This Saturday night, the BYU Cougars will host the Utah Tech Trailblazers at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, where Utah Tech will face a daunting challenge as they take on the No. 14 ranked team in the nation. Coming off a tough 54-0 defeat against Montana State, the Trailblazers are expected to be heavy underdogs, with oddsmakers predicting a loss by more than 47 points.
Despite the uphill battle, Utah Tech will be well compensated for their participation in this game. According to a contract signed in August 2022 by former BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe and current Utah Tech athletic director Ken Beazer, BYU will pay Utah Tech a total of $450,000 for their visit. This amount marks an increase from an earlier agreement made in June 2020, which stipulated a payment of $400,000 for a game originally scheduled for November 16, 2024.
The contract was amended to accommodate BYU's move to the Big 12 Conference, a significant shift that occurred after the school received an invitation in 2021. This change necessitated rescheduling the game to this season, prompting the increase in compensation by $50,000.
In addition to the financial guarantee, the contract outlines that the officials' association responsible for BYU's home games will also oversee officiating for Saturday's contest, with BYU covering those costs. Furthermore, Utah Tech will receive 300 complimentary tickets for the game, along with the option to purchase up to 2,000 additional tickets at face value, which could help bolster their presence at the stadium.
When comparing the financial arrangements for this game to others, BYU's payment to Utah Tech appears to be a bargain. Last season, the Cougars paid Portland State $650,000 for a matchup that resulted in a decisive 69-0 victory for BYU. This reflects the financial dynamics often seen in college football, where higher-tier programs frequently engage in what are known as “payday games” against lower-division teams.
BYU's rival, the University of Utah, is also participating in a similar scenario this season. The Utes are set to host Idaho in a game on Thursday night, for which they will pay Idaho $600,000. Like Utah Tech, Idaho will receive 300 complimentary tickets and has the option to buy additional tickets for their fans. Additionally, Utah has committed to pay Utah State $600,000 for a game scheduled for September 19, which will mark the return of former BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall to Rice-Eccles Stadium.
As the season progresses, the financial implications of these matchups will continue to shape the landscape of college football, particularly for programs like Utah Tech and Idaho, which rely on these games for revenue. For BYU, the opportunity to compete against lower-tier teams not only provides a chance to secure wins but also helps in building their program's profile as they aim for a successful run in the Big 12 and a potential berth in the College Football Playoff.
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