Last year, it was Marcus Lattimore. In 2009, it was Lamichael James. In 2008, it was Jaquizz Rodgers.
Every year, there is a name... a Freshman name... a RB... that is unknown in August, but by the end of the season, he is on the "short list" for the Heisman Trophy. Lattimore, James, and Rodgers were all young pups who had never carried the ball in a college game and all 3 ended up rushing for over 1,200 yards in their Freshman campaigns. Those campaigns were all accompanied by winning seasons for their programs.
Typically, the Running Back position is dominated by upper classmen, who have had time to learn the offense, gain weight, and adjust to the speed of the game at the college level, but these 3 young men broke the mold.
The next name that will likely be on this list is Isaiah Crowell. The freshman RB for the University of Georgia has been thrust into a situation where he is "the man". Incumbent Bulldog RBs Washaun Ealey & Caleb King are now former Bulldogs as both were suspended/expelled from the program this offseason. Crowell, the 5-11 215lbs #1 rated RB recruit, had 1,915 yards as a High School Junior and 1,725 yards as a Senior and is expected to start right away for Georgia.
A major difference between the situations, however, is that while Lattimore, James, and Rodgers had fairly easy first games as starters*... Crowell will have to face a Top 10 Boise State team in his first game, which will be no easy task. That game will be followed by a "Welcome to the SEC" contest against SEC East favorite South Carolina.
As we've seen in recent history, a superstar Freshman RB can really ignite a team to the next level. Keep Isaiah Crowell's name in mind as this season kicks off.
*Note: James' 1st game was against Boise St. also, but Lagarette Blount was the starter. Blount was suspended following that game for punching a Boise St player and James' 1st game as a starter was against Purdue the following week.
Showing posts with label Boise State Broncos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boise State Broncos. Show all posts
Friday, August 19, 2011
Monday, November 8, 2010
Updated BCS Projections
The biggest Saturday in the ACC is on the horizon. And there are many matchups around the country that will give us more clarity on the fluid BCS projections.
Here is CFB Kings best prediction as to what teams will land where in the BCS Bowl Games:
BCS Championship Game: Auburn vs. Oregon
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Pittsburgh
Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oklahoma
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. TCU
Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Boise State
Here is CFB Kings best prediction as to what teams will land where in the BCS Bowl Games:
BCS Championship Game: Auburn vs. Oregon
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Pittsburgh
Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oklahoma
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. TCU
Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Boise State
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Eyes of Boise and America should be on Blacksburg Tonight
Ever since the night of September 6th, the eyes of the College football world have not ventured in the direction of the state of Virginia. The Virginia Cavaliers have struggled through Head Coach Mike London’s first year. And people seem to have forgotten about a certain team that dons maroon and burnt orange on Saturdays. But tonight, as that team steps back into the spotlight, the nation should understand that the Hokies aren’t only playing for themselves. They are playing for the life of BCS busters everywhere.
After the Hokies lost a thrilling Week 1 showdown to the Boise State Broncos, many expected the win to boost Boise into the Top 2 of the BCS for the entirety of the year. Such a strong win in a virtual road game (at Fed Ex Field) would definitely sway the votes in the Broncos favor, right? Conventional wisdom said yes. What conventional wisdom didn’t expect was for those Hokies to go on to lose their next game to the FCS (formerly D-1AA) James Madison Dukes. It was a devastating blow to Boise’s chances to play for the national title as it appeared that this Hokie team was vastly overrated. Nobody has thought about the team since that devastating Week 2 blunder.
Then came Week 3… and Week 4… and weeks 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. And quietly the Hokies have won 6 straight games, including a road win against #23 ranked North Carolina State. And suddenly in the last BCS standings, Virginia Tech showed up at #22. They now enter their toughest stretch of the season starting tonight against Georgia Tech, followed by trips to North Carolina and Miami, before finishing at home against the rival Cavaliers. If the Hokies win 3 of 4 of those games, they will win the ACC Coastal division and play for the ACC Title in December. And even more interesting, certain projections show that if the Hokies win all 4 November games and the ACC Championship, they could move into the Top 7 of the BCS Standings. Would you believe me if I said another school would be even happier with Virginia Tech’s success than the Hokies themselves?
Nobody stands to benefit more from the success of Hokie Nation than the Boise State Broncos. With Oregon and Auburn atop the standings and fellow BCS busters TCU ranked #3 and Utah ranked #5 rounding out the top 5, Boise State is in a prime position to capitalize on this years love of the Non-AQ schools. Utah and TCU face off this week in an “elimination match” that will only leave 4 unbeaten’s in the country. If Auburn and Oregon win-out, then they will undoubtedly play each other in the BCS Championship game. But if either slips up, it possibly opens the door for a Non-BCS school to finally play for a BCS championship. With Boise sitting at #4 in the polls and playing only 1 more ranked opponent on their schedule (#23 Nevada on Thanksgiving weekend), their only hope of catapulting the TCU/Utah winner in the polls would be for Virginia Tech to win out and finish ranked in the Top 10.
As if that weren’t enough to make this game important… let’s not forget about the defending ACC Champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. With a remaining conference schedule that consists of tonight’s opponent, Virginia Tech, along with Duke and Miami, if the Yellow Jackets win out, they will claim the ACC Coastal division title and play for a 2nd consecutive conference championship. All the while, the Miami Hurricanes are sitting at home realizing that if they win-out, they have a chance to win the Coastal division and play for the conference title for the first time in their ACC existence. “The U” still plays both of these teams later in the season. Think they might be interested in this game?
And in case you haven’t put this puzzle together yet… consider that if Alabama wins out (which would include wins over #2 Auburn, #10 LSU, and #20 Mississippi State), they might leap-frog an undefeated Boise State, especially if Virginia Tech isn’t highly rated come December.
Interested yet?
Sure, at (6-2) and (5-3), respectively, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech aren’t exactly competing for a National Championship tonight. But when the 2 teams face off in Blacksburg, VA this evening, the implications of this game will stretch as far south as Miami, FL and as far west as Boise, ID (not to mention Tuscaloosa, AL, Eugene, OR, Fort Worth, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT).
After the Hokies lost a thrilling Week 1 showdown to the Boise State Broncos, many expected the win to boost Boise into the Top 2 of the BCS for the entirety of the year. Such a strong win in a virtual road game (at Fed Ex Field) would definitely sway the votes in the Broncos favor, right? Conventional wisdom said yes. What conventional wisdom didn’t expect was for those Hokies to go on to lose their next game to the FCS (formerly D-1AA) James Madison Dukes. It was a devastating blow to Boise’s chances to play for the national title as it appeared that this Hokie team was vastly overrated. Nobody has thought about the team since that devastating Week 2 blunder.
Then came Week 3… and Week 4… and weeks 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. And quietly the Hokies have won 6 straight games, including a road win against #23 ranked North Carolina State. And suddenly in the last BCS standings, Virginia Tech showed up at #22. They now enter their toughest stretch of the season starting tonight against Georgia Tech, followed by trips to North Carolina and Miami, before finishing at home against the rival Cavaliers. If the Hokies win 3 of 4 of those games, they will win the ACC Coastal division and play for the ACC Title in December. And even more interesting, certain projections show that if the Hokies win all 4 November games and the ACC Championship, they could move into the Top 7 of the BCS Standings. Would you believe me if I said another school would be even happier with Virginia Tech’s success than the Hokies themselves?
Nobody stands to benefit more from the success of Hokie Nation than the Boise State Broncos. With Oregon and Auburn atop the standings and fellow BCS busters TCU ranked #3 and Utah ranked #5 rounding out the top 5, Boise State is in a prime position to capitalize on this years love of the Non-AQ schools. Utah and TCU face off this week in an “elimination match” that will only leave 4 unbeaten’s in the country. If Auburn and Oregon win-out, then they will undoubtedly play each other in the BCS Championship game. But if either slips up, it possibly opens the door for a Non-BCS school to finally play for a BCS championship. With Boise sitting at #4 in the polls and playing only 1 more ranked opponent on their schedule (#23 Nevada on Thanksgiving weekend), their only hope of catapulting the TCU/Utah winner in the polls would be for Virginia Tech to win out and finish ranked in the Top 10.
As if that weren’t enough to make this game important… let’s not forget about the defending ACC Champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. With a remaining conference schedule that consists of tonight’s opponent, Virginia Tech, along with Duke and Miami, if the Yellow Jackets win out, they will claim the ACC Coastal division title and play for a 2nd consecutive conference championship. All the while, the Miami Hurricanes are sitting at home realizing that if they win-out, they have a chance to win the Coastal division and play for the conference title for the first time in their ACC existence. “The U” still plays both of these teams later in the season. Think they might be interested in this game?
And in case you haven’t put this puzzle together yet… consider that if Alabama wins out (which would include wins over #2 Auburn, #10 LSU, and #20 Mississippi State), they might leap-frog an undefeated Boise State, especially if Virginia Tech isn’t highly rated come December.
Interested yet?
Sure, at (6-2) and (5-3), respectively, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech aren’t exactly competing for a National Championship tonight. But when the 2 teams face off in Blacksburg, VA this evening, the implications of this game will stretch as far south as Miami, FL and as far west as Boise, ID (not to mention Tuscaloosa, AL, Eugene, OR, Fort Worth, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT).
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
We're Asking the Wrong Question
Ever since 2004, I have been amongst the BCS-Elitists whose slogans represent something to the effect of “Just Say No to the Non-AQ!!!” Sure, I have respected the success of Utah, Boise State, BYU, Hawaii and TCU over the past 6 years, but I was strongly against their inclusion in the BCS Bowls and in particular the National Championship discussion. So many people that argue with me on the subject continue to ask me some variation of the following question: “What… you don’t think that Boise or TCU could beat Mississippi State, Clemson, South Carolina, LSU, Arkansas, Georgia, or Alabama?”
And there within lies my problem with the entire discussion. We’ll come back to this.
Even in this season, the 3 Non-BCS powerhouses have proven their capability. TCU beat a Baylor team that now sits atop the Big 12 South. Boise beat a Virginia Tech team who is currently undefeated in the ACC. And Utah beat a Pittsburgh team which has started 3-0 in Big East league play. Right now you’re probably thinking… “exactly, so they should have the chance to play for the title.” Keep dreaming (and reading).
There is NO DOUBT in my mind this year that Boise State, Utah, and TCU could beat any team in the country on a neutral field. Heck, I even think that they could go into some of the most hostile road environments, including SEC venues, and come away with victories. But let’s change that “or” to “and” and re-ask the aforementioned question.
“Do you think that Boise or TCU could beat Mississippi State, Clemson, South Carolina, LSU, Arkansas, Georgia, and Alabama?”
The answer to that question… is an emphatic NO.
But, that is what Auburn has been asked to do this year… and so far (with a 9-0 record) they have done it.
Ohio State has been asked to beat Miami, Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, Michigan, Illinois, and Purdue.
Oklahoma has been asked to beat Florida State, Cincinnati, Air Force, Texas, Missouri, Iowa State, Baylor, and Oklahoma State.
Even though Oklahoma and Ohio State both slipped up once, the fact that they are attempting to navigate such a difficult schedule is the point. Week-in and week-out, the BCS conference members have to play a schedule that requires their best effort. The Non-BCS schools do not have nearly the challenge that the BCS schools do. BCS teams are asked to beat more than 1 or 2 tough opponents every year, unlike the non-BCS teams.
Ponder this. In the heart of the season (October):
Boise State played New Mexico State, Toledo, San Jose State, and Louisiana Tech.
TCU played Colorado State, Wyoming, BYU, Air Force, and UNLV.
Now, during that same stretch:
Alabama played Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ole Miss.
LSU played West Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn.
Oregon played Stanford, UCLA, Washington State, and USC.
The bottom line is that these non-BCS schedules are not on par with their BCS brethren, so why should the non-BCS teams play for the same reward? Even the title of the game itself should be enough to drive home that point. It’s not called the “College Football Championship” or the “FBS National Title”. It’s called the “BCS Championship Game”. It is a reward for the top teams that come out of the BCS conferences. It’s not a reward for teams that play schedules with a strength ranking below 90th.
I have softened my stance on allowing the Non-BCS teams to participate in some of the BCS games. It is entertaining to see how a Boise or TCU matches up with some of the BCS powers every now and again. But the BCS Championship should remain reserved for schools that reside in BCS conferences. That is a question that is easy to answer.
And there within lies my problem with the entire discussion. We’ll come back to this.
Even in this season, the 3 Non-BCS powerhouses have proven their capability. TCU beat a Baylor team that now sits atop the Big 12 South. Boise beat a Virginia Tech team who is currently undefeated in the ACC. And Utah beat a Pittsburgh team which has started 3-0 in Big East league play. Right now you’re probably thinking… “exactly, so they should have the chance to play for the title.” Keep dreaming (and reading).
There is NO DOUBT in my mind this year that Boise State, Utah, and TCU could beat any team in the country on a neutral field. Heck, I even think that they could go into some of the most hostile road environments, including SEC venues, and come away with victories. But let’s change that “or” to “and” and re-ask the aforementioned question.
“Do you think that Boise or TCU could beat Mississippi State, Clemson, South Carolina, LSU, Arkansas, Georgia, and Alabama?”
The answer to that question… is an emphatic NO.
But, that is what Auburn has been asked to do this year… and so far (with a 9-0 record) they have done it.
Ohio State has been asked to beat Miami, Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, Michigan, Illinois, and Purdue.
Oklahoma has been asked to beat Florida State, Cincinnati, Air Force, Texas, Missouri, Iowa State, Baylor, and Oklahoma State.
Even though Oklahoma and Ohio State both slipped up once, the fact that they are attempting to navigate such a difficult schedule is the point. Week-in and week-out, the BCS conference members have to play a schedule that requires their best effort. The Non-BCS schools do not have nearly the challenge that the BCS schools do. BCS teams are asked to beat more than 1 or 2 tough opponents every year, unlike the non-BCS teams.
Ponder this. In the heart of the season (October):
Boise State played New Mexico State, Toledo, San Jose State, and Louisiana Tech.
TCU played Colorado State, Wyoming, BYU, Air Force, and UNLV.
Now, during that same stretch:
Alabama played Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ole Miss.
LSU played West Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn.
Oregon played Stanford, UCLA, Washington State, and USC.
The bottom line is that these non-BCS schedules are not on par with their BCS brethren, so why should the non-BCS teams play for the same reward? Even the title of the game itself should be enough to drive home that point. It’s not called the “College Football Championship” or the “FBS National Title”. It’s called the “BCS Championship Game”. It is a reward for the top teams that come out of the BCS conferences. It’s not a reward for teams that play schedules with a strength ranking below 90th.
I have softened my stance on allowing the Non-BCS teams to participate in some of the BCS games. It is entertaining to see how a Boise or TCU matches up with some of the BCS powers every now and again. But the BCS Championship should remain reserved for schools that reside in BCS conferences. That is a question that is easy to answer.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Updated BCS Bowl Projections
Here is CFB Kings best projection as to what teams will land where in the BCS Bowl Games:
BCS Championship Game: Auburn vs. Boise State
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl: Utah vs. Oklahoma
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Michigan State
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Ohio State
BCS Championship Game: Auburn vs. Boise State
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl: Utah vs. Oklahoma
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Michigan State
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Ohio State
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Don't Forget About Us
Who fits this profile? A non-BCS school that is undefeated, beat a pre-season BCS-conference favorite, has an average margin of victory of 30.1 pts per game, has a QB who’s pass efficiency rating is 158.7, has 2 RBs with over 300 yards, 2 WRs with 4 TDs each, and ranked in the Top 10 in the first BCS Standings of the season. If you answered Boise State or TCU, you’re dead wrong.
The only team that fits that profile is the Utah Utes. So why is it that only Boise and TCU are getting the talk about BCS crashers? Utah beat #15 ranked (at the time) Pittsburgh to start the season, and has since had blowout wins over Iowa State, UNLV, and Wyoming among others. Sure, Pittsburgh has sputtered a bit, but so has Virginia Tech (who Boise beat in week 1) and so has Oregon State (who TCU beat in Week 1). Virginia Tech lost to FCS James Madison and Oregon State now has 3 losses on the season. Since their week 1 overtime win, no team has been within 24 points of the Utes after the final buzzer. They are so deep in the roster, that when their starting QB was injured for 2 games, the backup (Terrance Cain) came in and threw for 496 yards, 5 TDs, and 0 ints.
Prior to the start of the season, Boise State had gotten all of the love. The Broncos have seemed to become the “People’s Champ” as almost everyone wants to see them get an opportunity to play for a championship… but I contend that the wrong team is being promoted.
A quick history lesson is in order. Most people continue to look at Boise’s miracle win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl as the “arrival” of the Non-Automatic Qualifying schools. But, much like Utah is being forgotten about by voters, experts, and fans this season, America seems to forget that it was actually the Utes who were the original BCS Busters. In 2004, the Urban Meyer led Utes finished 13-0 and won the Fiesta Bowl over Big East Champion Pittsburgh. And then 4 years later, that same Utah team finished unbeaten again and beat a 12-1 Alabama Crimson Tide team by 14 in the Sugar Bowl.
Of course by this point in the article, some of you are thinking “but Boise has the best chance to make it”. To borrow a line from my favorite sports analyst (Lee Corso), not so fast my friend. For the remainder of the season, Boise doesn’t play a single ranked team. The one team that was supposed to give them trouble and possibly be ranked (Nevada) lost last weekend to Hawaii. On the other hand, Utah still plays #5 ranked TCU (at home, nonetheless) and they also face Air Force (who was ranked #23 last week) and Notre Dame, who should be 6-3 at the time of the contest. If Utah finds a way to win all 3 of those games and then finish with wins over solid San Diego State and BYU teams, the Utes will have a great chance at passing Boise in the standings.
Boise State and TCU are great programs, and they deserve our respect, but if any team deserves to be the first Non-automatic qualifier to play for the BCS Championship, it should be the team that started it all back in 2004 (Utah), not the teams that have ridden the coattails of Utah’s success (Boise and TCU).
So, while everyone out there continues to tout the successes of TCU and Boise State, I implore you… don’t forget about the Utes.
The only team that fits that profile is the Utah Utes. So why is it that only Boise and TCU are getting the talk about BCS crashers? Utah beat #15 ranked (at the time) Pittsburgh to start the season, and has since had blowout wins over Iowa State, UNLV, and Wyoming among others. Sure, Pittsburgh has sputtered a bit, but so has Virginia Tech (who Boise beat in week 1) and so has Oregon State (who TCU beat in Week 1). Virginia Tech lost to FCS James Madison and Oregon State now has 3 losses on the season. Since their week 1 overtime win, no team has been within 24 points of the Utes after the final buzzer. They are so deep in the roster, that when their starting QB was injured for 2 games, the backup (Terrance Cain) came in and threw for 496 yards, 5 TDs, and 0 ints.
Prior to the start of the season, Boise State had gotten all of the love. The Broncos have seemed to become the “People’s Champ” as almost everyone wants to see them get an opportunity to play for a championship… but I contend that the wrong team is being promoted.
A quick history lesson is in order. Most people continue to look at Boise’s miracle win over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl as the “arrival” of the Non-Automatic Qualifying schools. But, much like Utah is being forgotten about by voters, experts, and fans this season, America seems to forget that it was actually the Utes who were the original BCS Busters. In 2004, the Urban Meyer led Utes finished 13-0 and won the Fiesta Bowl over Big East Champion Pittsburgh. And then 4 years later, that same Utah team finished unbeaten again and beat a 12-1 Alabama Crimson Tide team by 14 in the Sugar Bowl.
Of course by this point in the article, some of you are thinking “but Boise has the best chance to make it”. To borrow a line from my favorite sports analyst (Lee Corso), not so fast my friend. For the remainder of the season, Boise doesn’t play a single ranked team. The one team that was supposed to give them trouble and possibly be ranked (Nevada) lost last weekend to Hawaii. On the other hand, Utah still plays #5 ranked TCU (at home, nonetheless) and they also face Air Force (who was ranked #23 last week) and Notre Dame, who should be 6-3 at the time of the contest. If Utah finds a way to win all 3 of those games and then finish with wins over solid San Diego State and BYU teams, the Utes will have a great chance at passing Boise in the standings.
Boise State and TCU are great programs, and they deserve our respect, but if any team deserves to be the first Non-automatic qualifier to play for the BCS Championship, it should be the team that started it all back in 2004 (Utah), not the teams that have ridden the coattails of Utah’s success (Boise and TCU).
So, while everyone out there continues to tout the successes of TCU and Boise State, I implore you… don’t forget about the Utes.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Legendary Broncos Aren't the One's You're Thinking Of...
When a football fan is asked to list “Legendary Broncos”, the names John Elway, Terrell Davis, Gary Zimmerman, Floyd Little, Tom Jackson, Steve Atwater, Champ Bailey, Rod Smith, and Shannon Sharpe are a few of the people that come to mind. You might even be inclined to mention a couple of the legendary coaches like Mike Shanahan and Dan Reeves. But after 2010, I predict that at least 3 new names will be added to that “Legendary Broncos” list:
Kellen Moore
Austin Pettis
Chris Petersen
Yes, you read that correctly and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 3 days, then you know exactly who they are.
I have long been a believer that the Non-BCS teams just simply would not and could not consistently beat BCS programs. Coming into College Footballs much anticipated 2010 Week 1, I predicted that there was no way that all 4 of the Non-BCS powers (Utah, Boise St., TCU, and BYU) could survive a weekend in which they would be playing 4 teams that many pundits thought would vie for their respective conference championships. But in a weekend where Florida looked average, Texas looked human, and USC looked mediocre, those 4 Non-BCS teams looked like the dominant programs across college footballs vast landscape. Utah defeated the preseason Big East favorite #18 Pittsburgh in overtime. BYU outslugged Heisman hopeful Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies. TCU stopped last years Pac-10 runner up Oregon State. And saving the best for last, the Boise State Broncos put the icing on the cake by defeating Virginia Tech in front of a Fed Ex Field crowd that was easily made up of 80% Hokie fans (a virtual road game for Boise).
After seeing the Broncos in person on Monday night, I came to a realization that this is a team and a program that no longer fits the title of “Non-BCS” or “Non-AQ” and it may have been that way for longer than I realized. The talent, the size, the coaching, the discipline, the speed, and most impressively the swagger that the Broncos brought to the stadium fits the mold of a team that has earned their way into the ranks of the elite and has EVERY intention of staying there.
Junior QB Kellen Moore catapulted himself to the Top 5 of the list of Heisman front-runners with his poise and efficiency when the game was on the line. WR Austin Pettis had 2 TD receptions, including the game winner, against an ACC defense that has been one of the best in the nation for the past 10 years. He also had a blocked punt against the perennial best special teams unit in America. And carrying the Blue-Collar mentality of their Head coach Chris Petersen, the Broncos KO’d the thoughts of every critic, including myself, with their 2nd consecutive opening game win over a Top 10 BCS school.
I still hold reservation on the assumption that Boise St. could win 11 games against an SEC schedule that consisted of LSU, Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee or a Big Ten Schedule that would see them face Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan. But, the light that was shed on my pigskin loving eyes Monday night showed me a team that could and would certainly compete with every program in America on a 1-game basis. And for now, that’s good enough.
We are only through week 1, so, there is much football to be played. But the next time someone asks you to name some of the best Broncos to ever play the game, make sure your list includes a few of the gentleman that call Boise, Idaho their home.
Kellen Moore
Austin Pettis
Chris Petersen
Yes, you read that correctly and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 3 days, then you know exactly who they are.
I have long been a believer that the Non-BCS teams just simply would not and could not consistently beat BCS programs. Coming into College Footballs much anticipated 2010 Week 1, I predicted that there was no way that all 4 of the Non-BCS powers (Utah, Boise St., TCU, and BYU) could survive a weekend in which they would be playing 4 teams that many pundits thought would vie for their respective conference championships. But in a weekend where Florida looked average, Texas looked human, and USC looked mediocre, those 4 Non-BCS teams looked like the dominant programs across college footballs vast landscape. Utah defeated the preseason Big East favorite #18 Pittsburgh in overtime. BYU outslugged Heisman hopeful Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies. TCU stopped last years Pac-10 runner up Oregon State. And saving the best for last, the Boise State Broncos put the icing on the cake by defeating Virginia Tech in front of a Fed Ex Field crowd that was easily made up of 80% Hokie fans (a virtual road game for Boise).
After seeing the Broncos in person on Monday night, I came to a realization that this is a team and a program that no longer fits the title of “Non-BCS” or “Non-AQ” and it may have been that way for longer than I realized. The talent, the size, the coaching, the discipline, the speed, and most impressively the swagger that the Broncos brought to the stadium fits the mold of a team that has earned their way into the ranks of the elite and has EVERY intention of staying there.
Junior QB Kellen Moore catapulted himself to the Top 5 of the list of Heisman front-runners with his poise and efficiency when the game was on the line. WR Austin Pettis had 2 TD receptions, including the game winner, against an ACC defense that has been one of the best in the nation for the past 10 years. He also had a blocked punt against the perennial best special teams unit in America. And carrying the Blue-Collar mentality of their Head coach Chris Petersen, the Broncos KO’d the thoughts of every critic, including myself, with their 2nd consecutive opening game win over a Top 10 BCS school.
I still hold reservation on the assumption that Boise St. could win 11 games against an SEC schedule that consisted of LSU, Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee or a Big Ten Schedule that would see them face Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan. But, the light that was shed on my pigskin loving eyes Monday night showed me a team that could and would certainly compete with every program in America on a 1-game basis. And for now, that’s good enough.
We are only through week 1, so, there is much football to be played. But the next time someone asks you to name some of the best Broncos to ever play the game, make sure your list includes a few of the gentleman that call Boise, Idaho their home.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
#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
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
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