Even after their dramatic 2007 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma, the Boise State Broncos continue to be overlooked by the BCS. This year, however, the Broncos are finally getting some respect, and it’s about time media outlets understood what this team is all about.
And let me be the first to say, this is the year for the Broncos’ first ever national championship game appearance.
To the casual college football fan, it may sound like I’m hallucinating. You’re kidding, right? Boise State? How big is that school? What conference are they even in?
But let’s take a look at what the boys from potato land have to offer. The Broncos were 14-0 last season, including an impressive win over No. 14 Oregon to open the season.
They also ended the season with a grinding victory over No. 3 Texas Christian University in the Fiesta Bowl.
Last year’s 14 wins set a school record and matched the national record for most wins in a season, a feat only previously accomplished by the 2002 national champion, Ohio State.
And this year’s Boise State team is only going to improve on last year’s successes. The squad returns all 11 starters on the offensive side of the ball, and 10 starters on defense.
They are ranked No. 3 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll and No. 5 in the Coaches’ Poll.
In past years, the Broncos have been hurt in the rankings by a weak conference schedule.
But this year, they found a solution to that problem. The Broncos will open the season on the road against No. 10 Virginia Tech and play No. 24 Oregon State just two weeks later.
Many analysts view the opening game as a test to see how Boise State can match up against a top-tier program.
Will Virginia Tech’s running back duo Ryan Williams and Darren Evans be too much for the Broncos’ D to handle?
It’s the same question critics asked last year about Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount and LaMichael James. In that game, Boise’s defense only allowed 31 rushing yards on the night and just 152 yards overall.
And remember, 10 of those 11 starters are back this year. Expect a similar shut down against the Hokies this weekend.
The Broncos offense revolves around Heisman Trophy candidate, quarterback Kellen Moore. Moore threw for over 3,500 yards and 39 touchdowns with only three interceptions last season in his sophomore campaign.
His top receivers, Austin Pettis and Titus Young, are both returning. Last season, they combined for over 1,800 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns.
Moore also has the comfort of playing behind the same offensive line as last year. That line only allowed five sacks for all of the 2009 season and opened holes for Jeremy Avery and Doug Martin.
This running back tandem combined for 1,916 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground last season. And guess what… they’re both coming back.
This Bronco team is poised for a breakout season. They’ve got one of the greatest home field advantages in the nation. Boise State is 68-1 since 1999 in regular season home games on their famous blue field (“The Smurf Turf”).
So once they pass the week one test that is Virginia Tech, the Broncos are poised for the title game.
It should be smooth sailing\ until they get there.
