This is the hot topic now that the football season is officially over for Boise State. I know, it's sad, but life goes on. Look on the bright side, there are only 2 months until spring ball starts! We are left with a few questions that I intend to answer to the best of my abilities. I will tackle one today and go from there.
Was this the best (most talented team) in Boise State history?
This is a loaded question. Such an inquiry deems it necessary to look at numbers, but at the same time to follow your heart. The final record of this year's team was 12-1, with a close overtime loss at Nevada. Last year the team won the Fiesta Bowl over TCU and finished 14-0. The 2006 team ended 13-0 with the now famous thrilling OT win over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. If you go by just the records then no, 2010 was not the best Bronco team. Luckily for me I don't look at just the record.
There is a difference between most successful and most talented. Consider this-the 2010 Boise State Broncos averaged 521 yards gained per game (beating the 517 record mark set 36 years ago), set the record for pass efficiency at 180, and averaged 45.1 points per game (which is in 3rd place behind the 2002 and 2004 teams). That's just the offense's numbers. On defense, the Broncos registered a record 49 sacks, held opposing offenses to a pass efficiency rating of 95.2, gave up only 255 yards per game (the best total in 40 years), and allowed an average of 13.6 points per game. All that totals up to a school record 32.3 average margin of victory. That is impressive. That alone will prove that 2010 was the most talented Boise State group yet.
But wait there's more. With the Las Vegas Bowl trophy sitting in Coach Pete's office (or wherever it is) we say good bye to the seniors. Who are they and what did they do? Well, Titus Young holds the record for most career receiving yards with 3,063. Austin Pettis has 39 career touchdowns (number 1 in the record book), and the most receiving touchdowns in a single season (14). He also sits second behind Titus for career receiving yards. Kyle Brotzman is the highest scoring kicker in NCAA history and the highest scoring player (not just kicker) in Boise State history with 439 points. Don't forget the man-beast that is Ryan Winterswyk who was named as a junior to the WAC all-decade team. He sacked a lot of quarterbacks in his college career. There is also Jeron Johnson, Brandyn Thompson, Darrell Acrey, Matt Slater, Tommy Gallarda, and Will Lawrence amongst other Bronco name mainstays. It's too bad Winston Venable doesn't have any more eligibility left. His time with us was so short.
In other words, the success and talent in this senior class in incredible. That is why I think 2010 was the most talented in Boise State history. Don't let a bad second half against Nevada tarnish your memory or view of this team. Think about it, they were 30 minutes, a defended pass, a made tackle, a made field goal, a completed pass, a quarterback sack, or a blocked field goal away from a date with Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Had they made it to Pasadena and won, this debate wouldn't even be happening. Like I said, they were the most talented, but unfortunately not the most successful. Those are two different arguments. As for me, I love this team, this group of guys, and I will be sad to see them go.
What is exciting is what is ahead of us. There is plenty of talent on the roster. This article from the Idaho Statesman explains more. I will go into more detail on that tomorrow. Until then, check out the Sugar Bowl tonight!
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