Duel in Idaho

A long-standing football rivalry between Boise State University and the University of Idaho may fall apart -- and that is leading to a war of words between leaders of the two institutions, The Idaho Statesman reported. Boise State is leaving the Western Athletic Conference (where Idaho will continue to play) for the Mountain West Conference. Bob Kustra, Boise State's president, told the newspaper he wouldn't miss trips to the Idaho campus for games. He said that the environment at Idaho is "a culture that is nasty, inebriated and civilly doesn't give our fans the respect that any fan should expect when visiting an away team." Kustra cited an article about Boise State in Idaho's student newspaper, The Argonaut, that was headlined "Who do we hate?" M. Duane Nellis, Idaho's president said he was “disappointed to learn of President Kustra’s reported remarks." Nellis added: “Both the University of Idaho and the city of Moscow take great pride in the friendly, welcoming and warm environment that a quintessential college town like ours can uniquely provide.... In-state rivalries are meant to be fun. Our long-time rivalry with BSU is important to the state, the economy, and the fans from both teams."