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After scrambling for much of 2013 to find nonconference opponents for the immediate future, Arizona State has decided to take care of its long-term schedule in advance.
On Thursday, Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson announced that Arizona State and BYU have agreed to a home-and-home contract for the 2020 and 2021 football seasons.
The Sun Devils are set to host the Cougars on Saturday, Sept. 19 in 2020 and will make the return trip to Provo on Saturday, Sept. 18 in 2021.
In September of 2010, BYU announced that it was leaving the Mountain West Conference after the 2011-2012 academic year to compete as an independent with the likes of Notre Dame, Navy and Army. The move came as a bit of a surprise because the Cougars knew they could miss out on BCS opportunities without having the benefit of playing in a conference.
In a press release, Arizona State head coach Todd Graham elaborated on the importance of scheduling an opponent like BYU as it will help the Sun Devils boost their nonconference resume.
"It has been a priority of ours to schedule a future football series with Brigham Young University," Graham said. "Scheduling is so important to the overall success of a program and this is the type of matchup that we are seeking to fulfill our future openings."
Arizona State and BYU formerly competed in the WAC before the Sun Devils officially made the jump to the Pac-10 in 1978. According to the press release, the Sun Devils and Cougars have met 27 times in football with Arizona State holding a 20-7 series advantage.