Lynell Hamilton and the Aztecs will open their 2004 season with Idaho State on Sept. 4.

June 1, 2004

SAN DIEGO - The opportunity for three nationally televised games, including a future nationally-televised game against the most storied college football program in the country, has resulted in changes to the 2004 San Diego State football schedule, athletic director Mike Bohn announced Tuesday.

In a deal involving nine schools and three television networks, San Diego State has agreed to switch its opponent for the 2004 season opener and change the home date of the Nevada game this fall. In doing so, the Aztecs gain a national television audience for the Michigan game, an additional nationally televised game either this season or next season and a future game with Notre Dame.

"We realize the importance of national exposure for our football program and the institution and we are fortunate to be in a position to take advantage of this opportunity," Bohn said.

San Diego State will open the 2004 season on Sept. 4 against Idaho State, as opposed to debuting against San Jose State as originally planned. The 6 p.m. PT kickoff for the opener and the KGB Skyshow following the game remain unchanged.

The other change involves the Aztecs playing Nevada on Sept. 25, instead of Sept. 11. Changing the date of the Nevada game will also allow the Aztecs to break up a span of five weeks without a home contest.

In return, San Diego State's contest at Michigan will be shown nationally on ESPN, giving the Aztecs their first appearance on national television since 2002 and first appearance on the ESPN flagship station since 1999, although the 2001 game against Ohio State was scheduled for ESPN prior to the Sept. 11 tragedy.

SDSU is also guaranteed an additional national television appearance in either 2004 or 2005. In addition, athletic department officials are putting the finishing details on a game against Notre Dame in 2008, which will be televised nationally on NBC.

"The opportunity to play Notre Dame is an event we can utilize to rally numerous constituent groups associated with San Diego State," Bohn said.

San Diego State will join Brigham Young as the only non-service academy schools not in a BCS Conference to play the Irish at Notre Dame Stadium from Nov. 11, 1989 through the 2008 season (as listed in the 2004 Notre Dame Prospectus).

2004 Schedule

Sept. 4           Idaho State

Sept. 11          Open

Sept. 18          at Michigan (ESPN)

Sept. 25          Nevada

Oct. 2            at UCLA

Oct. 9            at Wyoming*

Oct. 16           Colorado State*

Oct. 23           at New Mexico*

Oct. 30           Utah*

Nov. 6            at Brigham Young*

Nov. 13           at Air Force*

Nov. 20           UNLV*

*Mountain West Conference game


Changes in bold.






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