Boise State football is left with hole to fill as ACC announces plans for fall season
It doesn’t look like Florida State will be coming to Boise for a rematch of last fall’s football season opener after all.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Atlantic Coast Conference Board of Directors announced its plan for the fall season, which includes all ACC teams playing just one nonconference game. That nonconference game must be played in the home state of the ACC school.
“The board’s decision presents a path, if public health guidance allows, to move forward with competition,” ACC Commissioner John Swofford said in a press release. “Our institutions are committed to taking the necessary measures to facilitate the return in a safe and responsible manner. We recognize that we may need to be nimble and make adjustments in the future. We will be as prepared as possible should that need arise.”
According to the plan, ACC teams will play a 10-game conference schedule and one nonconference game of its choosing, beginning Sept. 7-12. Notre Dame will also play as part of the conference and be eligible for the championship.
Florida State was scheduled to come to Boise on Sept. 19 for a Week 3 matchup in Albertsons Stadium.
Last fall’s season opener was scheduled to be held in Jacksonville, Florida, but it was moved to the Seminoles’ stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, because of Hurricane Dorian. On the field, Boise State erased a second-half deficit and knocked off Florida State, 36-31.
According to the game contract, which the Idaho Statesman acquired through an open records request, the home team was required to pay the visitors $400,000, and Florida State’s payment was due Feb. 20.
If this year’s game doesn’t happen, the Broncos won’t be required to pay thanks to an “Act of God” clause.
Also included is a $2 million penalty if either team cancels within 12 months of the game, but language in the contract says that if a conference or the NCAA make it impossible or impractical to play the game, both parties are relieved of any obligations.
The ACC’s announcement did exactly that, because Florida State isn’t likely to pass on playing in-state rival Florida in its only nonconference game.
Boise State is the only team in the Mountain West scheduled to face an ACC opponent this season, and the Broncos are still scheduled to open the season Sept. 5 at home against Georgia Southern.
