Canzano: Boise State is the first stop
Part 1 of a series on the new-world Pac-12.
BOISE — I saw a pedestrian walking in a very light snow flurry carrying an umbrella on Wednesday morning. Two other gentleman on the sidewalk in downtown Boise crossed the street, looking both ways, while holding cardboard boxes containing multiple cups of coffee.
Backpacks appear to be in fashion.
Knit caps are acceptable.
This is part one of a series on the new-world Pac-12 schools.
I’m on a mission, and the first stop is Boise.
I’ll meet with school officials, administrators, coaches, and athletes, and tour the athletic department on Wednesday. But I’m just as interested in talking with regular folks who might help the rest of us understand one of the new entries to the 109-year-old conference.
Who are these new members? What’s important about each of them? What makes the fan base and school unique? What mindset do these universities have as they prepare for entry in 2026 to the Pac-12? Also, what comes next for the Pac-12 on the expansion and media rights front?
I spoke with Karl Benson, a Boise State graduate, this week. He played baseball there and went on to serve as the commissioner of a number of leagues, including the WAC. I asked Benson how in the world Boise State athletic rose to become a “Group of Five” football power.
“They owned Friday nights,” Benson told me.