracious and pull for Fresno State when they aren’t playing Boise State. The support we received at the two Humanitarian Bowls was just incredible. I suppose when you have had as much success as Boise State it is a little easier to be gracious, but I wonder how we would act if the roles were reversed.
Marc • Sep 5, 2008 at 4:46 pm
It’s almost impossible for me to hate Boise State, I really want to but I just can’t. The best example of why can be seen in the first 2 posters. Their fans are just so darn nice. Most are very gracious and pull for Fresno State when they aren’t playing Boise State. The support we received at the two Humanitarian Bowls was just incredible. I suppose when you have had as much success as Boise State it is a little easier to be gracious, but I wonder how we would act if the roles were reversed.
john • Sep 5, 2008 at 8:59 am
No offense to Fresno, but year after year they get hype, and year after year they dissapoint. I dont care what anyone says, Boise’s actions speak louder than Fresno’s words.
john • Sep 5, 2008 at 3:59 pm
No offense to Fresno, but year after year they get hype, and year after year they dissapoint. I dont care what anyone says, Boise’s actions speak louder than Fresno’s words.
Tom • Sep 5, 2008 at 8:46 am
If Boise Junior College played a full slate of viable taems like FS does year in and year out… they might not be able to pull that hat trick that they do so often on FS and the WAC. Get a real schedule and then pump your chest.
Tom • Sep 5, 2008 at 3:46 pm
If Boise Junior College played a full slate of viable taems like FS does year in and year out… they might not be able to pull that hat trick that they do so often on FS and the WAC. Get a real schedule and then pump your chest.
PB • Sep 5, 2008 at 8:15 am
I couldn’t agree more! As a Bronco faithful Fresno has always been the team Boiseans fear most but respect most also. To be honest no matter what year in the last 7 or so Fresno is always one of those teams you worry about. Especially knowing they owe us one after we beat them in Fresno when Fresno was ranked #10? was it? Either way our 2 teams are the best in the WAC… of course Boise bein the best* Good luck to them this year and honestly…we have a lot of work to do and this is yet another rebuilding year so if Fresno can run the table and we have lost some games by the end of the season than I hope when Fresno comes to Boise it will be a close game but they take the win and go to a BCS game. Because I just dont think we’re an experienced enough team this year, but you can bet we’ll be kikn butt next few years!. Good luck to all!
PB • Sep 5, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I couldn’t agree more! As a Bronco faithful Fresno has always been the team Boiseans fear most but respect most also. To be honest no matter what year in the last 7 or so Fresno is always one of those teams you worry about. Especially knowing they owe us one after we beat them in Fresno when Fresno was ranked #10? was it? Either way our 2 teams are the best in the WAC… of course Boise bein the best* Good luck to them this year and honestly…we have a lot of work to do and this is yet another rebuilding year so if Fresno can run the table and we have lost some games by the end of the season than I hope when Fresno comes to Boise it will be a close game but they take the win and go to a BCS game. Because I just dont think we’re an experienced enough team this year, but you can bet we’ll be kikn butt next few years!. Good luck to all!
Dale Gray • Sep 5, 2008 at 8:07 am
Nice article. As a BSU fan, I hadn’t thought of it from the Fresno side — obviously. Here in Boise we tend to cheer wildly for Fresno whenever they aren’t playing BSU. The times they have appeared in the Humanitarian Bowl, we came out in force and supported them as if they were our own. One of the things we really like about Fresno is that we know that they can hand us our hats at any point in any game. We view our games with them as battles against an equal / therefore to be greatly anticipated. They are the real deal and deserve respect, even in down years. However, I now have to admit, that if the win/loss ratio was reversed, I would probably hold your opinion.
I guess in Boise one of the keys to our philosophy is that our reward for playing better is to get to play better schools — win or lose. Our loss to Georgia was painful, but it was still a highlight to our program. I was in Phoenix when we played Oklahoma. Oklahoma!!! It doesn’t get better than that — except when we get to play Fresno “the giant killers!” I don’t know of a Bronco fan that isn’t jealous of the games that Fresno schedules!
Just thought you might like to take a look at it from our side!
Dale
Dale Gray • Sep 5, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Nice article. As a BSU fan, I hadn’t thought of it from the Fresno side — obviously. Here in Boise we tend to cheer wildly for Fresno whenever they aren’t playing BSU. The times they have appeared in the Humanitarian Bowl, we came out in force and supported them as if they were our own. One of the things we really like about Fresno is that we know that they can hand us our hats at any point in any game. We view our games with them as battles against an equal / therefore to be greatly anticipated. They are the real deal and deserve respect, even in down years. However, I now have to admit, that if the win/loss ratio was reversed, I would probably hold your opinion.
I guess in Boise one of the keys to our philosophy is that our reward for playing better is to get to play better schools — win or lose. Our loss to Georgia was painful, but it was still a highlight to our program. I was in Phoenix when we played Oklahoma. Oklahoma!!! It doesn’t get better than that — except when we get to play Fresno “the giant killers!” I don’t know of a Bronco fan that isn’t jealous of the games that Fresno schedules!
Just thought you might like to take a look at it from our side!
Dale