SAN DIEGO -- No. 19-ranked San Diego State has not played Mountain West Conference counterpart Boise State since 2014, a byproduct of the league's divisional split. However, Aztecs running back Rashaad Penny spoke of facing the Broncos on Saturday as if he was preparing for Rivalry Week.
"We're taking this game like it's a championship game," Penny said. "It's a big week. Emotions are pumped up. ... I feel the energy already, and it's only Monday."
Excitement should indeed reach a crescendo once kickoff arrives Saturday night at SDCCU Stadium, although "rivalry" might oversell the significance.