Cal Poly fall football schedule released. And it features a big former rival
Cal Poly and the Big Sky Conference released the schedules for the 2021 fall football season, anticipating 11 games versus its planned six contests in limited action this spring.
A highlight of the season will be the Mustangs’ game at Fresno State on Sept. 11 in Bulldog Stadium, the first time the teams have faced off since 2013.
Cal Poly will play five home games, including four against Big Sky Conference opponents: Weber State, UC Davis, Idaho State and Northern Arizona.
Cal Poly and Fresno State once were strong rivals in the California Collegiate Athletic Association from the 1940s through 1970s before the Bulldogs rose to Division I. The Bulldogs lead the series between the programs 32-10 with two ties, including a 41-25 win eight years ago.
The fall season was announced as the Mustangs prepare for their abbreviated six-game 2020-21 season starting on Feb. 27 at UC Davis, followed by Weber State on March 6 and Southern Utah on March 13 at home.
The spring action was scheduled after the Mustangs regular fall season was postponed due to COVID-19 precautions.
No fans will be allowed at the upcoming games with a decision on attendance for the fall season still pending.
Cal Poly likely won’t make any plans for fans at games until allowed to do so by San Luis Obispo County Public Health, possibly when the county is in the orange public health tier.
“It’s an extremely challenging schedule, but we’re excited about the opportunity to play,” said Coach Beau Baldwin, who was hired in December 2019 as Cal Poly’s 17th head football coach and is still waiting to coach his first Mustang game, in a news release. “There are some really competitive games at Spanos Stadium, and we’re going to some tough places on the road as well. ... We’re going to have our hands full.”
Those interested in joining the Stampede Club to support Cal Poly athletics may call (805) 756-6382 for more information or go to giving.calpoly.edu/giving-priorities?priority=athletics for benefits and membership information.
Cal Poly’s 2021 fall football schedule
Sept. 4 at University of San Diego
Sept. 11 at Fresno State
Sept. 18 vs. South Dakota
Sept. 25 at Montana*
Oct. 2 vs. Weber State*
Oct. 9 at Montana State *
Oct. 16 bye
Oct. 23 vs. UC Davis*
Oct. 30 at Portland State*
Nov. 6 at Sacramento State*
Nov. 13 vs. Idaho State*
Nov. 20 vs. Northern Arizona*
*Big Sky Conference game
This story was originally published February 17, 2021 at 6:41 PM with the headline "Cal Poly fall football schedule released. And it features a big former rival."
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