Boise State's Nice List

Yesterday was “The Naughty List” and therefore it only makes sense to take a look at the opposite end of the spectrum. Today’s entries will be all the people, entities, groups, or teams that are doing their best to help out the Boise State Broncos in their quest for the National Championship game. If not that, then the best bowl destination and the best teams possible. We rather like all of them and I will tell you why.

8.
Karl Benson
The WAC commissioner has at times been at the forefront of pleading the case for Boise State and where they should be ranked. This can be seen in the form of quotes, statements, and shots taken at the BCS and anybody who will listen. As much as he tries to deny it and hide it, Benson has a grudge against the Broncos for leaving his floundering conference to join the Mountain West. That is the only reason he is not higher on the list. While he still tries to promote the little guy, he has gone away from being as gung ho as he has been in the past in favor of Boise State. Still, his motives are clear and still pushing for Boise State to go as far and as high as they can, including the NC game. For this we, as Bronco fans, love you Karl Benson.

7.
Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors
Isn’t it funny that these guys can end up both on the “Naughty List” and the “Nice List?” It just proves that there is some gray area in college football. Not everything is black and white. While at the same time that they are trying to derail the Broncos’ perfect season by beating them on Saturday, they are also beating everyone else and moving up in value and strength in the eyes of the voters and BCS Rankings. The fact that the Rainbow Warriors are on a win streak and are one of the hottest teams in the nation will bode well for Boise State’s strength of schedule. If they beat them, it will help their rankings and possibly propel them back ahead of TCU and keep the Horned Frogs and Utes at bay. So while we wish them the best of luck throughout the season, we hope they fall flat on their faces on The Blue. For this we, as Bronco Fans, love you Hawai’I Rainbow Warriors.

6.
Lou Holtz
I mentioned him yesterday as the nemesis of one Mark May. He has taken the stand in support and defense of Boise State. Whether he actually believes it or not is of no importance. He is in the forefront of pushing the Broncos to the top and goes at Mr. May with everything he has. Unfortunately for Holtz, his everything is not as powerful as May’s d-bagness and massive ego. The lisp does not help. Still, Lou Holtz is enough to at least counterbalance anything that Mark May says or does in support of Boise State. For this we, as Bronco fans, love you Lou Holtz.

5.
Nevada Wolfpack
It looked like these guys were going to completely bomb and screw up their season and ours, but they have rebounded fairly nicely and are yet again in the top 25. This goes back to helping the strength of schedule for Boise State. The more they win, they better it will be when/if we beat them in Reno. If “Bird Leg” Kaepernick can keep his head up and not perform like he did against Hawai’i a couple of weeks ago, the only place the Wolfpack can go is up. Their strength as a team will affect Boise State a lot, and right now, it is looking pretty good. This is why we, as Bronco fans, love you Nevada Wolfpack.

4.
Kirk Herbstreit
It took a while for this man to get on board and campaign for the Broncos. I think it all started when he was in Boise for College GameDay and experienced first hand what Bronco Nation was all about. They fact that he saw us beat Virginia Tech on Labor Day helped I am sure. Herbstreit has a very powerful and respected voice when it comes to college football and anything he says will go a very long way to affecting the voters’ and coaches’ perspective and view of Boise State. As of right now, he is doing his best to defend us and push us to where we belong as a school and a team. For this we, as Bronco fans, love you Kirk Herbstreit.

3.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Speaking of not looking good for a while. The Hokies did just that with their second loss in 4 days when James Madison of the FCS took them down in Blacksburg. Granted, this was just 4 days after a draining game and loss to Boise State. But look who is back from the dead and scaring a whole lot of teams! Virginia Tech is on a 6-game winning streak and right back in the top 25 and the hunt for an ACC title. This team is very dangerous and could make it to a BCS Bowl if things continue they way that they are now. Every win they earn is a win for Boise State and again, helps their strength of schedule. So as long as the Hokies continue on this blistering pace and win streak, it could do wonders for putting Boise State in the National Championship. For this we, as Bronco fans, love you Virginia Tech Hokies.

2.
Stewart Mandel
One of the most influential sports writers in the nation has hopped on the Boise State bandwagon. Much like a politician, he has many constituents to please, all of which have different ideals, needs, and wants. Yet he has found a way to offer his voice and written words in support of the Broncos. Take a look at this story here and how about this bad boy as well (second page). These are just a couple of examples of what he is doing. As powerful of an influence as he is, he may just be able to persuade some voters to change their opinions of Boise State, propelling them higher in the polls and rankings. For this we, as Broncos fans, love you Stewart Mandel.

1.
Pat Forde
Another sports writer offers his influential and powerful hand in support of the cause. ESPN’s Pat Forde has dubbed the Broncos as his “Bus” team for the year. Check this out, and of course I will give you one more to feast your eyes on here! The point is this man is wielding his influence and knowledge around in what is nothing short of full on support of Boise State. A lot of people talk and do nothing. This man talks and does plenty. His voice will win over many and will help in pushing the Broncos to the top.m This is why we, as Bronco fans, love you Pat Forde.