BOISE, Idaho — The Mountain West Conference on Wednesday announced the football championship game is shifting to Friday this season for the first time in league history.
The move comes after FOX Sports unveiled its full schedule of Friday college football games, which includes the 2024 title game at 6 p.m. MT on Dec. 6. This marks the fifth-straight season the Mountain West finale will be nationally televised on FOX.
Conference leaders hope the shift to a prime-time window generates more national exposure, as the College Football Playoff debuts its new 12-team format this fall. The 2024 Old Trapper Mountain West Football Championship Game is one of three title matchups scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6.
The team with the highest winning percentage in conference games will once again serve as the host. Boise State has played in six of the last seven championship games, and seven of 11 overall. Albertsons Stadium has been home to five title bouts.
Boise State also has four wins in the Mountain West title, the most in league history. The latest trophy celebration came in 2023 after the Broncos' 44-20 blowout victory over UNLV at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
FOX Sports' announcement also determined Boise State's second game at Oregon will likely remain on Saturday, Sept. 7, as scheduled. There was some speculation the contest could be moved off Saturday, but it wasn't included in the lineup of FOX Friday games.
FOX College Football Friday kicks off on Sept. 13 with Arizona visiting Kansas State. The Ducks are included twice in the schedule against Big Ten opponents Michigan State (Oct. 4) and Purdue (Oct. 18).
Considering the Broncos open up their season on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Georgia Southern, head coach Spencer Danielson and staff may be relieved to avoid a short week of preparation amid back-to-back away games.
Boise State's home opener on The Blue is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, against Portland State. The Broncos have a bye week between the trip to Autzen Stadium and their battle with the Vikings.
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