Meh.
The Broncos’ chances of making the BCS appear slim. I find that an odd statement. Three of the last five years the Boise State Broncos have gone undefeated. We are one of only four teams in the nation with a perfect record (Alabama, Utah and Ball St being the other three). We are first in the nation on our home turf.
Another fact to consider: of the 14 BCS eligible teams, Boise State ranks first in beating bowl eligible teams. Let me re-word that for you: we are first among the BCS eligible programs at beating teams with a winning record. Yes, we play in the WAC, but we also don’t have Washington and Washington St. on our schedules.
We are 12th in the nation in total yards per game, 14th in the nation in passing yards, 12th in total points scored. We are tied for 4th place in total points allowed per game, 15th in rush defense and 37th in pass defense.
And still, the Broncos are going to be the school that is left out? This is why the BCS is flawed. This is why we need a true college football playoff system.
So… where do we go from here?
I think most fans are OK with us missing this year. After all we do have Freshman Kellen Moore who should be able to guide us back and a young offensive line to grow in experience with him, not to mention depth in classes at all the right places. A little more experience for a BCS bowl won’t hurt any, plus having two 12-0 football teams be sitting on the outside looking in (BSU and Ball St) might finally get people behind the push for a true national college football playoff system.
The Humanitarian Bowl (our local post-season bowl) is trying to set up a match between the two “left out” undefeated teams. I myself think this is our best bowl choice short of a BCS bid. Play the final game of the season in the hometown bowl against a fellow 12-0 opponent.
Our other possible bowl game lies in the Poinsettia bowl vs TCU. This would also be a compelling match up as BSU has received an invite to play in the MWC next year. Playing TCU would be a good run-up to next year if we accept the conference invite. What better way to welcome yourself to a new league? Just come home with a win.
I’m sure there are other bowl possibilities, these are just the ones that are getting the most attention. If the Broncos should have to miss the BCS, the best case scenario does seem to be setting us up for the future either by playing a championship game outside of the BCS (ala Ball St.), or by playing a potential foe in a new conference.
So I guess if it all comes to pass, as outrageous as it would be for us to be sitting on the sidelines this year, better things may come of it. Imagine- the Broncos delivering the first shock to college football by winning the Fiesta bowl and then two years later giving the needed ammunition to finally unravel the whole flawed BCS system.
In other words, it’s a great time to be a Bronco.
