DENVER - The Western Athletic Conference and Commissioner Karl Benson today announced its composite football schedule including an 11-game ESPN/ESPN2 slate for 2009 highlighted by a season-opening home game on Thursday, Sept. 3, for defending WAC champion Boise State that will be shown on ESPN.
 
The Broncos who have a 19-game home winning streak - the second longest in the nation going into 2009 - will host Oregon in the opener.  Boise State has also won its last 49 consecutive regular season home games.

A pair of Friday night games follow on ESPN with Fresno State hosting Boise State on Sept. 18 and a non-conference matchup featuring Missouri at Nevada on Sept. 25.

The first of two Wednesday night games features Hawai'i at Louisiana Tech on Sept. 30, closing out the month of September.  October showcases Louisiana Tech at Nevada on Friday, Oct. 9, followed by the second Wednesday game with Boise State traveling to Tulsa on the 14th.

November is highlighted with four WAC matchups.  On Friday, Nov. 6, Louisiana Tech hosts Boise State, followed two days later with the only Sunday game between Nevada and San Jose State.  A pair of Friday games close out the month with Boise State at Utah State on the 20th and Nevada hosting Boise State the day after Thanksgiving.

The final game of the schedule features Wisconsin at Hawai'i on Saturday, Dec. 5.

"The last five years in the WAC have featured two BCS games, 18 other bowl appearances, and four teams that posted undefeated regular seasons," said Benson.  "We are expecting another exciting season in 2009 and are pleased to have ESPN as our television partner.  The schedule that we have put together offers the nation several chances to see some of the most exciting football in the country."

Seven of the WAC's nine teams will make at least one appearance in 2009.  Additional television games are expected to be added to the ESPN networks in the upcoming months.

2009 WAC-ESPN Football Schedule

*WAC Game