#5 Boise State Broncos

The 2010 Boise State Broncos are primed and ready to make one of the most historic runs in College Football history. That might sound familiar because in 2006, the Broncos broke through the BCS stronghold and earned a Fiesta Bowl berth. Not only did they earn that berth, but they finished their season with a shocking Overtime win against BCS Power Oklahoma. Well, 4 years later, the Broncos have a chance to do what no non-BCS team has done before: Win the National Championship.

Boise State brings back the most starting players of any team in America: 21. The only departure from last years starting ranks was CB Kyle Wilson. Leading the Bronco offense will be Junior QB Kellen Moore. Moore, a 3rd year starter, finished 2nd (to Tim Tebow) in the nation in Pass Efficiency in 2009, largely due to his 39 to 3 TD to Int ratio. Moore is on the short list for the Heisman Trophy and everyone expects him to have a great year. The only cause for concern comes from the fact that against Boise’s 5 toughest opponents last season, Moore had his lowest passing totals. While some may brush this off as not a big deal, I tend to believe that in order for the Broncos to run the table, Moore has got to be more consistent in Big Games… something that has plagued him in his first 2 seasons.

At the skill positions, the Broncos have top-notch talent everywhere. RB Jeremy Avery was an All-Conference selection in 2009 after rushing for 1,150 yards. WRs Austin Pettis and Titus Young highlight a group that has the speed and size to outplay most units around the country. Young hauled in 79 passes, while Pettis brought in another 63. The entire offensive line is back and all are Juniors or Seniors.

Defensively, 4 All-Conference performers return. The defensive line is highlighted by Senior DE Ryan Winterswyk. DT Billy Wynn brings a sizeable force to the middle of the front 4. LBs Daron Mackey and Aaron Tevis are solid run-stoppers, but must increase their range in pass coverage against some of the better passing attacks they will face. Safety Jeron Johnson is the leader of the secondary. With the effective pass rush that should highlight the Broncos defense all season, expect Johnson to have plenty of opportunities for interceptions. The lone vacated starting position, CB, will need to be effectively replaced early, as the Broncos 2 toughest games come in September.

In previous seasons, the Broncos have managed to stay “under the radar” for various reasons. But 2010 will place Boise in uncharted water. Starting the season in the Top 5 puts an entirely new target on their backs. And that target will be quickly shot at in Week 1 as the Broncos travel across the country to play the Virginia Tech Hokies. There is no bigger “make or break” game for any team in America. Win that game and the Broncos have a legitimate shot at earning a spot in the BCS Championship game. Lose that game, and not only will they miss out on the National Championship game, but they would likely be erased from the entire BCS picture. The only other major hurdle for the Broncos would be a Week 4 clash with Oregon State.

While I think the Broncos are going to be one of the most talented teams in the country, I cant see them beating ACC Power Virginia Tech. This will be the first team to ever have a devastatingly disappointing 11-1 season.

Key Returning Players:
QB Kellen Moore
RB Jeremy Avery
WR Austin Pettis
WR Titus Young
OT Nate Potter
DE Ryan Winterswyk
S Jeron Johnson


Key Games:
Sept 6 - Virginia Tech (in Washington D.C.)
Sept 25 - Oregon State
Oct 26 - Louisiana Tech
Nov 19 - Fresno State
Nov 26 - @ Nevada