Maybe it’s because their football programs are so much alike that Boise State and Oregon fans seem to loathe each other.
The two Northwest schools have developed national reputations for their universities and football programs over the past two decades, ranking among the nation’s best in wins, points and uniform combinations.
They’ve built unique programs with a coolness factor that attracts recruits from California, Texas and other distant places despite the climate and culture shock involved in moving north.
Two of the key architects of Boise State’s success — former coaches Dirk Koetter and Chris Petersen — were groomed at Oregon by former Ducks coach Mike Bellotti.