BOISE -- What's this? Banners of silver and gold right in the very heart of Bronco Nation at 9th and Idaho Streets in Downtown Boise?

Such brazen behavior!

"We're invading Bronco Nation," said Shelby Siflow with the University of Idaho Bookstore, which opened a temporary outlet with Idaho Vandals gear for three days in Boise prior to Saturday's BSU-Idaho rivalry game. "We've got lots of Vandals behind us, cheering us on, buying gear. It's great."

This solitary Vandal outpost was packed and there was the palpable feeling that this time -- just maybe -- the BSU Broncos would be the ones crashing into the Blue Turf.

"There were years when Idaho beat BSU and it wasn't much of a contest," said Vandals fan Janet Anderson. "But Boise State became very good, the better team. But Idaho is looking better this year."

Boise State fans getting their battle gear at the Broncoshop in Bodo conceded the University of Idaho was definitely playing good football this year.

"It should be a better game, a close game," said BSU fan Trevin Meredith. "But of course, Boise State will come out on top like they always have in recent years."

Bobbie Patterson with the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau says a clear winner is the local economy because Idaho fans who have hesitated to come to Boise for a pounding in the past will now make the trip.

"I think Vandal fans from all over the state will be encouraged to come watch the game," she said. "That's good for the community, and good for the game."