The Western Athletic Conference as Films

Today's post is going to be a lot of fun. Besides Boise State football, my other passion in life is film. I love movies and I own over 700 of them. In honor of my love for all things Bronco and my love for films, I am going to combine the two today. That's right; using the current teams in the Western Athletic Conference (I know it will change next year), I will share with you a movie that exemplifies a WAC team. I will do it for each team in the WAC, according to where they currently are in the standings. Please leave as many comments as you would like and let me know if I got one wrong or if you have a different idea for a team. Let's get started!

San Jose State Spartans = Kazaam!


The last place team in the WAC is one of the worst in the nation. For years they had Dick Tomey as their head coach. Tomey is a future hall of famer that never really did anything with his teams in San Jose. He is like Shaquille O'neal; A big name that completely bombed. Shaq never should have even thought about making a movie. "Kazaam" was such a terrible film and likewise, San Jose State has had a bunch of terrible teams. Tomey was only able to take one group to a bowl game. It's not just that. California is filled with talented football players, and the Spartans couldn't get any of them. The putrid stench coming from Northern California is only rivaled by that of Shaquille O'neal and his hideous stint as an actor. Thank goodness it only lasted for a short time! The San Jose State Spartans are the "Kazaam" of the WAC. They aren't even fun to watch.

New Mexico State Aggies = Disaster Movie


The Aggies are exactly what the name of this movie tells us. They are really bad, but they did beat San Jose State this year. The losers who keep making these "movies" (date movie, etc.) need to stop. At the same time, New Mexico State should probably stop fielding a football team. Save your money. If the Aggies go up against a good team (Boise State), they get murdered. If somehow "Disaster Movie" was to get entered in a competition with good movies, it would also get murdered. They are terrible to watch and just like the film, they leave you pissed off for having wasted your time on such a dumpster fire of a film/football team. The New Mexico State Aggies are to the WAC what "Disaster Movie" is to the film industry; a complete and utter travesty.

Utah State Aggies = Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace


Let's be honest here, the first three films made back in the seventies were nothing short of fantastic. Maybe it was because too much time passed before they made the three prequels, but this movie sucked. It had so much promise before it started, just like Utah State. Many people had them picked to be in a bowl game and to be competitive, but that has not been the case. All they hype of the film and the Aggies has been wasted breath. "The Phantom Menace" has its moments of flashiness (mainly the special effects), and the Aggies have shown up for some games and have even won a few. But the successes that both have are overshadowed by their extreme and complete crappiness. Some people may like them, but they are only lying to themselves. Don't waste your time watching the train wreck of a movie nor the JV-like squad of the Utah State Aggie football team. You are the "Phantom Menace" of the Western Athletic Conference, literally and figuratively.

Idaho Vandals = Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd


This one is funny for more than one reason. The obvious one involves the word "dumb." Moving on...Applying this movie to the Idaho Vandals makes perfect sense. Remember back in the day when Idaho was a good football, at one point even beating Boise State 12 years in a row? That was like "Dumb and Dumber." It was great, everybody loved them, and they both have developed extensive followings that extend into the current day. But what about the sequel? Right now, the Vandals follow up the glory days by sucking terribly and embarrassing their alumni. Don't you think Jim Carey is embarrassed by the horrible sequel to his classic film? In other words, the Vandals of today are a shell of what they used to be, and they are terrible. "Dumb and Dumberer" is a crap fest compared to its predecessor. Oh yes, the good ol' glory days when Idaho and "Dumb and Dumberer" still had their dignity. They are gone, forever. Idaho, you are to college football and the great history of your football program, what "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd" is to the "Dumb and Dumber" franchise. I cringe just thinking about it. Ewww...

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs = Vanilla Sky


After you watch "Vanilla Sky," you ask yourself "what the freak was that?" After you see the Bulldogs play, you ponder something similar. Whether it is their starting quarterback Ross Jenkins cutting of the sleeves of his jersey,

or Sonny Dykes belligerently screaming at an official over an blatantly obvious offsides call to the point of getting a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct flag, it is just a mysterious, ugly mess. "Vanilla Sky" tries to be smart, to outwit its viewers, but it fails miserably. It's like the people who wrote it tried way too hard with a crappy plot and less than desirable acting, and ended up with a steaming pile of a film. That is how the Bulldogs are. They try so hard to run a no-huddle, fast-paced, quick strike offense, but they don't have the talent or intelligence to pull it off. You are left with jumbled disorder. Sometimes they play well and score some points, just as the movie has scenes and portions that are decent, but the end does not justify the means. Both would have more success by trying less. How is this for next year's campaign slogan: "Louisiana Tech-putting "vanilla" into the WAC." I am not sad to see them not in our conference next year.

Nevada Wolfpack = 17 Again


This was actually a pretty good movie. Don't get me wrong, it wouldn't be my first choice of films to watch, but it was entertaining nonetheless. Just like Nevada, "17 Again" gets the job done and entertains those who watch. But in no way would you rank either as top-tier or best in their conference/genre. Think about it; the lead role in the film is played by Zac Efron. The Wolfpack's leader is Colin "Bird Leg" Kaepernick. Both are preppy, handsome, pretty-boy "studs" (I use that term loosely) that are completely overrated. Which is better, being the star of "High School Musical" and parlaying that fame and success into other teen-flick roles, or being the starting quarterback for a one-dimensional middle to high-tier team in the WAC? Both are fine, but not what I want to be doing. "17 Again" and the Nevada Wolfpack, like two pees in an under-performing pod.

Fresno State Bulldogs = G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra


I actually enjoyed this film. I like action and special effects, and it was fine once I looked past the cliché, lame, and unthoughtful dialogue and plot line. In fact, I remember seeing "G.I. Joe" advertised during the Super Bowl more than a year before it was released. It promised so much. Hey that sounds like Fresno State! They show so much promise each preseason and proceed to go below expectations year in and year out. But understand, they are indeed a good team with great players and a fearless coach, but they are constantly a let down, just like the film. Look at the stars in the movie; Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid, Marlon Wayans, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sienna Miller, and Brendan Fraser. That is not a complete A-list, but enough to create a sparkling action-flick worthy of high praise. But it did not live up to the hype. The Bulldogs recruit plenty of talent every year, but are underwhelming in their accomplishment. This comparison was just too perfect; "G.I. Pat Hill: The Rise of Underachieving Bulldogs."

Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors = Juno


"Juno" was so wrong in so many ways. The exploitation of pregnant teenagers is only comparable to one thing; the exploitation of an alleged dangerous offense that refuses to utilize the run, therefore making it not dangerous to decent defenses. I cannot stress to you how overrated and annoying this movie was. Hawai'i is about as overrated of a team as there has been in college football this year and in the past few. "Juno" had it's moment to shine when it picked up an Academy Award for best original screenplay (how it did that is beyond me), just as the Rainbow Warriors had their time to shine in the 2007 season. They promptly threw it away (as well as any respect that non-AQ schools may have had at the time) with their (lack of) performance in the Sugar Bowl. The point is while a lot of people may like this film and see a fictitious deeper meaning in it, it's still erroneously glorified and finds itself completely off the mark when it comes to film making. Hawai'i has its fans, but it remains an overrated farce of a good team that wants you to think it's cooler than it actually is (but hey, they're from Hawai'i!). The Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors: the annoying over-hyped, exploited, and pregnant teenage girl of the Western Athletic Conference.

Boise State Broncos = Gladiator


That's right, and it's completely true! Now some of you may say "wait a minute! These movie is so far ahead of those on the list, it's not even fair!" To that I say; exactly! You get it! Congratulations! The Broncos are leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of the conference that it isn't fair. Hence the exit to the Mountain West! But let's think about it, "Gladiator" is deep, complex, violent, glorious, successful, and a lot of fun to watch. In the previous sentence, replace the word "Gladiator" with "the Boise State Broncos" and all of it is still true. Their offense is so complex, it confuses opposing defenses play after play. Their talent is so deep that 3rd string defensive lineman are throwing Bryant Moniz to the turf like a rag doll. Their defense plays so physical and violent that the starting quarterbacks of their opponents are scared to face them. Their glory rests in the number of wins they have had in the past few years and can be summed up in 5 words; "Two Time Fiesta Bowl Champions." That is all I need to stay about that. True gladiators are forged on the battle field and come out victorious, having destroyed their foes against all odds. Boise State is Maximus, plain and simple.

So what did you think? I had a lot of fun creating this post and the comparisons. Check back in tomorrow for my Weekend Picks and some insight. Let's go Broncos!

Weekend Picks, 7th Edition (9th Week of the Season)

Alright, we have a full slate of WAC games this weekend, all of which have at least something interesting to talk about. In fact, I would venture to say that this is the best weekend of Western Athletic Conference match ups that we have had so far this season. I am excited to watch them and talk about them! The biggest one is of course, Hawai’i at Boise State. But let’s save that one for the end. I will start with an ACC game that has an impact on Boise State and their quest for a BCS Bowl game.

Thursday, November 4 at 5:30 PM

(5-3, 3-2 ACC)
at


(6-2, 4-0 ACC)



Let’s get some ACC action up in here. It’s time for your tech report. It has been a while since we discussed the Hokies and I think it is only appropriate to pick one of their games. They are sure back from the dead. How does a 6-game winning streak sound? If they beat the Yellowjackets, they will own a two game lead in their division. With that said, Georgia Tech always poses a problem with their triple threat wishbone offense. Still, the Hokies are playing at home and have been on a tear recently. They should take care of business and be well on their way to the ACC Championship game.
Prediction: Hokies 35, Yellowjackets 21

Saturday, November 6 at 1 PM

(2-6, 1-3 WAC)
at

(2-6, 0-4 WAC)



The battle of the Aggies! For me, this feels like a trap game. Utah State has more talent and should win this game at home, but they are so schizophrenic that I have no idea which team is actually going to show up. After waiting to get off the bus last week at Nevada until half time, the Aggies came out and scored 42 points in the second half to make it a real game. Unfortunately, the Wolfpack scored just enough to take the victory. The Aggies from the South took care of business last week at home against San Jose State to earn their second win of the season. They still are not a very good team and shouldn’t be able to beat Utah State on the road. But then again, Utah State knows how to find ways to prove me wrong, week in and week out.
Prediction: Aggies (of Utah State) 38, Aggies (of New Mexico State) 17

Saturday, November 6 at 2 PM

(5-2, 3-1 WAC)
at

(3-5, 2-2 WAC)



The battle of the Bulldogs! This is the hardest game to figure out who has the upper hand. Fresno State fancies themselves a top-tier team in the WAC and usually plays like it, and LA Tech has found itself and is playing very well. Fresno did have the week off after dispatching San Jose State two weeks ago, so I give them somewhat of an advantage there. But Louisiana Tech is at home so that should balance out, maybe even push the leverage towards the boys from Ruston. Fresno State will try and force the ground game with Robbie Rouse in the back field, and then unleash quarterback Ryan Colburn for some deep bombs or crossing routes. For LA Tech, it is all about the speed. Ross Jenkins will get the snap off as fast as his skinny little arms and legs will let him. They also have a pretty stout run defense (unless Doug Martin is the running back, of course) and Mr. Rouse may find it hard to get through the middle. These two teams are a lot closer than everybody thought they would be just a few weeks ago. Louisiana Tech plays very well at home, generally speaking and Fresno State is having a down year as far as they are concerned.
Prediction: Bulldogs (of Louisiana Tech) 35, Bulldogs (of Fresno State) 31

Saturday, November 6 at 3 PM

(7-1, 2-1 WAC)
at

(4-4, 1-2 WAC)



All I have to say is that Nevada better decide to field a defense in this game if they want to win. Last week at home they allowed Utah State to come roaring back after skunking them 35-0 at half time. They ended up winning 56-42. Yeah…The Wolfpack find themselves back in the top 25 even with that performance. Colin “Bird Leg” Kaepernick played much better last week than he did at Hawai’i, and he will need to do more of the same to beat Idaho. Nevada has a hard time stopping anybody on defense, and Idaho has a decent passing offense, so this should be a high scoring affair. The Vandals are terrible on defense as well, constantly surrendering way too many points. Their offense goes as Nathan Enderle goes. He throws a lot of interceptions. They have no running game so they rely heavily on Enderle and his arm. Even with as many points as are going to be put up on the board in Moscow, I see Nevada being able to make a few stops and forcing some turnovers at key times.
Prediction: Wolfpack 42, Vandals 34

Here it is!
Saturday, November 6 at 1:30 PM

(7-2, 5-0 WAC)
at

(7-0, 3-0 WAC)



The Rainbow Warriors bring their number 1 rated passing attack into Bronco Stadium to test 2nd ranked Boise State. This will easily be their stiffest since the season opener against Virginia Tech. Quarterback Bryant Moniz has developed into a cool, calm, and collected presence in the backfield and is able to find his receivers with accurate precision. The two guys in the slot, Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares are very good and incredibly difficult to tackle once they have the ball. Surprisingly, Hawai’i has also discovered a decent rushing threat with Alex Green. They don’t use him very much (unless you are Utah State, of course), but it’s enough to keep the defense guessing and free up the receivers. The Rainbow Warrior defense is coming along nicely and is very aggressive and feisty. As I have mentioned quite a few times, Boise State’s weakness is their pass defense. They rank high in the nation with it, but that is because since the Hokies, they haven’t really been tested too much. That and the defensive line has been wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks, not allowing them to have time to throw. That will be the key. Can the Bronco D-line get some pressure and claim some sacks, force bad throws for incompletions, and nab a few interceptions? And when Moniz does complete a pass to Salas or Pilares, they have to limit YAC. Tackle them the moment the ball hits their hands and you can limit the damage extensively. I am not worried about the offense. As good as Hawai’i has been playing on defense, they will not be able to stop Kellen Moore, Doug Martin, Titus Young, Austin Pettis, and the rest. Hawai’i’s only chance of winning is by outscoring Boise State. I just don’t see that happening. I think the Rainbow Warriors will be able to gain plenty of yards and score some touchdowns, but it won’t be enough. The Broncos will pressure the quarterback. Think of two years ago when Hawai’i played on The Blue; their offensive line could not keep anyone from getting in the backfield. While this O-line is better than two years ago, so is Boise State’s defensive line. The Broncos’ defense is just too good to allow Hawai’i to win this game. Like I said, I think they will gain some yards and score some points, but Boise State will make key stops and pick off Moniz a couple of times. Kellen Moore and co. will take care of the rest. I think Boise State being favored by 21 is a little much. We will see.
Prediction: Broncos 49, Rainbow Warriors 31

Saturday, November 6 at 1:30 PM

(9-0, 5-0 MWC)
at

(8-0, 5-0 MWC)



This is easily the biggest game in Mountain West history. Both teams are ranked in the top 5 and the winner will have a huge leg up for getting a berth in the National Championship Game. Will they get there? It is too early to tell. I have said for a while now that I think Utah is the most overrated team in the top 25. They have not played anybody even close to good, yet they find themselves ready for another BCS Bowl match up. I feel that they belong somewhere in the 12 to 15 range in the rankings. With that said, the Utes have not lost at home since 2007 and are not going to give that up without a fight. The Horned Frogs boast a really good defense and a great offense to go along with it. Plus they have a player with the coolest name; Shaky Smithson. This game is so hard to pick. It could easily go one way or the other, with a turnover or stupid mistake changing the momentum and/or deciding the game. Number-wise, here is how the two teams stack up; TCU scores 40 points a game and give up 8. Utah scores 45 and gives up 13. Something has to give. The Horned Frogs are favored by 5 points in this game. I think that it is going to be closer than that, so in that sense it is an upset. It is just to close to call Utah winning a true upset. The point spread is important. This will be one to watch (if you can pry your eyes away from the BSU vs. Hawai’i game. Maybe just have your remote with the previous button on hand).
UPSET SPECIAL!
Prediction: Horned Frogs 21, Utes 20

Record coming into this week: 38-11

Well, there you go. I wish there was someway that TCU and Utah could both lose. There are a lot of really good games to score watch and just plain watch. Check back in tomorrow for my Weekly Player to Watch! Go Broncos!

Weekend Picks, 5th Edition (8th Week of the Season)

Well we have yet another weekend where there isn’t anything too exciting happening in the Western Athletic Conference. In other words, there are really no marquee match ups or exciting games to feast your eyes on. Not only that, but Boise State doesn’t even play until Tuesday. So I guess I am resigned to picking some from other conferences. I will do a “Pick Special” on Monday for the Boise State versus Louisiana Tech game on the 26th, including extensive (aka probably way too much) analysis of the contest on The Blue. For the time being, let’s get going with the three WAC games that are happening on Saturday, as well as others that I deem necessary to add.

Saturday, October 23 at 3 PM

1-5 (0-2 WAC)
at

3-3 (0-1 WAC)
The Kibbie Dome will be rocking Saturday afternoon as the Vandals welcome the Aggies (the bad ones in the conference. No not those Aggies. The worst ones. There you go!). New Mexico State comes off yet another conference loss, this time at the hands of the Bulldogs of Fresno State. How bad is it for the Aggies? Well they average scoring 12 points a game and give up almost 39. That bad. At least they are averaging over 100 yards rushing, right? On the other side of the field, Idaho will still be licking its wounds from the beat down they took from Louisiana Tech. They scored, but were not able to stop the Bulldogs at all. Plus only gaining 20 yards on the ground did not bode well for them. They cannot win on the road to save their lives. Good thing this one is at home. The Vandals must win 3 conference games out of the 7 they have left in order to become bowl eligible. You can say that this season has been a let down compared to the moderate success they had last year. They should beat NMSU and San Jose State, but somehow they must find a way to win one against either at Hawai’i, at Utah State, or at Fresno State, or at home against Nevada or Boise State. It could be tough sledding for the silver and gold up north, but I think they can do it. At Fresno is a great opportunity, as well as at Utah State. However, this weekend they must focus on the hapless Aggies of New Mexico State
Prediction: Vandals, 41, Aggies 21

Saturday, October 23 at 3 PM

5-2 (3-0 WAC)
at

2-4 (0-2 WAC)
The Rainbow Warriors are riding high after their upset of the then 19th ranked Nevada Wolfpack. They did not have as great of a game offensively, but surprisingly their defense was more than up to the task of stopping “Bird Leg” and co. It helped that the Nevada offense had the absolute worst night in the history of the pistol’s existence. Anyway, this is the Rainbow Warrior team that we had grown to know and love. Quarterback Bryant Moniz has been playing like a man possessed. It helps that he has a receiver like Greg Salas to chuck the ball too. Lots of YAC for Hawai’I and plenty of big gains through the air. Sure-tackling will be the key for the Aggies to win this game. They have to limit the Yards After Contact (like I said, YAC) from Paredes and Salas. They will eat you alive if you try to gator-arm them. Have you seen the way Moniz just stands back there in the pocket and launches the pig skin? He makes it look like he is disinterested and barely moves his arm when throwing. But he gets results, and that’s all that matters. Moving on, I have mentioned before, every time I pick against Utah State they show up and win (see BYU). But when I pick them to win, they drop the ball (pun intended) and get smoked (a la Louisiana Tech). I think that it must be a microcosm of being a team with a young coach and are beginning their climb up. Part of me wants them to join the Mountain West so as to provide a close rival to Boise State and to gage their improvement as the years go by. Utah State plays well at home and I think has a shot to win this one. Hawai’i just came off of an emotional win and there is always a let down the next week (see South Carolina over Alabama and their next game at Kentucky. It did not go well for the Gamecocks). I think emotionally, the biggest difference will be on defense for Hawai’i. They won’t play as solid as they did last week. Still, the Rainbow Warriors are too good to get punked by the Aggies, even on the road and even after a huge win.
Prediction: Rainbow Warriors 34, Aggies 28

Saturday, October 23 at 6 PM

4-2 (2-1 WAC)
at

1-6 (0-2 WAC)
The Bulldogs got back to their winning ways by unceremoniously dispatching of the New Mexico State Aggies at home. They continue the sleep-walking part of their conference schedule as they travel up north a little ways to take on the (not so) mighty Spartans. I guess you could consider this season a little bit of a disappointment for Fresno State. They won a big game at home against Cincinnati, but then lost at Ole’ Miss and at home to Hawai’i. It looks like at best a third place finish in the WAC for the Bulldogs. Coach Pat Hill is trying to establish their identity as a tough, run-first offense. I just don’t know if they have the running back to do that (Ryan Mathews is gone). Plus, unleash Ryan Colburn a little bit more, he can get you points through the air, provided that at some point Winston Venable doesn’t drop out of the sky on top of him. San Jose State just got owned at home by Boise State. How does only 80 yards of offense sound (-12 on the ground)? Plus they lost yet another starter as Muldrow went down and came back on crutches. This will be another loss for the Spartans. Maybe this time they can avoid getting their colorguard trampled by the opposing team as they run onto the field (an investigation by the police, really?) If they can keep that from happening, then they will have at least improved since last week.
Prediction: Bulldogs 38, Spartans 13

Thursday, October 21 at 7 PM

3-3 (1-2 PAC 10)
at

6-0 (3-0 PAC 10)
I figured since Oregon is one of the teams that Boise State is chasing in the polls and BCS Rankings, it would only be appropriate to pick the winner and score of one of their games. I think that this is an interesting match up for a couple of reasons. The Bruins are averaging 223 yards per game on the ground (that is 100% the reason they destroyed Texas in Austin earlier this year) and the Ducks give up 127 per game (remember, they have played Washington State (91 rush yards), Portland State (74), and New Mexico (25). None have anything close to decent running backs). Against Stanford they gave up 177, Tennessee 182, and Arizona State 210. So UCLA could have a big game on the ground. I do not see them being able to stop the high-powered Oregon offense at all, so they will need to outscore them. I, however, do not see this happening. The Ducks will be too much at home and will push their record to 7-0.
Prediction: Ducks, 42, Bruins 21

Saturday, October 23 at 12 PM

2-5 (0-3 MWC)
at

2-5 (1-2 MWC)
This one will probably be a pillow fight. Both teams come limping into to this contest having lost last weekend. The Cowboys got taken to the woodshed by Utah at home and the Cougars were skunked by TCU on the road. It is obviously more disappointing for BYU as they are used to having success and being in the top 25 or at least right on the threshold. It did seem, however, that they were able to hold their own against the Horned Frogs for the first half and part of the second half. JJ DiLuigi is their only offensive weapon, but he is a good one. Wyoming is having a really bad season. They have never really been all that good, but at least they would put up a fight sometimes. They average scoring 11.6 points a game, which is good for second to last in the nation (San Jose State owns the top spot!). This one should be a fairly easy victory for the Cougars as they are at home.
Prediction: Cougars 35, Cowboys 20

Saturday, October 23 at 1:30 PM

7-0 (4-0 SEC)
at

7-0 (4-0 SEC)
Yep, that’s right. I am going to attempt another Auburn game. They burnt me last week much in the same way that they did Arkansas. How’s dropping 65 on a SEC defense for ya’?! However, they did give up 43 at the same time. That will be the best part of the game. LSU’s terrible offensive versus Auburn’s terrible defense. Which one will be less terrible? That is the question. At the same time, the Tigers (from Auburn) bring in one of the best offenses in the nation to take on the Tigers (from LSU) and their extremely stingy defense. It should be exciting all around. Les Miles better not pull anything like he did against Tennessee or his squad from Baton Rouge will be in trouble. Another interesting thing about this game is how it affects Boise State. Both teams are right on the heals of the Broncos and whoever wins might pass them. Also, the loser will drop back in the rankings and probably won’t be much of a factor anymore. This will definitely be one worth watching. At home, I think the Tigers get it done.
Prediction: Tigers (of Auburn) 28, Tigers (of LSU) 24

Saturday, October 32 at 1:30 PM

5-1 (2-1 Big 12)
at

5-2 (2-1 Big 12)
I don't want to say very much about this contest. Kansas State isn't as good as they think they are and Baylor is better than they are made out to be.
Upset Special!
Prediction: Bears 35, Wildcats 28

Record coming into this week: 25-10

Alright, there we have it! Make sure you check back in tomorrow for my take on the Oregon versus UCLA game and probably a rant or two! Go Broncos!

WAC Weekend Recap, Week 6

There were some good games to watch this weekend in the WAC. Also, I have successfully picked the upset special two weeks in a row. Although, I will admit that this week's decision of choosing South Carolina over Alabama was due to purely selfish reasons. If Alabama loses then Boise State moves back up in the polls. Ask and ye shall receive baby! Let's get started with reviewing this weekend's action.

Utah State Aggies at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
My prediction was Aggies win 28 to 24
Final score: Bulldogs 24, Aggies 6
Alright, fine Utah State! I give up! You guys are killing me! Two weeks in a row I have picked the opposite of what went down on the field. Enough with the Jekyll and Hyde garbage. Will you just play consistent please? You would make my life a lot easier. After owning the BYU Cougars at home in week 5, Utah State laid a complete egg on the road at Louisiana Tech. This game wasn't even close. 197 yards of total offense, 5 of 15 on third down conversions, and only 13 first downs is not going to get it done Aggies. LA Tech isn't even that good. Sigh...They did, however, look like the better team as QB Ross Jenkins threw for 149 yards and a score. Even more impressive was the running gain. LA Tech amassed 278 yards on the ground, led by Lennon Creer who gained 120 himself. Next week the Bulldogs host the Idaho Vandals and the Aggies have the week off (Good, it will give them time to think about what they are doing to me!).

New Mexico Lobos at New Mexico State Aggies
My prediction was Aggies win 24 to 17
Final score: Aggies 16, Lobos 14
In what must of been a complete waste of time to even consider watching, the New Mexico State Aggies claimed their first victory of the season. Both these teams are so bad and now have a combined record of 1-10. The Lobos actually outgained the Aggies in total yardage 274 to 206, but it was their 5 turnovers that did them in, one of which was a fumble recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. It makes sense that the offenses wouldn't be able to get it done. The winning score was a late 22 yard field goal by New Mexico State's Tyler Stampler with 1:56 left on the clock. I'm sure Stampler was mauled and dogpiled on by his teammates in celebration. At the same time, the citizens of Las Cruces peed themselves out of sheer excitement and surprise and then proceeded to drink themselves silly throughout the victorious night. The Lobos will host San Diego State in two weeks. In the meantime, they will lick their wounds and not go into public for fear of being tarred and feathered. The Aggies travel to take on the Fresno State Bulldogs next weekend.

Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors at Fresno State Bulldogs
My prediction was Bulldogs win 45 to 38
Final score: Rainbow Warriors 49, Bulldogs 27
What the heck happened? Suddenly Hawai'i is hearkening back to the days of Timmy Chang or Colt Brennan. They outgained and outplayed the Bulldogs in every aspect of the game. Bryant Moniz threw for only 376 yards this time, a step down from his 532 against Louisiana Tech last week. The Rainbow Warriors did only amass 96 yards rushing, and I don't even know how or why they got that many. Just throw the ball, that's all you're good at anyway. The Bulldog secondary could not control Greg Salas and his friends at wide receiver. 3 turnovers were too much for Fresno State to overcome, even with QB Ryan Colburn throwing for 258 yards. He accounted for the 3 turnovers, all of them interceptions. It seems like it was an off night for Fresno, and it was a bad moment to have one of those. At the same time, Hawai'i is turning into a pretty scary team. Boise State better have their secondary in tip-top form when the Rainbow Warriors come into town. Next week, Hawai'i will host a dangerous Nevada Wolfpack squad and Fresno State will look to rebound at home against the New Mexico State Aggies.

San Jose State Spartans at Nevada Wolfpack
My prediction was the Wolfpack wins 52 to 14
Final score: Wolfpack 35, Spartans 13
Nevada mailed this one in for sure. There is absolutely no way they shouldn't have dropped at least 50 on a really bad San Jose State team. This game was really close at halftime at 21-13. Somehow San Jose State was able to gain 372 yards total, 194 through the air and 178 rushing. They did have 3 turnovers, however, 2 interceptions and 1 lost fumble. The Spartans did not play particularly well, but were able to keep the game close throughout. Nevada running back Vai Taua was a beast (like always)! He rushed for 196 yards and 3 touchdowns. Just another typical night for Mr. Taua. The Wolfpack is much better than they played Saturday night. It seems like they took the night off. They will need to regroup and play much better next week at Hawai'i in order to avoid a devastating loss. Do not expect Nevada to play this poorly when Boise State goes into Reno in November. For their next game, the San Jose State Spartans host the Broncos on Saturday in northern California. Can anyone say slaughter!?

Alabama Crimson Tide at South Carolina Gamecocks
UPSET SPECIAL FULFILLED!!!!
My prediction was Gamecocks win 21 to 17
Final score: Gamecocks 35, Crimson Tide 21
Bronco Chase's upset special strikes again! Two weeks in a row now as a matter of fact. I did, however, underestimate how good of a team South Carolina was. They dominated in many ways and were able to control the game from the beginning. In fact, coming into this contest, the most points that Alabama had given up this season was 20. It is now 35. Embattled Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia had a great night and threw for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns. Like I said, my reasons for picking this upset was so that Boise State could move back up in the polls. Well they did and the Crimson Tide fell back to 8th. Next week Alabama hosts Ole' Miss and South Carolina travels to take on the Kentucky Wildcats. I would be scared if I were Ole' Miss. Alabama has a lot of anger to take out.

Previous week's total: 18-5
This week (including Boise State's win over Toledo):4-2
Overall: 22-7

The Broncos have moved back up to number 3 in the nation in both the AP poll and the USA Today poll (see it for yourself here on espn.com). They received 8 first place votes in the AP and even better, 1 in the USA Today. This marks the first time that Boise State has gotten a first place vote from USA Today. Yeah baby! Even more exciting, the BCS rankings come out next Sunday and as of yesterday, it is projected that Boise State will be number 1! That is awesome, but do not expect it to last. I think that as the weeks go by and the Broncos continue to play the weakest part of their schedule, their point total that is spit out by the BCS computers will get lower and they will get passed by other schools. As long as they continue to win, they should be number 3 or 4 by season's end. But if combinations of teams like Oregon, Ohio State, TCU, Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma, and/or Nebraska lose, Boise State will be looking really good and should retain the 1st or 2nd ranking. I still remain convinced that chaos needs to happen in the BCS conferences and the "right" teams need to lose in order for them to get into the National Championship game. With that said, being ranked number 1 to start it out will help a lot as they work towards their final goal of a at least a BCS Bowl game.

Keep checking back in to see what else Bronco Chase has to share! There is always something that strikes me as interesting and I always blog about it.

This is a pretty cool drawing of Bronco Stadium. Enjoy!

Weekend Picks, 4th Edition (6th Weekend of the Season)

Here we go again! I definitely think that this weekend has some better games and match ups than last week had. The most exciting of which should be Hawai'i at Fresno State. The most intriguing will be Utah State at Louisiana Tech. On the other side of things, New Mexico plays at New Mexico State in what will for sure be a complete snooze fest of teams that refuse to play anything close to competitive football. The best part of the weekend, in my humble opinion, is that Idaho has a bye. So I don't have to look at their ugly golden "I" logo as I upload it into the post. Anyway, let's get to it and see what we have on the docket!

Saturday, October 9 at 2 PM

at

The Aggies took it to an underwhelming BYU team last weekend and dominated every aspect of the game. This is what we expected from Utah State from the beginning. Diondre Borel looks like he is hitting his stride just in time to start conference play. Utah State's offensive and defensive numbers are still middle of the pack nationally, but they seem to be picking up momentum and could push for some upper-tier stats come season end. On the other hand, Louisiana Tech is even worse when it comes to offensive and defensive output, and without question are having a down year. It looks like the Bulldogs have settled with Colby Cameron as their starting quarterback (for now) and he is way behind the yardage pace compared to most quarterbacks nationally. On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs cannot stop anybody. In fact they are saved from being in last place in the WAC thanks to an even worse New Mexico State team. However, LA Tech does play tough at home. I hate picking Utah State to lose because of the performance they put on last Friday...Nope. Sorry, I can't do it.
Prediction: Aggies 28, Bulldogs 24

Saturday, October 9 at 6 PM

at

It is an understatement to say that the status of Division-1 football in the state of New Mexico is nothing short of sliver-under-the-nail-because-of-scraping-the-bottom-of-the-barrel-so-hard horrible. The Lobos are 0-5 and the Aggies are 0-4. The difference is New Mexico can actually score some points every now and then. Last week they lost at home to UTEP 38 to 20. Then again, they rank almost dead last in every offensive and defensive category. QB Tarean Austin plays as ugly as his name is. The Aggies are no better as far as stats and numbers go, but they are giving up less points per game (46 to 52.6). My head is spinning just thinking about how bad I want to avoid watching this contest! Tanner Rust will be the starting QB due to a Matt Christian shoulder injury he sustained against Boise State last week. New Mexico State is favored by 3 points, and I have no idea how they decided that or who to choose as the winner. I think I will go with the home team as the WAC takes another decisive victory over the Mountain West (laughs out loud as he types)!
Prediction: Aggies 24, Lobos 17

Saturday, October 9 at 10 PM

at

Fresno State comes off a disappointing win over FBS neighbor Cal Poly. They still got the "W," but it was not as dominating as it should have been. We'll call it a hangover from the physically tough loss at Ole' Miss the weekend before. Looking at their numbers this year, I can't help but think of how the Bulldogs are constantly winning, putting up great stats, and always making it close to the top of the college football world, but they can't quite push themselves up. Maybe the move to the Mountain West will help. At the same time the Rainbow Warriors blow my mind. They put up gaudy offensive numbers year in and year out, but with the exception of the 2007 season, cannot do diddly squat on defense. Pizza delivery boy turned quarterback Bryant Moniz threw for 532 yards and 4 touchdowns last week, which is good, but it was especially important because the defense gave up 21 points to a crappy Louisiana Tech offensive unit. Mind sufficiently blown. It will not be as easy for Moniz this week against a respectable Bulldog secondary. Fresno State is favored by 11.5 in this one. It should be a little bit closer than that.
Prediction: Bulldogs 45, Rainbow Warriors 38

Saturday, October 9 at 8:30 PM

at

"Like a lamb to the slaughter..." That is how the Spartans have to be feeling right now. After blowing a 13-0 lead at halftime last week at home to FBS mainstay UC Davis and losing 14-13, they have to be completely demoralized. As they travel to Reno, their eyes must be wide and filled with the poisonous dread of their impending doom. Remember the good ol' days when San Jose State was a pretty formidable opponent, especially at home? That was back when Dick Tomey was the head coach and not making peoples' ears bleed from having to listen to him on the WAC Sports Network. They rank dead last in points scored per game at 9.8. The Wolfpack are rolling as QB Colin "Bird Leg" Kaepernick is thrust into national recognition. There is even a story on him on si.com. It's actually pretty cool. Check it out. Anyway, this will be nothing short of a bloodbath. Enough said.
Prediction: Wolfpack 52, Spartans 14

The moment you have all been patiently been waiting for!!!!!
Saturday, October 9 at 6 PM

at

I must admit that I do not know very much about Toledo. Boise State doesn't either as this will be the first meeting between the two schools. They don't even really recruit the same kids. Here is what I have gathered about the Rockets; they are 3-0 on the road, but 0-2 at home. Their most impressive win was at Purdue, a Big 10 team (winning on the road against a BCS school is a difficult thing to do, regardless of how bad said BCS is perceived to be. Ask Fresno State how the Ole' Miss game went for them). However, last week they lost 20-15 to Wyoming at home. They have a freak athlete at wide receiver named Eric Page, who was a freshman All-American last season and is on pace to score a lot of touchdowns this year. They also have a tackling machine at linebacker named Archie Donald. Actually, he also has 2 interceptions to go along with the 52 tackles that he has amounted so far. Their mascot is the Rockets. That is it. According to si.com, they score an average of 21 points a game and give up 23.6. I can say that the Toledo rockets are not the New Mew Mexico State Aggies. What I mean is they will put up a fight a lot more than NMSU did. QB Austin Dantin had been the starter but was benched last week against Wyoming for freshman Terrance Owens. Either way expect the Rockets to find ways to get the ball into the hands of play maker Eric Page. The Broncos will not be able to rush the ball as easily as last week with Donald lurking behind the defensive line. Like normal, expect them to set up the run with the pass, run it a bunch, and then go deep off of some play action looks. They will however, find their wide receivers open plenty of times in Toledo's 103rd ranked pass defense. Boise State will need to force some turnovers and capitalize off of them in order to win in the way that they are expected to. I am looking for/hoping that interceptions become plentiful for the Broncos. As long as Coach Pete continues to prepare himself and his players the same way he always does, this should be a convincing victory for Boise State.
Prediction: Broncos 45, Rockets 12

Overall record: 18-5

Bonus pick:
Saturday, October 9 at 1:30 PM

at

I won't say much other than this is a trap game for Alabama. After a physical contest against Florida last week, the Crimson Tide is at its most vulnerable and has to travel to Columbia to take on a ranked Gamecock squad. I know that Alabama looks unbeatable, but the SEC is tough week in and week out. I do not think that they will play as well as they have been so far this season, and South Carolina will hope to take advantage of that. If the Gamecocks play the game of their lives, capitalize off of Crimson Tide mistakes, and don't make any of their own, they can win this game. I feel like I'm going out on a limb here a little bit, but the circumstances are right for the top ranked team to take a dive.
Upset Special!
Prediction: Gamecocks 21, Crimson Tide 17

That is it for this week! Make sure you come back tomorrow and see who I choose as my Weekly Player to Watch!