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Mountain West Conference Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Mountain West Conference: History and Athletics

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The Mountain West Conference: History and Athletics Study Guide

Founding and Historical Context

The Mountain West Conference officially began its operations in January 1999.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference officially commenced its operations on January 4, 1999.

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Brigham Young University was not one of the original eight charter members of the Mountain West Conference.

Answer: False

Explanation: Brigham Young University was indeed one of the eight charter members of the Mountain West Conference.

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The creation of the Mountain West Conference was a direct result of the formation of the Big 12 Conference.

Answer: True

Explanation: The formation of the Mountain West Conference was a direct consequence of the 1996 NCAA conference realignment, which was largely precipitated by the creation of the Big 12 Conference.

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Instability within the Pac-10 Conference led to the formation of the Mountain West Conference.

Answer: False

Explanation: The formation of the Mountain West Conference stemmed from instability and realignment pressures within the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), not the Pac-10.

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Gloria Nevarez is the founding commissioner of the Mountain West Conference.

Answer: False

Explanation: Craig Thompson served as the founding commissioner of the Mountain West Conference, beginning his tenure in 1998.

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Craig Thompson served as the commissioner of the Mountain West Conference for over 24 years.

Answer: True

Explanation: Craig Thompson served as the commissioner of the Mountain West Conference from October 1998 until December 2022, a tenure exceeding 24 years.

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The Mountain West Conference was formed due to issues within the Big Eight Conference.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference was formed due to issues within the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) following realignment, not directly due to issues within the Big Eight Conference.

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The Mountain West Conference was formed in the late 1980s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference was formed in 1999, not the late 1980s.

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What was the primary reason for the formation of the Mountain West Conference?

Answer: A consequence of the 1996 NCAA conference realignment and instability in the WAC.

Explanation: The formation of the Mountain West Conference was a direct consequence of the 1996 NCAA conference realignment, which created instability within the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and prompted several members to seek a new conference home.

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Which of the following universities was NOT one of the original eight charter members of the Mountain West Conference?

Answer: Boise State University

Explanation: Boise State University was not among the original eight charter members of the Mountain West Conference; it joined later during the early 2010s realignment.

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Who served as the inaugural commissioner of the Mountain West Conference?

Answer: Craig Thompson

Explanation: Craig Thompson was appointed as the inaugural commissioner of the Mountain West Conference in 1998.

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When did Gloria Nevarez assume the role of commissioner for the Mountain West Conference?

Answer: January 1, 2023

Explanation: Gloria Nevarez assumed the role of commissioner for the Mountain West Conference on January 1, 2023.

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The Mountain West Conference was formed as a result of realignment following the creation of which other conference?

Answer: The Big 12

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference was formed as a result of realignment that followed the creation of the Big 12 Conference.

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Membership Evolution and Realignment

During the early 2010s, both Utah and Brigham Young University joined the Mountain West Conference.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the early 2010s realignment period, both the University of Utah and Brigham Young University departed the Mountain West Conference, rather than joining it.

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Boise State University joined the Mountain West Conference during the early 2010s realignment period.

Answer: True

Explanation: Boise State University became a member of the Mountain West Conference during the significant realignment period of the early 2010s.

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The planned merger between the Mountain West and Conference USA in 2012 was successful.

Answer: False

Explanation: The proposed merger between the Mountain West and Conference USA in 2012 failed due to NCAA concerns regarding potential revenue losses and the forfeiture of automatic bids.

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In 2026, San Diego State University is scheduled to leave the Mountain West Conference for the Pac-12 Conference.

Answer: True

Explanation: San Diego State University is slated to depart the Mountain West Conference for the Pac-12 Conference in 2026.

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The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is set to join the Mountain West Conference in 2026.

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is scheduled to become a member of the Mountain West Conference in 2026.

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Washington State is currently an affiliate member for football within the Mountain West Conference.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the provided information, Washington State is an affiliate member for baseball and women's swimming, not football.

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Colorado State University is scheduled to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026.

Answer: True

Explanation: Colorado State University is among the universities scheduled to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026.

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Which university departed the Mountain West Conference for the Big East Conference (later Big 12) in the early 2010s?

Answer: TCU

Explanation: TCU (Texas Christian University) departed the Mountain West Conference for the Big East Conference (which later became part of the Big 12) in the early 2010s.

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Why did the proposed merger between the Mountain West and Conference USA in 2012 fail?

Answer: The NCAA warned of significant revenue losses and forfeiture of automatic bids.

Explanation: The proposed merger between the Mountain West and Conference USA in 2012 failed because the NCAA indicated that such a union would lead to significant revenue losses and the forfeiture of automatic bids for member institutions.

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Which of the following universities is NOT scheduled to leave the Mountain West Conference for the Pac-12 Conference in 2026?

Answer: University of Nevada, Reno

Explanation: Boise State, Colorado State, and San Diego State are scheduled to leave the Mountain West for the Pac-12 in 2026. The University of Nevada, Reno, is not listed among these departing members.

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Which of the following is an affiliate member of the Mountain West Conference for football?

Answer: Northern Illinois

Explanation: Northern Illinois University is listed as an affiliate member for football within the Mountain West Conference.

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Which MW schools are scheduled to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026?

Answer: Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, San Diego State

Explanation: Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and San Diego State are the Mountain West Conference schools scheduled to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026.

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Which university is scheduled to join the Mountain West Conference in 2026 along with UTEP?

Answer: University of California, Davis

Explanation: The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is scheduled to join the Mountain West Conference in 2026, alongside the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

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Which of the following universities is scheduled to join the Mountain West Conference in 2026?

Answer: University of California, Davis

Explanation: The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is scheduled to join the Mountain West Conference in 2026.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a university scheduled to join the Mountain West Conference in 2026?

Answer: Colorado State

Explanation: UC Davis and UTEP are scheduled to join the Mountain West Conference in 2026. Colorado State is scheduled to leave the conference for the Pac-12 in 2026.

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Championships and Athletic Success

The Mountain West Conference (MW) primarily operates within the NCAA Division II classification.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference (MW) is a collegiate athletic conference that participates in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), not Division II.

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The Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game was first played in 2013.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inaugural Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game took place in 2013.

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San Jose State University holds the record for the most NCAA team championships won by a Mountain West Conference school.

Answer: True

Explanation: San Jose State University holds the record for the most NCAA team championships won by a Mountain West Conference school, with a total of 10 titles.

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The Mountain West Conference sponsors championship competition in more women's sports than men's sports.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference sponsors championship competition in 11 women's NCAA-sanctioned sports, which is more than the 8 men's NCAA-sanctioned sports it sponsors.

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UNLV has made more NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament appearances than Utah State University.

Answer: False

Explanation: Utah State University has made more NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament appearances (23) than UNLV (20).

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Both UNLV and Wyoming have won NCAA Men's Basketball Championships.

Answer: True

Explanation: Both UNLV (1990) and Wyoming (1943) have secured NCAA Men's Basketball Championships.

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The Mountain West Conference has won the Bowl Challenge Cup more times than any other conference.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference has won the Bowl Challenge Cup five times, more than any other conference.

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As of the 2023 season, the Mountain West Conference football championship game pits the winners of the West and Mountain divisions.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of the 2023 season, the Mountain West Conference football championship game no longer uses divisional play; it features the two teams with the highest conference winning percentages.

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A Mountain West Conference champion is eligible for a College Football Playoff (CFP) bowl game only if they are ranked nationally in the top 4.

Answer: False

Explanation: A Mountain West Conference champion is eligible for an at-large CFP bowl game berth if they are the highest-ranked champion among 'Group of Five' conferences, not necessarily if they are ranked in the top 4 nationally.

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Boise State was the first MW team to receive a CFP bowl berth under the 'Group of Five' provisions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Boise State University was the first Mountain West Conference team to receive a College Football Playoff (CFP) bowl berth under the 'Group of Five' provisions, participating in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.

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The Mountain West Conference participates in an annual basketball challenge series with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference participates in an annual men's basketball challenge series with the Missouri Valley Conference, not the Atlantic Coast Conference.

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Starting in 2023, the Mountain West Conference football schedule uses a 1-7 scheduling format with designated permanent rivals.

Answer: False

Explanation: Starting in 2023, the Mountain West Conference football schedule shifted to a 2-6 format with designated permanent rivals, moving away from divisional play.

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San Diego State has made more NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament appearances than UNLV.

Answer: False

Explanation: UNLV has made more NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament appearances (10) than San Diego State (9).

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Boise State University won a national championship in NCAA Division I-AA football in 1980.

Answer: True

Explanation: Boise State University secured a national championship in NCAA Division I-AA football in 1980.

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The Mountain West Conference sponsors 11 men's NCAA-sanctioned sports.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference sponsors 8 men's NCAA-sanctioned sports and 11 women's NCAA-sanctioned sports.

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The Mountain West Conference's football championship game format was changed in 2023 to include divisional play.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference's football championship game format was changed in 2023 to eliminate divisional play, adopting a format based on the two teams with the highest conference winning percentages.

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The Mountain West Conference has won the Bowl Challenge Cup more often than any other conference.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference has won the Bowl Challenge Cup five times, surpassing all other conferences in this regard.

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When was the first Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game held?

Answer: 2013

Explanation: The first Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game was held in 2013.

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Collectively, how many NCAA team championships have Mountain West Conference schools won?

Answer: 22

Explanation: Collectively, Mountain West Conference schools have achieved 22 NCAA team championships, comprising 13 men's, 6 women's, and 3 co-ed championships.

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Which Mountain West Conference school has won the most NCAA team championships?

Answer: San Jose State University

Explanation: San Jose State University leads all Mountain West Conference schools in NCAA team championships, with a total of 10 titles.

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How many women's NCAA-sanctioned sports does the Mountain West Conference sponsor?

Answer: 11

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference sponsors championship competition in 11 women's NCAA-sanctioned sports.

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Which Mountain West Conference team has the most NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament appearances?

Answer: Utah State University

Explanation: Utah State University has the most NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament appearances among Mountain West Conference teams, with 23 appearances.

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Which of the following teams has won an NCAA Men's Basketball Championship?

Answer: Wyoming

Explanation: Wyoming has won an NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, securing the title in 1943.

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The Mountain West Conference has won the Bowl Challenge Cup:

Answer: Five times, more than any other conference.

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference has won the Bowl Challenge Cup five times, which is more frequent than any other conference.

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How did the Mountain West Conference football championship game format change starting in 2023?

Answer: It now features the two teams with the highest conference winning percentages.

Explanation: Beginning in 2023, the Mountain West Conference football championship game format shifted to feature the two teams with the highest conference winning percentages, replacing the previous divisional structure.

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Under 'Group of Five' provisions, which Mountain West Conference team was the first to receive a College Football Playoff (CFP) bowl berth?

Answer: Boise State University

Explanation: Boise State University was the first Mountain West Conference team to receive a College Football Playoff (CFP) bowl berth under the 'Group of Five' provisions.

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The Mountain West Conference holds an annual men's basketball challenge series with which conference?

Answer: Missouri Valley Conference

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference holds an annual men's basketball challenge series with the Missouri Valley Conference.

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Which Mountain West Conference team has the most NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament appearances according to the source?

Answer: UNLV

Explanation: According to the source, UNLV has the most NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament appearances among Mountain West Conference teams, with 10 appearances.

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The Mountain West Conference's football schedule format, starting in 2023, includes:

Answer: A 2-6 scheduling format with permanent rivals.

Explanation: Starting in 2023, the Mountain West Conference's football schedule format includes a 2-6 structure with designated permanent rivals, replacing divisional play.

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Which of the following statements about the Mountain West Conference's NCAA team championships is accurate?

Answer: The conference has won 13 men's, 6 women's, and 3 co-ed championships.

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference member schools have collectively won 13 men's, 6 women's, and 3 co-ed NCAA team championships.

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What was the Mountain West Conference's football championship game format *before* the 2023 season changes?

Answer: It likely involved divisional play, though not explicitly stated.

Explanation: Prior to the 2023 season changes, the Mountain West Conference's football championship game format typically involved divisional play, although the exact structure could vary.

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Which Mountain West Conference team won the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship in 1990?

Answer: UNLV

Explanation: UNLV secured the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship in 1990.

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Conference Identity and Operations

The Mountain West Conference's slogan, 'Above the rest,' relates to the high average elevation of its member institutions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mountain West Conference's slogan, 'Above the rest,' is indeed a reference to the high average elevation of its member institutions, a unique characteristic among NCAA Division I conferences.

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The University of Wyoming has the highest campus elevation among all Mountain West Conference members.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United States Air Force Academy holds the distinction of having the highest campus elevation among Mountain West Conference members.

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San Diego State University reported the highest athletic department revenue among MW schools for the 2023-24 academic year.

Answer: True

Explanation: San Diego State University reported the highest athletic department revenue among Mountain West Conference schools for the 2023-24 academic year, totaling $83,949,123.

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Allegiant Stadium, home to UNLV football, has a capacity of approximately 40,000 spectators.

Answer: False

Explanation: Allegiant Stadium, the home venue for UNLV football, has a seating capacity of 65,000 spectators.

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CBS Sports and ESPN are the primary broadcasters for the Mountain West Conference.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary broadcasters for the Mountain West Conference are CBS Sports and Fox Sports, not ESPN.

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The Save Mart Center at Fresno State has a basketball capacity of over 18,000.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Save Mart Center at Fresno State has a basketball capacity of 15,544, not over 18,000.

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The University of Wyoming's stadium is located at the highest elevation among all Mountain West Conference stadiums.

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of Wyoming's stadium is situated at the highest elevation among all Mountain West Conference stadiums, matching its campus elevation of 7,220 feet.

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The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa has the lowest campus elevation among Mountain West Conference members.

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa possesses the lowest campus elevation among Mountain West Conference members, situated at 105 feet.

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What is the significance of the Mountain West Conference's slogan 'Above the rest'?

Answer: It highlights the high average elevation of its member institutions.

Explanation: The slogan 'Above the rest' is significant as it refers to the Mountain West Conference's unique characteristic of having the highest average elevation among NCAA Division I conferences, a characteristic tied to its member institutions' geographical locations.

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Which Mountain West Conference member institution has the highest campus elevation?

Answer: United States Air Force Academy

Explanation: The United States Air Force Academy possesses the highest campus elevation among all Mountain West Conference member institutions.

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Which Mountain West Conference school reported the highest athletic department revenue for the 2023-24 academic year?

Answer: San Diego State University

Explanation: San Diego State University reported the highest athletic department revenue for the 2023-24 academic year, with a total of $83,949,123.

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What is the seating capacity of Falcon Stadium, home to Air Force football?

Answer: 39,441

Explanation: Falcon Stadium, the home venue for Air Force football, has a seating capacity of 39,441.

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Which of the following are the primary broadcasters for the Mountain West Conference?

Answer: CBS Sports and Fox Sports

Explanation: The primary broadcasters for the Mountain West Conference are CBS Sports and Fox Sports.

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What is the capacity of the Thomas & Mack Center for men's basketball?

Answer: 17,923

Explanation: The Thomas & Mack Center, the primary men's basketball venue for UNLV, has a capacity of 17,923.

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The Mountain West Conference's slogan 'Above the rest' is unique because:

Answer: It relates to the high average elevation of its member institutions.

Explanation: The uniqueness of the Mountain West Conference's slogan 'Above the rest' lies in its direct relation to the high average elevation of its member institutions, a geographical characteristic that sets it apart.

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What is the capacity of Allegiant Stadium, the home venue for UNLV football?

Answer: 65,000

Explanation: Allegiant Stadium, which serves as the home venue for UNLV football, has a seating capacity of 65,000.

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Rivalries, Trophies, and Traditions

The Fremont Cannon is the trophy awarded in the rivalry between Colorado State and Wyoming.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Fremont Cannon is the trophy awarded in the rivalry between the University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The trophy for the Colorado State-Wyoming rivalry is the Bronze Boot.

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The Ram-Falcon Trophy is contested between Air Force and Colorado State.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ram-Falcon Trophy is indeed the prize contested in the football rivalry between the Air Force Academy and Colorado State University.

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The 'Battle for the Oil Can' trophy is awarded between UNLV and Nevada.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Battle for the Oil Can' trophy is awarded in the rivalry between Fresno State and San Diego State. The rivalry between UNLV and Nevada is associated with the Fremont Cannon.

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The 'Battle for Nevada' rivalry involves teams from different states, specifically Nevada and California.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Battle for Nevada' rivalry is contested between two universities within the state of Nevada: the University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

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New Mexico State University is involved in the 'Battle of I-10' football rivalry.

Answer: True

Explanation: New Mexico State University is indeed a participant in the 'Battle of I-10' football rivalry.

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The Paniolo Trophy is contested between the University of Hawai'i and the University of Wyoming.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Paniolo Trophy is the prize contested in the football rivalry between the University of Hawai'i and the University of Wyoming.

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The Dick Tomey Legacy Game is a rivalry between San Jose State and Fresno State.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dick Tomey Legacy Game is the football rivalry between San Jose State and Hawai'i, not Fresno State.

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The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy is awarded for the football series between Air Force, Army, and Navy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy is indeed awarded annually to the winner of the football series contested between the United States Air Force Academy, Army, and Navy.

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The Rocky Mountain Showdown is the football rivalry between Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Rocky Mountain Showdown is the recognized football rivalry between Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder.

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The 'Battle of Idaho' football rivalry is contested between Boise State University and the University of Idaho.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Battle of Idaho' football rivalry is contested between Boise State University and the University of Idaho.

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What is the name of the trophy for the rivalry between Colorado State and Wyoming?

Answer: Bronze Boot

Explanation: The trophy awarded in the football rivalry between Colorado State and Wyoming is known as the Bronze Boot.

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What trophy is associated with the football rivalry between Fresno State and San Diego State?

Answer: Old Oil Can

Explanation: The 'Old Oil Can' is the trophy associated with the football rivalry between Fresno State and San Diego State.

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The 'Battle for Nevada' football rivalry is contested between which two universities?

Answer: University of Nevada, Reno and University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Explanation: The 'Battle for Nevada' football rivalry is contested between the University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

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What is the 'Battle of I-10' rivalry primarily between?

Answer: University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University

Explanation: The 'Battle of I-10' rivalry is primarily contested between the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and New Mexico State University.

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What is the significance of the 'Paniolo Trophy'?

Answer: It is the prize for the football rivalry between Hawai'i and Wyoming.

Explanation: The 'Paniolo Trophy' signifies the football rivalry between the University of Hawai'i and the University of Wyoming.

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The 'Dick Tomey Legacy Game' is a football rivalry between which two universities?

Answer: San Jose State and Hawai'i

Explanation: The 'Dick Tomey Legacy Game' is the football rivalry contested between San Jose State University and the University of Hawai'i.

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What is the significance of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy?

Answer: It is awarded annually to the winner of the football series between Air Force, Army, and Navy.

Explanation: The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy is significant as it is awarded annually to the team that wins the football series among the United States Air Force Academy, Army, and Navy.

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What is the 'Rocky Mountain Showdown' rivalry trophy?

Answer: Centennial Cup

Explanation: The trophy associated with the 'Rocky Mountain Showdown' rivalry between Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder is the Centennial Cup.

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What is the 'Battle of Idaho' rivalry trophy?

Answer: Governor's Cup

Explanation: The trophy associated with the 'Battle of Idaho' football rivalry between Boise State University and the University of Idaho is the Governor's Cup.

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