Does the Boise State football team have anything left to prove? [Season Preview]
by Kevan Lee on Aug 16, 2010 8:00 AM PDT
in Boise State football
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PrintWhen Boise State marches into Washington, D.C., on Labory Day night, the Broncos will be the No. 5 team in the country and a consensus national title contender with a card-carrying Heisman candidate and reigning Coach of the Year. Are there really any doubters left? Apparently, yes.
That's the topic that Nick and I tackled as we tried to pin down exactly how outsiders view Boise State. What can 2010 do for Boise State's national perception? Must the Broncos make good on all the preseason hype? Check out what Nick and I said after the jump and then add your own perspective and comments to the discussion.
In case you haven't heard, Boise State is going to win a national championship this year. OBNUG's season previews are here to explain why. Today's topic: Intangibles.
Roundtable: Do the Broncos still have anything to prove?
The Broncos are kings inside the Treasure Valley bubble, but how are they viewed by judgy outsiders? Nick has perspective from living in the heart of SEC country. I once read Where the Red Fern Grows, and I'm pretty sure it was based in the south. Together, we try to come to a consensus on how Boise State's 2010 season could impact the team's national perception for years to come. Put on your adult thinking cap. This one's going to get deep.
Kevan starts things off:
I am a sucker for living in the past, which would explain why so many of my Friday nights are spent watching King of Queens and flipping through Buzz Beamer comics in the backs of old Sports Illustrated for Kids magazines. The past was awesome; I have the Pogs to prove it.
One thing that I loved so much about the past was that the Boise State football team was somewhat of a hidden secret. Not so much any more. Everyone knows about the Broncos, and worse, everybody has a take on the Broncos.
In a lot of ways, this is a great thing. Boise State football is all over the news, and I no longer have to have a My Yahoo to make it that way. But at the same time, there are more Boise State haters out there than ever before.
Does Boise State have anything to prove this season? For anyone who was at the Georgia game in 2005, the answer is an obvious yes. At times, I sense a growing uneasiness about Boise State belonging with the big, bad BCS teams of college football, not necessarily from the national media (most of whom are picking up what Boise State's putting down) but from college football fans. They hate our field. They hate our schedule. They hate our going to more BCS bowls than their team.
Am I wrong in seeing it this way?
Nick's response:
No, I don't think that's wrong because that is the general sentiment of Boise State on the Internet. Any column that is written about Boise State will have a comment section filled with people "debating" Boise State's merits. They have become such a broken record that most comments fall into these categories:
- They play on a blue field, no on can see them
- a) They would lose 3 or 4 games if they played an SEC, Big 10, Big XII or PAC 10 schedule, or b) Don't you remember what Georgia did to them in 2005? or c) They play a 1 or 2 game schedule, anyone could run the table if they just had to get up for a few games
- I'm a Boise State fan, and I'm here to defend them.
On the other hand, the people I encounter who see me wearing a Boise State shirt are far more cordial. Mostly people tell me that they really enjoyed the Fiesta Bowl or that Boise State doesn't get the respect they deserve. This could be because I'm 6'5", but I would like to think that the smarter fans aren't the ones commenting on columns.
Nick's untold NBA career.
But let's take a second to imagine what an outsider's perspective would be on Boise State. They have only been Division I since 1996. Their stadium's capacity is only 33,000. They play in the WAC. And they play on a blue field!? How could they possibly be able to compete with my SEC/Big XII/Big 10/PAC 10 team? Therefore, they must be overrated.
So, what will this season do for Boise State's national reputation? Seems to me like they have everything to lose. Because if they lose a game, they will only further prove Boise State's detractors right. Something tells me that nothing Boise State does this year is going to change their minds. But maybe that's the pessimist in me that was at the Georgia game in 2005.
Kevan's response:
"Everything to lose?" That sounds like a thought that needs suppressing. I can give you some tips on that.
I'm hoping that the schism between college football fans who respect your BSU passion (possibly out of fear of your giantism) and those who turn every non-BCS article into a flame war is a little more balanced than it feels. Any time I'm on the Internet, I feel that the split is 80/20 in favor of the goons. Any time I'm at a Buffalo Wild Wings, it feels a little more 60/40, provided Mark May isn't on the air.
Mark May thinks free weights are overrated. Bowflex is the new USC!
With that in mind, I'd like to think that there are still a fair number of rational people out there who would appreciate and respect a Boise State national championship. If BSU were to complete the title run, they would have defeated a potential ACC champ, a potential Pac-10 champ, and either the Big Ten's best or the SEC's best (sorry, Big East, you suck wind). That has to be good enough in other people's eyes.
What is the biggest knock nationwide against the Broncos? You named several. They don't play anyone. They don't play anyone on the road. And they wouldn't last a second in SEC country. Though it shouldn't be the case, I think Boise State still has a lot to prove this season, and if a perfect season doesn't satisfy the masses, then I don't know what will.
Nick's response:
True, I think that the majority of sports fans enjoy rooting for the underdog and Boise State has filled that role. I guess the portion of college football fans that have this feeling of entitlement (I'm looking at you, Notre Dame and SEC fans) are probably the most vocal. And that doesn't necessarily mean that they represent all of the college football fans.
Besides no amount of logic about who Boise State will beat this year makes a difference, Kevan. It's all about what have you done for me in the last 50 years. And I guess that's the part that really gets me. College football is played by a group of college kids who have 4 years to build something and win some games. Nothing outside of the current season should really matter. No one on Boise State's current roster was in Athens in 2005. Yet, they still are being measured against that game.
Kevan's response:
Do you think people still root for Boise State because they're the underdog? Or did the Broncos kind of lose out on that now that they're preseason Top 5?
Nick's response:
I think people root for Boise State because they hate the BCS. I think that fans of teams that the BCS favors hate Boise State because they threaten that security. No matter where Boise State starts ranked, they still represent these polar opposites on the BCS scale.
Kevan's response:
And now that Boise State is able to transcend BCS rankings and be a legitimate national title contender, I think that draws the haters even further out of their ESPN message board lean-tos. Rooting for Boise State to bust the BCS is one thing. Rooting for Boise State to win a national championship takes an entire different sort of open-minded graciousness. I can't imagine I will ever meet a Florida fan who thinks Boise State is deserving of a national title. I will, however, meet a Florida fan with a Danny Wuerffel tattoo. That I can guarantee.
Am I discouraged that no amount of Boise State greatness will change the minds and hearts of a good number of CFB fans? Of course I am. But I am also a realist. College football is great because it allows for people to have wildly divergent takes on the exact same topic. Disagreement is part of the fun. Isn't that right, slow boring Big Ten teams?
Other questions plaguing Boise State's intangibles
- Can the Broncos live up to the hype?
- Where will Boise State get its shoulder chips?
- Is Boise State in the position where it has to win with style points?
- Could a lack of killer instinct come back to bite Boise State?
Boise State's intangibles, on a scale of Paul J. Schneiders
With five Paul J. Schneiders being good, and one Paul J. Schneider being a black hole of apathy
Your turn
Do you think the Boise State football team has anything to prove this year? How do you think the Broncos are perceived nationwide? Is all this hype good or bad for BSU? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Previously on Boise State football 2010 previews:
- Q: Who will be Boise State's starting running back? A: Pass.
- Q: Can Kellen Moore improve on his 2009 season? A: Statistically? Eh. On the field? You bet.
- Q: Can the Boise State offense survive without Austin Pettis or Titus Young? A: Have you seen the WAC lately?
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Comments
Well,... if we go into Las Cruces 0-3
Then we’ll know what we’re made of. What I mean is for most fans, fear > greed.
If we go into Las Cruces 3-0, we’ll STILL have something to prove to CFB fans (IMO) and the media debate will get white hot as we whack the WAC.
The only game that doesn’t really worry me is Toledo on the Blue.
And that's another Bronco... FIRST DOWN!!
i guarantee if you guys go 12-0 that both mark may and craig james will say you guys are not
deserving of the bcs national cg. they will both say even a 2 loss team from the sec or former big 12 would be more worthy. just watch and see.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
That's why those two are annual contenders for Public Enemy #1
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
caraig james just might get fired next year. he can't do texas tech games and if mike leach's .....
lawyers can prove he was meddling (in the texas tech case with his son involved)he can kiss his dumbazz smirk and his job at espn goodbye. it could happen.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
From an outsiders perspective
BSU will always have something to prove. They can beat the Big XII champs, Pac 10 champs and MWC champs in recent history, break what seems like nearly NCAAF record (or at least WAC) and people will always find something to gripe about. Thank god because BSU feeds on that kind of criticism. Ya just can’t keep a good guy down.
"Gandhi didn't take a knee, Martin Luther King didn't take a knee, Thomas Edison didn't take a knee, and I sure as hell am not going to take a knee." - Dan Hawkins
What in the Bad Word is a Pog?
The team will always have something to prove…to themselves. You lose that, you lose motivation. Coach Pete knows how to keep his teams motivated.
BSU don't need smoke and mirrors to get the job done, they got orange pants.
A pog?
It’s like a bottle cap. You slam a pog on a pile of pogs and watch them scatter. And yes, that nerdy sound you’re hearing is me.
"Please put your fat finger down!" - Lars
Do your research
You use a slammer to flip the pogs. Its much heavier than a normal pog. http://www.flickr.com/photos/94209031@N00/116151630. Booyah outnerded!
by petersen4president on Aug 16, 2010 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Boise State resonates among the average fan bc the "average"
person did not attend an “elite” school, either academically or in collegiate sports. The narrative of “blue collar” plays into this. As for proving things, right now “those who talk” are on this talking point:we currently have a good program but probably unsustainable in the long term.Much like the early success of the South in the Civil War, our gallantry can only take us so for. Over time the resources of the Usual BCS Suspects (the ultimate being the SEC) will surpass us and return us to the lower tier where we shall remain.
We will never prove anything in the sense that at a specific point in time there will be an epiphanous exclamation and HUZZAH! from the rulers. If we sustain this trajectory, however, eventually the need to prove anything will wither and fall off like so much dead skin from an old excision.
tvmunson
will wither
I would agree when I was a young fan back in the 70’s , I was a Neb hater. I thought who are these guys from that tiny state whose population was inline with Idaho.
Now Neb is in the big Ten and the fact is Idaho many have more people living within it’s broarders.
So on that point I would agree. Keep on this path and the whole world will open up to you.
by Darth Prophet on Aug 17, 2010 4:43 AM PDT up reply actions
That picture of Pete
looks like he’s testifying.
Can I get a witness?!?
by kcam on Aug 16, 2010 9:33 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
ref Rolling Stones "England's Newest Hitmakers" 1964
Aint right to be treated so bad
When I’ve given everything I’ve had
See I talk in my sleep
“cuz I havent seen my baby all week
It hurts me so inside
She treats me so unkind
Can I get a witness?
tvmunson
As an outsider...
And by outsider I mean troll (though I’ve been reading what yal write for about 1.5 years since Scalpem.com turned me on to your site) I have to say that only the mouth breathing retreads (so mostly SEC fans) would claim that the Bronco’s are an overrated team. I know nothing of your tradition, players, or school, but I have always looked forward to watching you guys on a Friday or Saturday night on Blue. In fact, I dare say I’ve seen about 85% of your games since yal went on that wild ride to the Fiesta the first time. Boise State is a good squad, and I look forward to watching yal play this labor day, though I will not know who to pull for. Anyway, Thanks for letting me spout off for the few.
Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano
by AParker on Aug 16, 2010 9:36 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Good perspective
Maybe it just seems like there are more mouth breathing retreads than there really are.
"Please put your fat finger down!" - Lars
Maybe it just seems like there are more mouth breathing retreads than there really are.
They all just have internet connections and lots of spare time.
"Wanna do karate in the garage?" - Brennan Huff
Typo?
I think you all are misspelling “retards.”
Oh. What? Nevermind.
"I said, if I were smart then I would save up for a piece of string and a rock to wind the string around. Everybody wants a rock to wind a piece of string around."
One step forward, two steps back
This is an overall huge season for the program. After the last Fiesta Bowl, we completely faltered and lost three games. With even more expectations and massive hype, it would be detrimental to the program if we lose more two games and/or get blown out by VT.
I have a dream that my team will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their turf but by the content of their talent.
Why Play
If there’s nothing left to prove why play the game? Because there will always be doubters of BSU and programs like theirs. This gives us the chance to shut them up…big time. Vandals- done. Oregon State- done (and coming to get more). Oregon- done. Utah-done. BYU- done (and they will enjoy the rest of the beatings we give them. Virginia Tech gets their due in 3 weeks. Who’s next..tOSU? ‘Bama? UT? I don’t care and it doesn’t matter. Someone, somewhere will always find a reason to doubt us. Ask Kyle Wilson and Marty Tadman how they feel.
Good Night. Game Over. Drive Home Safely.
by MiketheTransplant on Aug 16, 2010 9:48 AM PDT reply actions
the va. tech game is huge b/c you all know i get around to all the college football blogs and some
of then sec fans are using the va. tech game as a barometer of how far you have come. a suggestion to coach pete i i know it’s not your style but please run up the score if you can. it would do wonders for the likes of the bama fans who played va. tech last year and georgia fans. peace.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
How does running up the score help?
Am I missing something? How does running up the score against Tech …
“
do wonders for the likes of the bama fans who played va . tech last year”
On what world does an Alabama fan care about what VT does again? VT beat Cincy in the Orange Bowl two years ago.. since that game I don’t think I’ve spent more than a half second thinking about who’s playing Cincy.
Agreed. Last year's game does nothing for this year's game.
"Wanna do karate in the garage?" - Brennan Huff
yes it does to the east coat media which we all know is biased.
if you beat them by more than bama did don’t you think at least a few east coast writers will mention that? i think it would be more than a few.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
hmm
I would be absolutely shocked if even one person in the media (ESPN, print, blog) etc would make the comment.. “Boise State beat VT by 24 points.. Alabama beat VT by 10 points… Alabama beat everyone in the SEC… therefore, Boise State is better than everyone in the SEC including Alabama”.
Give me a break. And what if, in some absolute one in a million shot Virginia Tech should somehow actually beat the Broncos? I know the chances of that happening are like lighting striking the same place four times, but just entertain me for a second..
What if that should happen? VT actually beats Boise… does that mean Boise State takes a back seat to East Carolina, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina? Schools that beat Tech the past few years?
if your read my original post it does say IF YOU CAN.
no zhit. techncould win the game. have you lived on the east coast? i have for twenty years but i’m in nevada now. bleieve it.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, they still mention Boise State's loss to Georgia FIVE YEARS AGO to delegitimize BSU.
Guess we’re just used to that line of reasoning used on us.
by Drew Roberts on Aug 16, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
that was two years ago. i'm talking last year and bama won the ncg last year. that is why it matters.
i just came back from an sec blog and they are waiting for you guys to fall flat on your face. some of them.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Doesn't matter...
Coach Pete wouldn’t run up the score anyway. Apparently, Ghandi does take a knee if we’re up by enough.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
VT looks too good this year to get blown out in what’s basically a home game for them.
We want to build a university our football team can be proud of. -- Dr. George Lynn Cross
by marktgarten on Aug 16, 2010 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm not talking about VT
I know how good they are. I’m talking about any game Coach Pete coaches. He isn’t a coach he runs up the score.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
He doesn’t run up the score on purpose, but sometimes the score gets out of hand just because the opposition is sucky (like last year’s dismantling of UH, Miami-Ohio, San Jose and NMSU).
We want to build a university our football team can be proud of. -- Dr. George Lynn Cross
by marktgarten on Aug 16, 2010 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Which was awesome
We want to build a university our football team can be proud of. -- Dr. George Lynn Cross
curious what is enough to you? point wise?
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Circumstances are different for every game
I’m not sure there’s a specific number that defines a blowout.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
Just to clarify
I don’t think BSU will blowout VT or anything. I feel confident about the game (today). Just saying the whole thing is moot because of the way Chris Petersen operates.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
i.e. Alabama
They won by 10 points vs. VT last year and they call it a blowout. I call it lucky. VaTech handled them that game on a platter, but a ’Bama fan will swear up and down they crushed the Hokies.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
my standard has always been a nice round 50
Not expecting the Broncos to hang 50 on the #6 team, of course. I’d feel pretty good about 4-5 TDs considering our defense.
by hummerofdoom on Aug 16, 2010 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions
I want to see 100 points! It's been too long since a football team dropped a Benji on a team.
- He once punched a magician... that's right, you heard me!
by OBNUG Intern on Aug 16, 2010 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions
"Virginia Tech gets their due in 3 weeks"
I like that…. VT gets their wuppin’ in three weeks!
To me, as an outsider to Boise State, I think they’ll prove themselves when they carry their success to their new conference. It’s just the reality of the situation. They’ve done it so well in WAC play the past X number of years that they have made their conference look bad. I’m not saying the WAC is bad, I’m saying that when one team absolutely dominates as well as BSU has in conference, the perception is “the conference must be horrible.. they are making it look too easy..”
It’s just the perception.
As for the non-conference games, people will always made excuses. The excuses on Labor Day night will be “Virginia Tech’s defense was gutted…. that’s why the lost”… or “Oregon State is just a middle-of-the-pack PAC team”..
I think a solid season this year (meaning at least making another BCS game) followed up carrying success over to the new conference in 2011 should pretty well shut everyone up.
who are you even a fan of
your profile says you’re a virginia tech fan, but you sure as hell don’t seem to have any confidence in the program. you’ve basically been in this blog butt kissing for the past month or so.
as for the actual point of your post, i agree with the first paragraph. lets be honest, Boise State has not played the best team available (from the media’s point of view) in their BCS games. Oklahoma probably wasn’t as good as their 11-2 record; they had a wide receiver at quarterback, did not have adrian peterson for much of the season, lost to a 6-6 oregon team and a texas team with a freshman quarterback, and the big 12 was nowhere near as dominant as it was the following seasons. And TCU is another mid major. Utah earned their respect when they went against the big bad Crimson Tide from the SEC who missed a date with OU in miami by 11 points, playing in the what historically has been the SEC’s ultimate destination bowl, and delivered a thorough ass kicking. I would have liked to see Boise State play against Florida or Ohio State, even though I highly doubt they would have come within 20 points of Florida.
This is what I can't stand
The constant post facto deconstructing of teams BSU has beaten and their respective conferences. OU wasn’t as good as their record, TCU is just another mid-major, Oregon wasn’t up to speed yet. Funny how it always trends one way.
Whose fault is it that OU’s QB and RB were injured in ‘06? BSU? It’s conventional wisdom that the big conference teams are loaded at every position and yet BSU led 28-10 into the late 3rd qrtr and lost the ball on a freak punt return ball bounce giving OU their best field position all game.
Oregon didn’t manage to get a their inaugural first down until 5 minutes were left in the 3rd qrtr. It that BSU’s fault. Oops, I gues that one was…
The CraigMays of the world were proclaiming TCU as possibly the BEST TEAM IN THE NATION last year before the bowl season kicked off. Now? Oh, maybe they weren’t.
If-IF-we beat VT by a significant margin, the excuses will show up faster than Mike Prater at a free lunch buffet.
by kcam on Aug 16, 2010 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 7 recs
"lets be honest, Boise State has not played the best team available (from the media’s point of view) in their BCS games"
“(from the media’s point of view)”
i didn’t say I agree. Its just the general point of view.
All i said is that I don’t think the would have hung within 20 of Florida. And of course you don’t proclaim a team that lost its bowl game as the best team in the nation after the fact. do you really expect them to keep toting that?
Actually, yes.
If they were the best team in the nation before we played them, then we beat the best team in the nation to BE the best team in the nation.
Not that I’m saying TCU was the best team in the nation, just going off of your wrongness.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
btw. they did va. techs whole schedule this year on college gameday. griese had va. tech going 11-1
jesse palmer came on and said 9-3 b/c va tech for the last three years has dropped their opening game mentioning the bama game specifically. i guess i was right. they already mentioned it like i said they would and we have three weeks to go till the game.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions
"lost to a 6-6 oregon team"
My family from Oklahoma still argue that they got robbed by bad officiating in that Oregon game.
We want to build a university our football team can be proud of. -- Dr. George Lynn Cross
by marktgarten on Aug 16, 2010 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
No doubt they did-year before Pac 10 crew screwed us but Ok got jobbed even worse..
We had Beavers 4th and 3; QB goes up and over, gets hit and fumbles backwards. Officials treated it like a TD; in other words, gave him “forward progress” so Beavers retained possession, and won. Our only loss that year. Like OK we got an apology from the Pac 10.Made us feel a whole lot better.
tvmunson
VT...
I’m a VT fan and alum (1996). Do I lack confidence in the team? Maybe. I don’t feel good about the Boise State game. I would have felt pretty confident if the game was never moved up to opening night.
But, in my own paranoid mindset, there is definitely the thought of: prepare for the loss and expect a loss so I won’t be let down if Tech loses… and of course I’ll really enjoy the win.
Butt kissing? I love how being an open-minded level headed fan is considered butt kissing.
Most of us Bronco fans are pretty confident about the game
But we’re probably just as worried as you are. It’s two top-10 teams after all. :)
by hummerofdoom on Aug 17, 2010 6:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Yep. I'm confident today and I was confident yesterday
But on game day? I just might barf.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
I am extremely confident about this game
And I get more and more so every day. It contrasts with the Alabama game which in April I felt great about, then as the summer went I lost confidence until going in I thought we were going to lose by 20.
May the best team win with no major injuries on either side
This means before the game, too, VT89. Get those people of the injury list before the game. I don’t want SECfan hanging onto, “but VaTech was hurt, that’s why you won!”
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
A team (any team) should always have something to prove
Or complacency happens. Coach Pete must be an excellent motivator. He’ll find a way to motivate the troops with expectations to meet. Forget the NC this year. Look ahead to next year and the new expectations that come with being in the Mountain West. Boise State will feel the need to prove they can be conference champions in a new conference. Also next year they’ll have the chance to prove they can beat an SEC team. Especially with Boise State being pretty new to the FBS, there’s still plenty to prove.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
Just to clarify
It’s more about proving to themselves and not to the haters and national media.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
Making history is hard
The problem with doing something that has never been done is that there isn’t something to compare it to. People don’t know how to react to Boise State because they have never seen the little guy stand up for so long. They don’t understand that Boise State’s roster is a full step above the one that went to Georgia (Boise State’s defensive front 7 looks to be larger than VT’s—who can imagine that size would be on the Bronco’s side in a game this big?).
There isn’t another mid-major team that has been so good for so long. Generally, the coach leaves, or the QB heads to the NFL…..and the team falls backward. Schools don’t continue to grow their stadium/facilities, coaches’ salaries, new conference, etc, and chase higher levels or recruits.
Many SEC fans still live in the 50s. Decades of having all the money and resources make them fat and elitist. They can’t imagine that the little guy is a serious threat.
The cool thing about this year—-the broncs can prove it on the field. It doesn’t really matter what people say—-just take care of your business.
And the thing outsiders don't realize is....
Boise State isn’t going away anytime soon. The roster seems to get deeper every year as the talent stepping onto campus gets better and better. As long as Coach Pete and his followers are here, BSU will be in the national picture. So sorry to disappoint Mark May and Craig James. Boise State is here to stay!
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
by JRig on Aug 16, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
the broncs can prove it on the field
Hopefully that is good enough. What more can you do?
"Please put your fat finger down!" - Lars
Havent we tried "proving it on the field" already?
Obviously takes more than that for us.
Old enough to know better, too young to care.
baby steps...
Every year we make a little more progress. To even be in the conversation is crazy.
Even if an undefeated bronco team is snubbed—-it is an amazing accomplishment. We would get a BCS payday, and the national media would have a field day pushing to change the unfair system.
If that is the worst case, we are in good shape—-just take care of what you can control and the rest will take care of itself.
by ElPepeGrande on Aug 18, 2010 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Good topic, Kevan and Nick.
Myself being in SEC country, I too get to hear a fair amount about why the Broncos don’t measure up. Personally, I rarely run into anyone who just out and out hates Boise State, and refuses to recognize their accomplishments.
I met a couple at last year’s game in Bowling Green from Knoxville, TN who started following the Broncos after the first Fiesta Bowl simply becuase they liked the style of play and the guts it took to win that game. Now, they pull their Airstream to any away game they can (expect to see them in D.C.).
But from almost all I do hear this; They haven’t been around long enough. They are a good team, but until they get to where week in, week out is a tough match-up, we’ll withhold our praise.
I have friends who are Florida alums, Tennessee alums, Kentucky alums, and Ohio State alums out here, who all echo that same sentiment. I’ve even had Kentucky fans admit that the Broncos would roll the Wildcats, but they still aren’t as impressive because they don’t face a team as formidable every week. Try and figure that logic.
I think the detractors out there are really no different than when it’s the Patriots, Yankees, USC, Lakers, Bulls, 49ers (in their days), or even Notre Dame, in theirs. People hate the team that’s getting all the attention. They feel better when they talk them down or find fault with them somehow. As long as the Broncos continue winning, the hatred isn’t going to go anywhere but up.
"Wanna do karate in the garage?" - Brennan Huff
I figure you're doing something right if you have haters
The team is getting recognized and really, deep down, a lot of people are just threatened by Boise State. Go ahead and hate, I say.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
People hate the team that’s getting all the attention.
So you’d say that Boise State’s days of being the underdog are over? Or is getting attention an entirely different beast?
"Please put your fat finger down!" - Lars
Well...
They’re not sneaking up on anyone anymore. Oklahoma didn’t know what BSU was capable of and maybe Oregon didn’t either (at least in 2008, being our “superbowl” and all). But VT knows and respects what Boise State brings to the game. If Boise State starts beating big teams who understands how good BSU is, well, that’s a big step in the program for the type of wins Boise State gets.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
Well...
They’re not sneaking up on anyone anymore. Oklahoma didn’t know what BSU was capable of and maybe Oregon didn’t either (at least in 2008, being our “superbowl” and all). But VT knows and respects what Boise State brings to the game. If Boise State starts beating big teams who understands how good BSU is, well, that’s a big step in the program for the type of wins Boise State gets.
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
by JRig on Aug 16, 2010 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Point of emphasis Dr. J
Re: sneaking up-my I offer the following. I think the teams we played up to now have been able to get a very good sense of who we are from watching film. Indeed Oklahoma made that very point-if you can watch film critically, and most quality Div I players can, you can appreciate how fast someone is, their technique etc. I dont think BCS teams playing us have an UNDERappreciation of us, but rather an INFLATED sense of what they can do. I may be cutting the onion too thin, but I think they overlook not our athleticism but our skill at execution of offense and the precision-discipline on D.
tvmunson
Oregon 2009 epitomizes that
The team didn’t underestimate you, they overestimated themselves. They came out unprepared, unorganized and distracted with all the payback talk while BSU, to their credit, just took care of business and waited till after the game to talk.
by VT89 on Aug 16, 2010 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
You show your true genius when you agree with me.
The Oregon team also underestimated our fans. 33,00o-meh. They never expected not to be able to hear. Re-watching the game you have Masoli having to go down the line to give the call. Had a couple of false starts as well. Never practiced for the noise.
tvmunson
In the interest of pure candor, when we played Georgia they did make a candid assesment.
One of their players said our Qb had never seen the speed of an SEC secondary and would not be able to deal with it. He was right.
tvmunson
Yes, he was.
But speed doesn’t always count. The first pick was to a linebacker not 15 yards from Z. IIRC, so was the second.
It was so good.
I even read it twice.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
Not necessarily over, but they are the underdog less and less, aren’t they?
The attention is warranted whether or not SEC homers agree with it;
26-1 in the last two seasons, the last loss in a bowl game to a Top 10 team by one-point, with basically your entire team returning intact, from a year where they lead the nation in scoring and fielded a Top 25 defense.
Umm, yep, I’d say the hype is legitimate.
"Wanna do karate in the garage?" - Brennan Huff
Some dum-dum posted their response twice
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
This is the year to prove it!
College football is unique in that you have to win on the field and in the minds of the public to get a chance at a championship. (I also think you can substitute the word “silly” for “unique” in that last sentence.)
The season is filled with debate because getting votes is part of the system for getting a chance to play for a title and a chance to hold up a very fancy looking crystal football that would sit next to all the nice dishes and never be used except on holidays and only by adults.
I remember sitting at the Pointsettia Bowl watching TCU dismantle our offense and beat us in a close game (we were missing Titus Young, we had some FG kicking troubles, and Mike Williams was hurt so we were very thin on the D-line. Those are my excuses I mean reasons for losing that game.) Anyway, I was reading the program and not just looking at the glossy photos and I noticed that Boise State had just completed an undefeated regular season with 77 kids who were either freshman or sophomores, and I knew this is a special team for the next couple years. This is the team that just completed another undefeated season and a Fiesta Bowl victory and has nearly everyone returning. We have the schedule and the players to prove a non-AQ can win a National Championship with this system. Apparently it takes a 3 year-plan to do it , and only Nostradomus knows how often the stars align like this; but this is the year to make history and all the HYPE is a necessary component to getting a shot.
You're damn right I ordered the Code Red
by flyfishferg on Aug 16, 2010 10:43 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
you sir have the best post of the day.
these opportunities don’t come around that often.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree completely, 84 BYU opportunities are rare indeed.
You have all your starters back, two big games to win, and the rest you should win. Once you get into NCG, it is one game with a lot of time to prepare and all the pressure is on the team that should win. I do think if Texas goes undefeated and also there is a one loss SEC, Big 10, Pac 10, or ACC champion, you will likely get bumped out of NCG, but the right scenario may present itself. It did for us (LSU) in 07 when we had two losses and WVU lost to Pitt and to our credit, we beat Tenn in CCG and beat tOSU on the field handily. I do think as long as Boise St. is in WAC/MWC, Boise St. will always have something to prove. The real difference between conferences like (SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 12, and Pac 10) and conferences like (Big East, MWC, WAC, MAC) is recruiting, plain and simple. For example, going by ESPN 150 numbers, adding the 2011 verbals to date and then back to the 2006 signed recruits:
1)(SEC) Fl.=64, Ga.=45, LSU=39, Ala.=35, Aub.=21, Tenn.=20, SC=19, Miss=10, Ark=8, Miss St.=6, Kent=4, Vand=1;
2)(ACC) Mia=35, Fl. St.=32, Clem=28, NC=17, Maryland=7, Vir Tech=6, GT=3, Vir=3, NC St.=3, WF=1, BC=0, Duke=0
3)(Big-10) Ohio St.=32, Mich=22, Penn St.=17, Illin.=8, Wisc=6, Iowa=5, Mich St.=5, Minn=3, 0 for Ind., Purdue, and NU;
4)(Big-12) Tex=57, Okl.=33, A&M=10, Okl. St.= 8, Neb.=5, Col.=5, Miss.=3, Baylor=3, K St.=1, 0 for Tex Tech, Iowa St., and Kansas;
5)(Pac-10) SC=46, UCLA=17, Ore=9, Cal=7, Stand=7, Ariz=4, Ariz St.=3, Wash=4, Ore St.=0, Wash St=0;
I put the SEC first because six teams have at least 20 and the bottom half of the conference can compete with the top half of any of the other respective conferences—of course taking out the teams at the top that are so far ahead of the rest (Texas, Okl, USC, Mia, FSU, Clemson). I think this is why SEC people both do not think Boise St. should be ranked so high to start the season—between 7 and 10 seems fair to me—and why they think Boise will always have something to prove—maybe things will change in future with BSU getting into a better conference (Pac 10) as you keep winning. Some of the other things people use to argue with such as games played years ago and the blue field advantage are not that credible IMO. For one thing there is no rule stopping anyone else from painting their field blue, purple, red ect., so if it is a big advantage, more power to you for using it. I fell for The April fools joke when it came out we would have a purple field— http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=204919830 – That would have been awesome. But, when looking at schedules with recruiting numbers in mind, it does add perspective though. My question is how many wins would Boise St. have if Boise St. had to play Bama’s schedule for example: San Jose, Penn St., at Duke, at Ark, Fl., at SCar, Miss, at Tenn, at LSU, Miss St., Ga St., Auburn. If Alabama wins West, then plays East champ—Fl., Ga. Or SCar most probably. If Bama wins that game, then they play in BCS game or NCG. I think Boise would win 7 to 9 games with this year’s squad, but most would agree, there would be more than two teams not including BCS game to circle on calendar—at least 8. I am an LSU fan and brought up Bama as an example, but I could have used most any SEC team’s schedule. The reality though (as it said in one of those pre-season magazines I read lately) is BSU is ranked in the top five and for anyone who has a problem with it to "get over it". BSU has a great opportunity to make history by winning out and having a few breaks go its way. I do think you should beat Va. Tech; they are a good team, but lost way to much on D—especially in secondary and your passing game is solid; their offense is solid on the ground including Taylor, but I am not sold on Taylor as an accurate passer (56 completion %) which gives you an opportunity to make them one dimensional.
good post. but this year i really could see every team in the sec with 2 losses.
bama just returns 2 people on defense. i don’t care how many 4 star recruits they have it will take some time. when utah beat bama their first excuse was they did not have the depth at positions b/c of the ncaa. they can’t possibly have gotten that many other defensive players with ncaa experience on their roster since then . plus their are 6 teams for the sec in the top 25 and bama has 5 or 6 games they have to play where their opponent has a week to prepare for them. i say bama goes 10-2 or 9-3 in reg season. i’m not sold on brantley at florida either. i have the same concerns for the big 12. texas qb gilbert was put in a bad position but the guy thru 3 ints and was 15 or 40. so this years first game is really only his second full game. they are thin at wr’s too. i think okie is over-rated and think both those teams will have at least 2 losses before cg if either of them get there. nebraska could do very well. i lik pelini and his defense is good and i think their qb is back. they could possibly get thru the schedule with one loss. the acc will just beat up on each other, the big east won’t be even considered unless they have an undefeated team and the pac-ten is parity city so i see their champ with 3 losses which leaves the big ten as the most likely team bsu would play if boise goes undefeated and say ohio state, iowa or wissconsin goes undefeated or one loss.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 17, 2010 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Reading and listening to other people I would say there’s a growing respect for Boise State. Some people still think the Broncos are a joke because of the blue field and for playing in the WAC. While other people are coming around on the Broncos and seeing them for what they are, a damn good football team.
As for is there anything left to prove. Yes, BSU still has a lot to prove. I still want to see how well they handle traveling across the country to play a tough team like Virginia Tech.
"It ain't over till it's over." - Yogi Berra
Something to prove.....
Judging from the blogs, both this year and last, we may have more west coast haters than east coast haters. I don’t really see much of the Georgia game hangovers anymore. Sure, there is always someone who just can’t let it go. VT fans do seem to have a certain degree of respect for the modern day Broncos as should the Bronco fans for them.
Most Oregon fans on the other hand, will never be able to accept our recent success.
It’s a new season, none of that stuff matters anymore. (At least it shouldn’t)
We’ll always have something to prove to someone.
You have to respect Chris Peterson's balls
The trick plays in the Fiesta Bowl against OU earned my respect forever.
It was like Les Miles before we found out he’s actually very stupid rather than ballsy.
Well, thanks for noting Pete's stones
How about asking his team to execute these plays on the biggest stage of their careers with the clock running out and seeing them played to perfection? Oh, that’s right, just a one-off sort of thing, huh?
Excusez monsieur
but your defensiveness was not warranted here. I said CP earned my respect forever against OU. That is all.
Not being defensive at all.
I appreciate your respect for the coach(es). I shall retract the last sentence because it was unwarranted.
But still, I always envision the conversation on the sidelines, “yeah, great, coach…wait, we’re going to run that? Seriously??”
Probably because Z knew he didn't have to throw the ball
"Hi, my name is Doug. I enjoy walks in the rain and bags of pork rinds."
by JRig on Aug 17, 2010 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I believe it was Naanee who said that.
He was right!
by hummerofdoom on Aug 17, 2010 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions
nice crack on miles.
i heard miles needs to win 10 games this year or he is on the outs. i’m sure michigan would want him.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 16, 2010 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I still don't see it all Miles.
Gary Crowton is kryptonite to college programs. But, to Miles’ credit (or lack thereof), he did hire him.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
miles lost track of the time in one sec game last year that cost them the game.
he still has a national championship and probably will end up in ann arbor next year. they already have rodriquez set to go if he does not win 9 games and that will not happen. rich rod was in a meeting in seattle with the ncaa. they already put themselves on probation but me think it will be a little more. i like rodriquez too and he should have stayed at west virginia. he was building a national program there.
I'm all about covering the spread and moneylines. Glory favors the bold. Chance favors the prepared mind. Luck, well i have that too. University of Utah goes to the Pac-12 conference in 2011. I expect them to compete immediately for the conference CG. Brock Lesnar will defeat Cain Velasquez. Womens MMA, the next big thing in sports. 3 weeks till the first game of college football. UTAH vs Pitt. September 2nd 2010.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Aug 17, 2010 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
You are right, he did not look stupid--he did not have to ballsy incidentally either...
as we pasted your team in Tiger Stadium (48 – 7) with our Crowten led offense pilling up 600 yards of offense as your coach stupidly left inept Glennon—2 completions and the expected int and a bunch of punts—in for the first half to make sure the game was out of reach by halftime with Taylor sitting on bench. If I were a Va Tech fan then, I would have been yelling at my TV, “for goodness sake, put Taylor in!” I do agree the heat is on Miles—IMO really undeserved going (9-4, 5-3) last year improving from (8-5, 3-5) the previous year. Bottom line, Miles has won—(51-15) with one NC while at LSU and only one losing season in ten as HC—and recruits well and I’m old enough to remember when LSU HC coaches had trouble doing both at the same time—especially the winning part. I do agree on Crowten to an extent, but if you do not have experience at QB, your offense will struggle—O-line is first in priority, but good QB play is not far behind in having a successful offense—this year we have experience. I get it, Miles comes across as unintelligent, a terrible public speaker and has made mistakes—who hasn’t—but I do not understand the hate because after all, he is a nice guy. I hope people are reasonable—9 freakin wins with no exp QB, O-line problems, new defensive scheme is not tanking by a long shot—around here and 8 wins is enough although I do think we will win between 8 to 11 and will contend for the West with experience at QB for the first time since Flynn and a defense that will continue to improve under Coach Chavis—a lot of talent and speed all over the field despite size concerns up front (Coach Chavis said we have the size to stop the run upfront when asked at press conference and I trust him if he says it).
no excuse for that game
it was three seasons ago. we got our asses handed to us on a platter with hot sauce. it doesn’t change the fact that Les Miles has made some very questionable (stupid) decisions. and then blamed it on someone else afterward (“I don’t know who told him to spike it”).
I got an LSU friend and I joke with him that Miles probably thought all those fourth downs vs Florida in 07 were third downs. I actually like Les Miles. it just seems like as though he has no idea what’s happening at times.
In pic Coach P looks like he's getting a gloveless prostate exam
and image devoutly NOT to be entertained.
tvmunson
its like totally obvious, but...
I just have to. Craig James, Mark May, Kirk Herbystreet (whatever that pretty boys name is) Corso, etc adnauseum. All these tools play to a different tune of a broken fiddle played by the devil (The one Charlie Daniels told you about),
It would be like totally awesome if we as a team fan base actually quit responding to the same script as if we were still the little brother wanting to play with the big kids on the street.
We’re there gents, and genteel women boise state warrior ladies. Wait a minute, THEY are there. I am just a dude who watches all their games from the SEZ and goes to some away games when I can get off work. I utilize the Broncos for an excuse to barbeque and buy big TV’s. The Broncos have been keeping their head down, out smarting the big boys, playing da b/w good football, and fighting the good fight since I was to small to see over the big dude sitting in front of me in 130.
I would just like to see the fan base catch up with the players they root for in the realm of maturity, humility, and generally acting like they have been there before….cuz they (we) have. I am really getting tired getting tweets from my southern blue blood relatives who send me quotes from the ESPN site that goes something like **** you buddy * Boise State ROCKS. We’re gonna * kick the **** out of the. then they post script it with “REALLY???” At family reunions, I still manage to put the ripe gouda cheese from the buffet in their gigantic leather bound cadillacs on a 104 degree day.
Wow it’s late, nice to be back home and read all your witty comments again. Crissy what post processing do you use in those awesome pics of yours. I will be disappointed if it’s not from phaunt….
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2012 Boise State Football Schedule
@ Michigan State  |
Fri 08/31 | 6:00 p.m. MT |
| Miami (OH) | Sat 09/15 | 2:00 p.m. MT |
| BYU |
Thu 09/20 | TBA |
| @ New Mexico | Sat 09/29 | TBA |
| @ Southern Miss | Sat 10/06 | TBA |
| Fresno State | Sat 10/13 | 1:30 p.m. MT |
| UNLV | Sat 10/20 | 1:30 p.m. MT |
| @ Wyoming |
Sat 10/27 | 1:30 p.m. MT |
| San Diego State | Sat 11/03 | 8:30 p.m. MT |
| @ Hawaii | Sat 11/10 | 5:00 p.m. MT |
| Colorado St. | Sat 11/17 | 1:30 p.m. MT |
| @ Nevada | Sat 12/1 | TBA |
