Mascot Rematch? BYU Football Will Host Western Kentucky In 2020

PROVO, Utah – Remember that epic mascot battle BYU and Western Kentucky? It feels like it was 10 years ago with how crazy 2020 has been. But after BYU’s Cosmo pulled off the controversial title amid accusations of voter fraud, the athletic directors at both BYU and Western Kentucky shared kind words hoping for some future games against one another.

CONGRATS COSMO!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/urQ7b4rZKW

— BYU Cougars (@BYUCougars) April 17, 2020

Well, maybe that mascot title made a greater impact than everyone thinks because the two teams could be meeting this fall.

BYU will be hosting the Hilltoppers in Provo on Halloween, October 31st in Provo.

“We are grateful that Western Kentucky was able to quickly put together a game that will enable our teams to play football,” said BYU Athletics Director Tom Holmoe. “We are looking forward to the matchup and hosting the Hilltoppers at LaVell Edwards Stadium.”

BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe has announced a home game for the 2020 season against Western Kentucky of Conference USA on October 31.#BYUFOOTBALL #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/Ycoy6V97IA

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) August 21, 2020

If reports hold up on additional games, this would be the eighth game on BYU’s 2020 football schedule. A remarkable feat when you consider just 10 days ago, BYU was down to three football games. The goal for BYU is to get a full 12-game schedule, but it’s possible that it ends up with only 10 games.

What’s notable about this game is that it would give BYU six home games for the 2020 season, the first year of BYU’s new seven-year television agreement with ESPN.

2020 has produced things we’ve never seen in our lifetimes and that applies to BYU football’s reported schedule this fall. Western Kentucky like four other teams on BYU’s reported schedule would be a first-ever opponent for the Cougars.

The big battle that we all need is the mascot matchup. Cosmo against Big Red, in person. Six-feet apart, of course. In the NFL, mascots and cheerleaders have been banned from being on the field in 2020. So that doesn’t give much hope for college venues to allow mascots on the field, but these two on Halloween night need an exception. Imagine all the costume changes these two mascots will have throughout the night. We need some happiness in 2020, Cosmo and Big Red are some of our only hopes.

2020 BYU Football Schedule

(According to reports)

As of August 21st, 2020

Sept. 7th (Monday) – at Navy

Sept. 19th – at Army

Sept. 26th – TROY

Oct. 2nd/3rd – TEXAS STATE (Report)

Oct. 10th – UTSA (Report)

Oct. 16th (Friday) – HOUSTON

Oct. 31st – WESTERN KENTUCKY

Nov. 21st – NORTH ALABAMA

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.