Traditions unlike any other. Golf has the Masters. BYU has Friday night football before general conference. Both are rich in history and have become iconic to their respective fans.
Long before television dictated scheduling, college football was sequestered to Saturdays with one exception — general conference weekend in Utah. With BYU sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Cougars shifted their home games during the first weekend of October to Friday night.
The move eliminated any potential conflict with the semiannual church meetings, and it added to the culture surrounding the faith-based weekend. As a result, a beloved tradition was born and it continues Friday when West Virginia comes to Provo (8:30 p.m. MDT, ESPN).
“Friday night in LES before general conference is second only to hosting Utah,” said former BYU quarterback Riley Nelson (2009-12). “Not only is the stadium full because a lot of families are in town visiting their students, but you know that millions are tuning in to kick off their conference viewing schedule.”
To many, the preconference game is like unwrapping a gift on Christmas Eve (always pajamas) or like getting an early taste of a warm pumpkin pie the night before Thanksgiving. Neither have anything to do with the actual holiday, but they certainly enhance them.
“Conference weekend is an extended peaceful weekend in Utah County, filled with unique reunion get-togethers, either with mission or with out-of-state acquaintances,” said former BYU receiver Soren Halladay (1999-2001). “So, it’s somewhat of an additional homecoming weekend, if not MORE than a homecoming type of hype. Friends from all over are in town visiting and enjoying the conference vibe.”
Former BYU quarterback Brandon Doman experienced the Friday night tradition as a player (1998-2001), a quarterbacks coach (2005-2010) and an offensive coordinator (2011-2013).
“I always enjoyed a Friday Night Lights game in LES. In those days, we played a lot of Saturday afternoon games and conference weekend gave us a chance to play under the lights,” Doman said. “There is something about a football game under the lights.”
Even for those players new to the Latter-day Saint culture, playing on the night before conference weekend had its benefits.
“Actually, at the time I was more excited about playing on Friday before the deer hunt,” laughed former BYU quarterback and 1990 Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer (1987-1992). “I wasn’t a member at the time, so I didn’t really understand conference.”
Whether West Virginia (2-3, 0-2) understands why they are playing their first game in Provo on a Friday night or not, the Mountaineers do know it won’t be a pleasure trip. After routing BYU 37-7 in Morgantown two years ago, West Virginia arrives at the rematch as an 18.5-point underdog.
The No. 23 Cougars (4-0, 1-0) feature the same top-rated defense in the Big 12 that they showcased last year; however, BYU has several players who are also new to the Friday tradition, including Bear Bachmeier.
So far in the 2025 season, the true freshman experienced his first game as a Division I quarterback, first game against a P4 opponent, first game on the road and first Big 12 opener, also on the road. Not only did he march the Cougars through those games without a loss, he also did it without a turnover.
On Friday, the devout Catholic will experience his first game at LES before a conference weekend, in front of a sold-out crowd and on national television. His night under the lights will have all the ingredients needed to become another memorable and magical one.
For some, Friday is just a regular game. But for Cougar Nation, it’s a tradition unlike any other.
Memory lane
Not every Friday night game before general conference has been a classic, but so many have been meaningful. Here are a few of the most notable outcomes.
Dominator: Oct. 5, 2001 — On the night BYU handed out the heralded “Dominator” poster, quarterback Brandon Doman threw for 293 yards and Luke Staley rushed for five touchdowns as No. 20 BYU beat Utah State 54-34.
Riley’s revolution: Sept. 30, 2011 — Quarterback Riley Nelson replaced Jake Heaps in the second half and rallied BYU to a 27-24 win. Nelson marched the Cougars 94 yards in the final minute and his tipped pass in the end zone was caught by Marcus Mathews for the game-winning touchdown with 11 seconds to play.
Bad luck: Oct. 3, 2014 — On a night when BYU retired Jim McMahon’s No. 9 jersey, quarterback Taysom Hill suffered a season-ending leg injury. Utah State beat the No. 18 Cougars 35-20. The victory was the Aggies first in Provo since 1978 when McMahon was a freshman.
Track meet: Sept. 30, 2016 — Jamaal Williams rushed for 256 yards and five touchdowns and Rhett Almond kicked a 19-yard field goal as time expired to lead BYU past Toledo 55-53. In addition to 108 points, the Cougars and Rockets combined for 59 first downs and 1,278 yards of total offense.
Stranger things: Oct. 2, 2020 — Zach Wilson threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns while running for three more to lead No. 22 BYU past Louisiana Tech 45-14. Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, fans were not allowed inside to watch. The traditionally raucous LaVell Edwards Stadium was more of a surreal ghost town as the two teams got after each other.
History maker: Sept. 29, 2023 — The Cougars defeated Cincinnati 35-27 to win their Big 12 home opener. Chase Roberts caught six passes for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com