Boise State had no fans for last year’s home opener against Utah State and around 1,000 fans for home games against BYU and Colorado State. In a stadium that seats more than 36,000 fans, it did little to create the typical game day atmosphere.

There was no pregame Bronco Walk. There were no tailgaters out. No band or cheerleaders. And most important, no fans to cheer the Broncos on as they ran out of the tunnel or needed a big third-down stop.

That changes today when the Broncos will push close to a sellout — and one of the biggest crowds for a home opener in program history — when they host UTEP (2-0) at 7:30 p.m. in a nationally televised game on FOX Sports 1. You can also hear the game LIVE on 670 KBOI.