There isn’t much criteria for picking who gets the nod here other than performing really well in a bowl game. I didn’t take whether or not their team won or lost into consideration unless it was really close between two players. The winner always trumps the loser. Let me know if there is anybody that you feel I have left off the list or how you feel about those that are on it.
Offense:
*QB* - Landry Jones, Oklahoma Sooners: 34-49, 429 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT in win over UConn in the Fiesta Bowl
*RB* - Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State Aztecs: 28 carries, 228 yards, 3 TD in win over Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl
*RB* - Mikel Leshoure, Illinois Fighting Illini: 29 carries, 184 yards, 3 TD in win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl
*WR* - Marcus Sales, Syracuse Orange: 5 catches, 172 yards, 3 TD in win over Kansas State in the Pinstripe Bowl
*WR* - Austin Pettis, Boise State Broncos: 12 catches, 147 yards, 1 TD in win over Utah in Las Vegas Bowl
*TE* - Coby Fleener, Stanford Cardinal: 6 catches, 173 yards, 3 TD in win over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl
*OL* - Mike Pouncey, Florida Gators: Win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl
*OL* - Marcus Cannon, TCU Horned Frogs: Win over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl
*OL* - Nate Potter, Boise State Broncos: Win over Utah in Las Vegas Bowl
*OL* - Michael Brewster, Ohio State Buckeyes: Win over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl
*OL* - Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin Badgers: Loss to TCU in the Rose Bowl
Defense:
*DL* - Nick Fairley, Auburn Tigers: Win over Oregon in the National Championship Game
*DL* - Billy Winn, Boise State Broncos: Win over Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl
*DL* – Antoine Carter, Auburn Tigers: Win over Oregon in the National Championship Game
*DL* - Brandon Jenkins, Florida State Seminoles: Win over South Carolina in the Chik-fil-A Bowl
*LB* - Casey Matthews, Oregon Ducks: Loss to Auburn in the National Championship Game
*LB* - Tank Carder, TCU Horned Frogs: Win over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl
*LB* - Owen Marecic, Stanford Cardinal: Win over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl
*DB* - Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech Hokies: Loss to Stanford in the Orange Bowl
*DB* - Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma Sooners: Win over UConn in the Fiesta Bowl
*DB* - Winston Venable, Boise State Broncos: Win over Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl
*DB* - Greg Reid, Florida State Seminoles: Win over South Carolina in the Chik-fil-A Bowl
Special Teams:
*PK* - Wes Byrum, Auburn Tigers: Win over Oregon in the National Championship Game
*P* – Dan Bailey, Oklahoma State Cowboys: Win over Arizona in the Alamo Bowl
*KR* - Rishard Matthews, Nevada Wolfpack: Win over Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
There you are. It gets pretty difficult to pick offensive lineman because they don't produce stats. I just had to think about the elite defensive players that they went up against and whether or not they shut them down. Again, let me know if there was anybody I missed or if you think someone does not deserve to be on the list.
Showing posts with label Oklahoma Sooners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oklahoma Sooners. Show all posts
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Which is a Better BroncoTeam, 2009 or 2010?
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!
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!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Bronco Chase's Bowl Picks, 6th Edition
Now that's more like it! I have been suffering some tough bowl pick losses lately and I really needed a good day to make me feel better. I sure got it. I started off the new year at 4-0 before settling down to watch the two BCS Bowls that we were graciously offered by ESPN. TCU won the Rose Bowl. It was a great game and a few mistakes by Wisconsin (missed field goal, bad clock management at the end of the first half) cost them the game. Congratulations to the Horned Frogs. They won it for the non-AQ schools. Next came the Fiesta Bowl. Oklahoma found themselves in another lose/lose situation. If they win the game, then everybody says "Well they were supposed to. No biggee." But if the Sooners lose, the consensus is "They suck." But they took care of business and finally won a BCS game for Bob Stoops after 5 failed attempts. It was one of those games where Oklahoma dominated, but UConn hung around enough to not allow me to turn off the TV. Frustrating. I would venture to say this the Huskies are one of the worst teams to ever play in a BCS Bowl (2006 Pitt, 2008 Hawai'i). Another observation; did you notice that the vaunted SEC was 0-3 in bowl games before January 1st? Well things changed when Alabama blew out Michigan State, Mississippi State owned Michigan, and Florida hung tough against Penn State to send Urban Meyer off on a good note. Good for them. The conference really needed that boost. Anyway, let's recap the action and go from there.
TicketCity Bowl
My prediction was Texas Tech wins 35 to 28
Final score: Red Raiders 45, Wildcats 38
Outback Bowl
My prediction was Florida wins 24 to 21
Final score: Gators 37, Nittany Lions 24
Capital One Bowl
My prediction was Alabama wins 31 to 21
Final score: Crimson Tide 49, Spartans 7
Gator Bowl
My prediction was Mississippi State wins 35 to 34
Final score: Bulldogs 52, Wolverines 14
Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO
My prediction was TCU wins 21 to 18
Final score: Horned Frogs 21, Badgers 19
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
My prediction was Oklahoma wins 38 to 21
Final score: Sooners 48, Huskies 20
Batch total: 6-0
Bowl totals: 17-11
Season total: 82-28
__________________________
As a reminder: if the word "prediction" has stars, then it is an upset. It will look like this:
*Prediction*:
Also, I have analyzed some of the games with a write up, but not all of them. I wrote on all the bowls were WAC teams are involved and the BCS Bowls. The others just have when, where, the bowl name, who's playing, and a score prediction. Finally, I am including these bowls in my season long record.
January 3rd at 6:30 PM
Discover Orange Bowl
Miami, Florida
(11-1, 8-1 Pac 10)
vs.
(11-2, 8-0 ACC)
Line: Stanford favored by 3
I am really looking forward to this game. The Hokies have won 11 straight games after starting the season 0-2. The Cardinal’s only loss came at Autzen Stadium against Oregon. Both squads are playing extremely well and the Orange Bowl should be an epic clash. Virginia Tech is famous for their great defenses, but this year has been a down one for many people. I think Stanford actually has the better defense in this game. In college football, I would take Tyrod Taylor over Andrew Luck as far as play-making goes. Plus, the Hokies have three very talented and explosive running backs. The game will be close. The Cardinal will make enough stops throughout and possess the ball to keep Taylor off the field.
Prediction: Cardinal 24, Hokies 21
January 4th at 6:30 PM
AllState Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, Louisiana
(11-1, 7-1 Big 10)
vs.
(10-2, 6-2 SEC)
Line: Ohio State favored by 4
Arkansas earned their BCS Bowl the hard way this year. They faced a tough schedule and came out on top, losing only to Auburn and Alabama along the way. Ryan Mallett at quarterback is tough for anyone to stop, as well as the Hogs great receiving core. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, have had a significantly week schedule and lost to the toughest team they played, which was Wisconsin. Still, Ohio States plays very well on defense and has the offense to compliment it well. Terrelle Pryor is developing into a very good pocket passer that uses his legs only when necessary. The Buckeyes are too talented and deep to lose this game. 2 BCS Bowl wins in a row for Jim Tressel. But more importantly, the Buckeyes finally beat an SEC team in a BCS Bowl game.
Prediction: Buckeyes 31, Razorbacks 24
January 6th at 6 PM
GoDaddy.com Bowl
Mobile, Alabama
6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt)
vs.
(9-4, 7-1 MAC)
Line: Miami (OH) favored by 2
Prediction: Redhawks 28, Blue Raiders 24
January 7th at 6 PM
AT&T Cotton Bowl
Arlington, Texas
(10-2, 6-2 SEC)
vs.
(9-3, 6-2 Big 12)
Line: LSU favored by 1
*Prediction*: Aggies 24, Tigers 21
January 8th at 10 AM
BBVA Compass Bowl
Birmingham, Alabama
(7-5, 5-2 Big East)
vs.
(6-6, 2-6 SEC)
Line: Pittsburgh favored by 3
Prediction: Panthers 31, Wildcats 21
January 9th at 7 PM
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
San Francisco, California
(12-1, 7-1 WAC)
vs.
(7-5, 4-4 ACC)
Line: Nevada favored by 10
The Eagles started off the season poorly. They were at 2-5 before rattling off 5 wins in a row to finish the season and secure a spot in a bowl game. It was their rugged defense against the run (top ranked in the nation) that has allowed them to get to this point. What is their reward? The top ranked rushing offense and one of the most prolific in the history of college football. It is strength against strength in San Francisco and it should be a lower scoring affair than one would think with the Nevada Wolfpack in the game. Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua will do enough to put their squad on top, even with a great Boston College defense trying to stop him. Colin Kaepernick is 0-3 as a starter in bowl games. He has already gotten the Boise State monkey off of his back, can he do the same thing in San Francisco? This will be his year. (On a side note, I hate Boston College. This one is personal.)
Prediction: Wolfpack 28, Eagles 21
Bowl totals: 17-11
Season total: 82-28
If you are paying attention, you know that I have only 1 bowl game left to pick, and it is the National Championship between Oregon and Auburn. I will be posting that as well as a detailed preview and analysis of the match up and what it means for college football. Until then, enjoy the end of a fantastic season and stay tuned to Bronco Chase for some stories, analysis, ideas, and whatever else I come up with.
TicketCity Bowl
My prediction was Texas Tech wins 35 to 28
Final score: Red Raiders 45, Wildcats 38
Outback Bowl
My prediction was Florida wins 24 to 21
Final score: Gators 37, Nittany Lions 24
Capital One Bowl
My prediction was Alabama wins 31 to 21
Final score: Crimson Tide 49, Spartans 7
Gator Bowl
My prediction was Mississippi State wins 35 to 34
Final score: Bulldogs 52, Wolverines 14
Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO
My prediction was TCU wins 21 to 18
Final score: Horned Frogs 21, Badgers 19
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
My prediction was Oklahoma wins 38 to 21
Final score: Sooners 48, Huskies 20
Batch total: 6-0
Bowl totals: 17-11
Season total: 82-28
__________________________
As a reminder: if the word "prediction" has stars, then it is an upset. It will look like this:
*Prediction*:
Also, I have analyzed some of the games with a write up, but not all of them. I wrote on all the bowls were WAC teams are involved and the BCS Bowls. The others just have when, where, the bowl name, who's playing, and a score prediction. Finally, I am including these bowls in my season long record.
January 3rd at 6:30 PM
Discover Orange Bowl
Miami, Florida
(11-1, 8-1 Pac 10)
vs.
(11-2, 8-0 ACC)
Line: Stanford favored by 3
I am really looking forward to this game. The Hokies have won 11 straight games after starting the season 0-2. The Cardinal’s only loss came at Autzen Stadium against Oregon. Both squads are playing extremely well and the Orange Bowl should be an epic clash. Virginia Tech is famous for their great defenses, but this year has been a down one for many people. I think Stanford actually has the better defense in this game. In college football, I would take Tyrod Taylor over Andrew Luck as far as play-making goes. Plus, the Hokies have three very talented and explosive running backs. The game will be close. The Cardinal will make enough stops throughout and possess the ball to keep Taylor off the field.
Prediction: Cardinal 24, Hokies 21
January 4th at 6:30 PM
AllState Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, Louisiana
(11-1, 7-1 Big 10)
vs.
(10-2, 6-2 SEC)
Line: Ohio State favored by 4
Arkansas earned their BCS Bowl the hard way this year. They faced a tough schedule and came out on top, losing only to Auburn and Alabama along the way. Ryan Mallett at quarterback is tough for anyone to stop, as well as the Hogs great receiving core. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, have had a significantly week schedule and lost to the toughest team they played, which was Wisconsin. Still, Ohio States plays very well on defense and has the offense to compliment it well. Terrelle Pryor is developing into a very good pocket passer that uses his legs only when necessary. The Buckeyes are too talented and deep to lose this game. 2 BCS Bowl wins in a row for Jim Tressel. But more importantly, the Buckeyes finally beat an SEC team in a BCS Bowl game.
Prediction: Buckeyes 31, Razorbacks 24
January 6th at 6 PM
GoDaddy.com Bowl
Mobile, Alabama
6-6, 5-3 Sun Belt)
vs.
(9-4, 7-1 MAC)
Line: Miami (OH) favored by 2
Prediction: Redhawks 28, Blue Raiders 24
January 7th at 6 PM
AT&T Cotton Bowl
Arlington, Texas
(10-2, 6-2 SEC)
vs.
(9-3, 6-2 Big 12)
Line: LSU favored by 1
*Prediction*: Aggies 24, Tigers 21
January 8th at 10 AM
BBVA Compass Bowl
Birmingham, Alabama
(7-5, 5-2 Big East)
vs.
(6-6, 2-6 SEC)
Line: Pittsburgh favored by 3
Prediction: Panthers 31, Wildcats 21
January 9th at 7 PM
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
San Francisco, California
(12-1, 7-1 WAC)
vs.
(7-5, 4-4 ACC)
Line: Nevada favored by 10
The Eagles started off the season poorly. They were at 2-5 before rattling off 5 wins in a row to finish the season and secure a spot in a bowl game. It was their rugged defense against the run (top ranked in the nation) that has allowed them to get to this point. What is their reward? The top ranked rushing offense and one of the most prolific in the history of college football. It is strength against strength in San Francisco and it should be a lower scoring affair than one would think with the Nevada Wolfpack in the game. Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua will do enough to put their squad on top, even with a great Boston College defense trying to stop him. Colin Kaepernick is 0-3 as a starter in bowl games. He has already gotten the Boise State monkey off of his back, can he do the same thing in San Francisco? This will be his year. (On a side note, I hate Boston College. This one is personal.)
Prediction: Wolfpack 28, Eagles 21
Bowl totals: 17-11
Season total: 82-28
If you are paying attention, you know that I have only 1 bowl game left to pick, and it is the National Championship between Oregon and Auburn. I will be posting that as well as a detailed preview and analysis of the match up and what it means for college football. Until then, enjoy the end of a fantastic season and stay tuned to Bronco Chase for some stories, analysis, ideas, and whatever else I come up with.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Bronco Chase's Bowl Picks, 5th Edition
I'm getting worse. These bowl games are hard to pick sometimes. Who would have thought that Nebraska was going to come out and lay a complete egg against a Washington team that they crushed by 40 points earlier in the season? Who knew that Georgia's offense was as putrid and ugly as their live mascot Uga VII? (Well, I did, actually). Anyway, I will rethink this next batch and make some better, more educated guesses. But first, here is the recap of what happened since my last post. Enjoy!
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
My prediction was SMU wins 28 to 24
Final score: Black Knights 16, Mustangs 14
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
My prediction was Kansas State wins 24 to 21
Final score: Orange 36, Wildcats 34
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
My prediction was North Carolina wins 28 to 23
Final score: Tarheels 30, Volunteers 27 (Overtime)
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl
My prediction was Nebraska wins 41 to 21
Final score: Huskies 19, Cornhuskers 7
Meineke Car Care Bowl
My prediction was South Florida wins 24 to 23
Final score: Bulls 31, Tigers 26
Hyundai Sun Bowl
My prediction was Miami wins 28 to 24
Final score: Fighting Irish 33, Hurricanes 17
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
My prediction was Central Florida wins 24 to 21
Final score: Knights 10, Bulldogs 6
Chick-fil-A Bowl
My prediction was Florida State wins 31 to 28
Final score: Seminoles 26, Gamecocks 17
Batch total: 4-4
Bowl totals: 11-11
Season total: 76-28
_______________________________
As a reminder: if the word "prediction" has stars, then it is an upset. It will look like this:
*Prediction*:
Also, I have analyzed some of the games with a write up, but not all of them. I wrote on all the bowls were WAC teams are involved and the BCS Bowls. The others just have when, where, the bowl name, who's playing, and a score prediction. Finally, I am including these bowls in my season long record.
January 1st at 10 AM
TicketCity Bowl
Dallas, Texas
(7-5, 3-5 Big 10)
vs.
(7-5, 3-5 Big 12)
Line: Red Raiders favored by 10
Prediction: Red Raiders 35, Wildcats 28
January 1st at 11 AM
Outback Bowl
Tampa, Florida
(7-5, 4-4 SEC)
vs.
(7-5, 4-4 Big 10)
Line: Florida favored by 7
Prediction: Gators 24, Nittany Lions 21
January 1st at 11 AM
Capital One Bowl
Orlando, Florida
(9-3, 5-3 SEC)
vs.
(11-1, 7-1 Big 10)
Line: Crimson Tide favored by 10
Prediction: Crimson Tide 31, Spartans 21
January 1st at 11:30 PM
Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, Florida
(8-4, 4-4 SEC)
vs.
(7-5, 3-5 Big 10)
Line: Bulldogs favored by 5
Prediction: Bulldogs 35, Wolverines 34
January 1st at 3 PM
Rose Bowl Game Presented by VIZIO
Pasadena, California
(11-1, 7-1 Big 10)
vs.
(12-0, 8-0 MWC)
Line: Horned Frogs favored by 3
This looks to be a defensive battle, much like the TCU vs. Boise State bowl games in the past two years. With that said, both the Badgers and the Horned Frogs bring great offenses into this game. They both score an average of 43.3 points a game, and are quite stingy on the other side of the ball. TCU and Wisconsin have the athletes on defense to shut down opponents and the skill and execution necessary on offense to put lots of points on the board. I see this one as a fairly low scoring game, with plenty of third down stops and punts. It might not be the prettiest of bowl games, but it will be great to watch if you are a fine of hard-nosed, smash mouth football. The Frogs are a good team. Not as good as last year, but still very talented and well coached. The Badgers rely a lot on the legs of John Clay. Unfortunately for them, TCU is very good at stopping the run.
Prediction: Horned Frogs 21, Badgers 18
January 1st at 6:30 PM
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, Arizona
(8-4, 5-2 Big East)
vs.
(11-2, 6-2 Big 12)
Line: Sooners favored by 17
What can I say? The Big East gives us another average team and Oklahoma is forced to take the field against a big underdog in a BCS Bowl. Which Sooner team will show up? Bob Stoops has lost his mojo as his team has gone 0-5 in his last 5 BCS games, and 2-5 overall. They should be able to handle the Huskies easily, but the same thing was said when they played Boise State and West Virginia in their last two Fiesta Bowl appearances. With this pick, I am hoping that Oklahoma actually shows up and plays, not just take the field expecting to win without putting forth the effort. UConn will be scrappy and determined, but it won’t be enough. There is a huge talent disparity here.
Prediction: Sooners 38, Huskies 21
Bowl totals: 11-11
Season total: 76-28
Well there you have it. I sure hope I do better than the last two rounds. We will know tomorrow. Happy New Year everyone!
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
My prediction was SMU wins 28 to 24
Final score: Black Knights 16, Mustangs 14
New Era Pinstripe Bowl
My prediction was Kansas State wins 24 to 21
Final score: Orange 36, Wildcats 34
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
My prediction was North Carolina wins 28 to 23
Final score: Tarheels 30, Volunteers 27 (Overtime)
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl
My prediction was Nebraska wins 41 to 21
Final score: Huskies 19, Cornhuskers 7
Meineke Car Care Bowl
My prediction was South Florida wins 24 to 23
Final score: Bulls 31, Tigers 26
Hyundai Sun Bowl
My prediction was Miami wins 28 to 24
Final score: Fighting Irish 33, Hurricanes 17
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
My prediction was Central Florida wins 24 to 21
Final score: Knights 10, Bulldogs 6
Chick-fil-A Bowl
My prediction was Florida State wins 31 to 28
Final score: Seminoles 26, Gamecocks 17
Batch total: 4-4
Bowl totals: 11-11
Season total: 76-28
_______________________________
As a reminder: if the word "prediction" has stars, then it is an upset. It will look like this:
*Prediction*:
Also, I have analyzed some of the games with a write up, but not all of them. I wrote on all the bowls were WAC teams are involved and the BCS Bowls. The others just have when, where, the bowl name, who's playing, and a score prediction. Finally, I am including these bowls in my season long record.
January 1st at 10 AM
TicketCity Bowl
Dallas, Texas
(7-5, 3-5 Big 10)
vs.
(7-5, 3-5 Big 12)
Line: Red Raiders favored by 10
Prediction: Red Raiders 35, Wildcats 28
January 1st at 11 AM
Outback Bowl
Tampa, Florida
(7-5, 4-4 SEC)
vs.
(7-5, 4-4 Big 10)
Line: Florida favored by 7
Prediction: Gators 24, Nittany Lions 21
January 1st at 11 AM
Capital One Bowl
Orlando, Florida
(9-3, 5-3 SEC)
vs.
(11-1, 7-1 Big 10)
Line: Crimson Tide favored by 10
Prediction: Crimson Tide 31, Spartans 21
January 1st at 11:30 PM
Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, Florida
(8-4, 4-4 SEC)
vs.
(7-5, 3-5 Big 10)
Line: Bulldogs favored by 5
Prediction: Bulldogs 35, Wolverines 34
January 1st at 3 PM
Rose Bowl Game Presented by VIZIO
Pasadena, California
(11-1, 7-1 Big 10)
vs.
(12-0, 8-0 MWC)
Line: Horned Frogs favored by 3
This looks to be a defensive battle, much like the TCU vs. Boise State bowl games in the past two years. With that said, both the Badgers and the Horned Frogs bring great offenses into this game. They both score an average of 43.3 points a game, and are quite stingy on the other side of the ball. TCU and Wisconsin have the athletes on defense to shut down opponents and the skill and execution necessary on offense to put lots of points on the board. I see this one as a fairly low scoring game, with plenty of third down stops and punts. It might not be the prettiest of bowl games, but it will be great to watch if you are a fine of hard-nosed, smash mouth football. The Frogs are a good team. Not as good as last year, but still very talented and well coached. The Badgers rely a lot on the legs of John Clay. Unfortunately for them, TCU is very good at stopping the run.
Prediction: Horned Frogs 21, Badgers 18
January 1st at 6:30 PM
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, Arizona
(8-4, 5-2 Big East)
vs.
(11-2, 6-2 Big 12)
Line: Sooners favored by 17
What can I say? The Big East gives us another average team and Oklahoma is forced to take the field against a big underdog in a BCS Bowl. Which Sooner team will show up? Bob Stoops has lost his mojo as his team has gone 0-5 in his last 5 BCS games, and 2-5 overall. They should be able to handle the Huskies easily, but the same thing was said when they played Boise State and West Virginia in their last two Fiesta Bowl appearances. With this pick, I am hoping that Oklahoma actually shows up and plays, not just take the field expecting to win without putting forth the effort. UConn will be scrappy and determined, but it won’t be enough. There is a huge talent disparity here.
Prediction: Sooners 38, Huskies 21
Bowl totals: 11-11
Season total: 76-28
Well there you have it. I sure hope I do better than the last two rounds. We will know tomorrow. Happy New Year everyone!
Monday, December 6, 2010
WAC Weekend Recap, Week 14
I cannot believe that the season is over. It has gone by way too fast, as it always does. But we still have bowl season to look forward to! The WAC got four teams bowl eligible and all of them have accepted invites to play. As you all know, the WAC Champion is actually a three way tie this year: Boise State, Hawai'i, and Nevada. That means that the Broncos have won the title 8 out of the past 9 years. That is just ridiculous. Congrats to them and good luck in their upcoming move to the Mountain West. Anyway, let's get going recapping the weekend.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Fresno State Bulldogs
My prediction was Fresno State wins 35 to 31
Final score: Bulldogs 25, Fighting Illini 23
Fresno State got off to a quick start in this game and then did just enough to hold off Illinois at the end to take the "W." It was 16-0 by the time the first quarter ticked away its last second. This was a big win for Pat Hill and the Bulldogs because it got them to 8 wins for the year and silenced some of their critics, at least for the moment. Illinois is a very young team and will have plenty of success here in the next few years. Both teams are going to bowl games. Illinois takes on Baylor of the Big 12 in the Texas Bowl, which takes place on December 29th. Fresno State takes on Northern Illinois of the MAC in the uDrove Humanitarian Bowl on December 18th. Let's hope Fresno actually shows up this year for their bowl game...
Nevada Wolfpack at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
My prediction was Nevada wins 38 to 35
Final score: Wolfpack 35, Bulldogs 17
The Wolfpack was destined for a letdown after the emotions of beating Boise State the week before, and it happened. Well, it lasted for approximately the duration of the first half before pulling away and winning. Kaepernick and Taua both had huge games on the ground and were just too much for the Bulldogs. It has been an up and down season for Louisiana Tech and they will be watching bowl season from their own couches yet again. I think Sonny Dykes has something brewing down in Ruston. We will see in the next couple of years. Nevada earned themselves a date with the Boston College Eagles in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco on January 9th. That should be an interesting match up.
San Jose State Spartans at Idaho Vandals
My prediction was Idaho wins 42 to 28
Final score: Vandals 26, Spartans 23 (OT)
Idaho probably didn't deserve to win this game. Remember the weekend before when they were the more motivated team against Fresno State and narrowly came away with the upset? They were on the other side of things this time. San Jose State played better and actually had the lead at halftime. In overtime, San Jose State got a field goal and Idaho ended it with a touchdown. Too bad neither of these teams is going to a bowl game this year. The Vandals have 6 wins, but one came against an FCS opponent in North Dakota. Better luck next year.
UNLV Runnin' Rebels at Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
My prediction was Hawai'i wins 45 to 21
Final score: Rainbow Warriors 59, Runnin' Rebels 21
This game went exactly as I expected it to go. Hawai'i was obviously the better team and took it to UNLV from the start. The Runnin' Rebels, however, did put a couple of touchdowns up on the board late, most likely against the Rainbow Warriors' second and third stringers. Quarterback Bryant Moniz had a modest 380 yards passing. The heavy lifting was done by running back Alex Green, who had 136 yards on 15 carries. UNLV will not be going to a bowl this year as they have only two wins to their name. Too bad. Hawai'i, however, accepted their bid to the Hawai'i Bowl about a month ago. They will take on Tulse of Conference USA and it all goes down on Christmas Eve. It should be a good one because both teams are among the highest scoring in the nation.
Oregon Ducks at Oregon State Beavers
My prediction was Oregon wins 52 to 24
Final score: Ducks 37, Beavers 20
Oregon State hung around a lot more than I thought they were going to. Of course, Oregon still came out on top, but it wasn't as pretty as some of their other wins have been. What did the Beavers in was quarterback Ryan Katz's 3 interceptions. That and the fact that they couldn't stop LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner, who rushed for 134 and 133 yards respectively. Unfortunately for the Beavers, they will not be playing in a bowl game this year. That's too bad because they are actually a good team. They just ran into some tough competition early and lost a huge part of their offense when James Rodgers went down against Arizona. The Ducks have earned their spot in the National Championship Game and will face Auburn in Glendale, AZ on January 10th. I hope no one likes defense because there won't be much of it in this game!
Auburn Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
My prediction was Auburn wins 42 to 38
Final score: Tigers 56, Gamecocks 17
Auburn absolutely pasted South Carolina to win the SEC Championship game in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn't even a game, although it was disguised and promoted as one. Scam Newton played incredibly well, throwing for 335 yards and rushing 73 more. He is the team. Their defense can afford to gamble and basically suck because they know that Newton will just score and bail them out. The Gamecocks just had a really bad game, especially quarterback Stephen Garcia, he threw 2 interceptions. They will take on Florida State (another vanquished conference champion game opponent, this one from the ACC) in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia on December 31st. Maybe the Gamecocks can win in Atlanta this time around!
Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
My prediction was Virginia Tech wins 38 to 31
Final score: Hokies 44, Seminoles 33
Virginia Tech is really good. Imagine if they would not have lost to James Madison in their second game of the season...They probably would have ended up in the Orange Bowl anyway as the ACC Champion. The Hokies became the first team in FBS history to win 11 straight games after starting the season 0-2. I hope people are noticing this. Boise State beat Virginia Tech...Tyrod Taylor is amazing. I don't understand why he isn't getting more Heisman love for all that he has done this year and what he means to his team. Unfortunately for Florida State, their regular starting quarterback Christian Ponder wasn't able to play with an elbow injury. Back up EJ Manuel threw 2 interceptions. They can avenge themselves against South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia on December 31st. As I mentioned, Virginia Tech will play in the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida on January 3rd against the Stanford Cardinal.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
My prediction was Nebraska wins 35 to 34 in an upset special
Final score: Sooners 23, Cornhuskers 20
I really don't like Oklahoma, mainly because their coach Bob Stoops is a giant d-bag. Anyway, they managed to hold of Nebraska and score enough points to earn the win. I will give them credit for that. For the second year in a row, the 'Huskers fall short of the Big 12 title and are on their way to the Holiday Bowl. It's hard to pick an upset special when all the favored teams win. Oh well. Nebraska will face the Washington Huskies, whom they slaughtered earlier in the season in Seattle 56-21. The Holiday Bowl takes place in San Diego on 30th. Oklahoma will play Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona on January 1st. Let's see if Stoops can finally win a BCS Bowl Game. Here's to hoping he doesn't.
Record coming in: 57-16
This week (including Boise State's win over Utah State): 8-1
Total: 65-17
The regular season has ended, as you may have heard. I will be picking winners for all 35 bowl games. The first one takes place on December 18th, which is a Saturday. Look for the picks on either the 16th or the 17th. Make sure you check back in tomorrow and the rest of this week for more Boise State information. Let's go Broncos!
Illinois Fighting Illini at Fresno State Bulldogs
My prediction was Fresno State wins 35 to 31
Final score: Bulldogs 25, Fighting Illini 23
Fresno State got off to a quick start in this game and then did just enough to hold off Illinois at the end to take the "W." It was 16-0 by the time the first quarter ticked away its last second. This was a big win for Pat Hill and the Bulldogs because it got them to 8 wins for the year and silenced some of their critics, at least for the moment. Illinois is a very young team and will have plenty of success here in the next few years. Both teams are going to bowl games. Illinois takes on Baylor of the Big 12 in the Texas Bowl, which takes place on December 29th. Fresno State takes on Northern Illinois of the MAC in the uDrove Humanitarian Bowl on December 18th. Let's hope Fresno actually shows up this year for their bowl game...
Nevada Wolfpack at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
My prediction was Nevada wins 38 to 35
Final score: Wolfpack 35, Bulldogs 17
The Wolfpack was destined for a letdown after the emotions of beating Boise State the week before, and it happened. Well, it lasted for approximately the duration of the first half before pulling away and winning. Kaepernick and Taua both had huge games on the ground and were just too much for the Bulldogs. It has been an up and down season for Louisiana Tech and they will be watching bowl season from their own couches yet again. I think Sonny Dykes has something brewing down in Ruston. We will see in the next couple of years. Nevada earned themselves a date with the Boston College Eagles in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco on January 9th. That should be an interesting match up.
San Jose State Spartans at Idaho Vandals
My prediction was Idaho wins 42 to 28
Final score: Vandals 26, Spartans 23 (OT)
Idaho probably didn't deserve to win this game. Remember the weekend before when they were the more motivated team against Fresno State and narrowly came away with the upset? They were on the other side of things this time. San Jose State played better and actually had the lead at halftime. In overtime, San Jose State got a field goal and Idaho ended it with a touchdown. Too bad neither of these teams is going to a bowl game this year. The Vandals have 6 wins, but one came against an FCS opponent in North Dakota. Better luck next year.
UNLV Runnin' Rebels at Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors
My prediction was Hawai'i wins 45 to 21
Final score: Rainbow Warriors 59, Runnin' Rebels 21
This game went exactly as I expected it to go. Hawai'i was obviously the better team and took it to UNLV from the start. The Runnin' Rebels, however, did put a couple of touchdowns up on the board late, most likely against the Rainbow Warriors' second and third stringers. Quarterback Bryant Moniz had a modest 380 yards passing. The heavy lifting was done by running back Alex Green, who had 136 yards on 15 carries. UNLV will not be going to a bowl this year as they have only two wins to their name. Too bad. Hawai'i, however, accepted their bid to the Hawai'i Bowl about a month ago. They will take on Tulse of Conference USA and it all goes down on Christmas Eve. It should be a good one because both teams are among the highest scoring in the nation.
Oregon Ducks at Oregon State Beavers
My prediction was Oregon wins 52 to 24
Final score: Ducks 37, Beavers 20
Oregon State hung around a lot more than I thought they were going to. Of course, Oregon still came out on top, but it wasn't as pretty as some of their other wins have been. What did the Beavers in was quarterback Ryan Katz's 3 interceptions. That and the fact that they couldn't stop LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner, who rushed for 134 and 133 yards respectively. Unfortunately for the Beavers, they will not be playing in a bowl game this year. That's too bad because they are actually a good team. They just ran into some tough competition early and lost a huge part of their offense when James Rodgers went down against Arizona. The Ducks have earned their spot in the National Championship Game and will face Auburn in Glendale, AZ on January 10th. I hope no one likes defense because there won't be much of it in this game!
Auburn Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
My prediction was Auburn wins 42 to 38
Final score: Tigers 56, Gamecocks 17
Auburn absolutely pasted South Carolina to win the SEC Championship game in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn't even a game, although it was disguised and promoted as one. Scam Newton played incredibly well, throwing for 335 yards and rushing 73 more. He is the team. Their defense can afford to gamble and basically suck because they know that Newton will just score and bail them out. The Gamecocks just had a really bad game, especially quarterback Stephen Garcia, he threw 2 interceptions. They will take on Florida State (another vanquished conference champion game opponent, this one from the ACC) in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia on December 31st. Maybe the Gamecocks can win in Atlanta this time around!
Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
My prediction was Virginia Tech wins 38 to 31
Final score: Hokies 44, Seminoles 33
Virginia Tech is really good. Imagine if they would not have lost to James Madison in their second game of the season...They probably would have ended up in the Orange Bowl anyway as the ACC Champion. The Hokies became the first team in FBS history to win 11 straight games after starting the season 0-2. I hope people are noticing this. Boise State beat Virginia Tech...Tyrod Taylor is amazing. I don't understand why he isn't getting more Heisman love for all that he has done this year and what he means to his team. Unfortunately for Florida State, their regular starting quarterback Christian Ponder wasn't able to play with an elbow injury. Back up EJ Manuel threw 2 interceptions. They can avenge themselves against South Carolina in the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia on December 31st. As I mentioned, Virginia Tech will play in the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida on January 3rd against the Stanford Cardinal.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
My prediction was Nebraska wins 35 to 34 in an upset special
Final score: Sooners 23, Cornhuskers 20
I really don't like Oklahoma, mainly because their coach Bob Stoops is a giant d-bag. Anyway, they managed to hold of Nebraska and score enough points to earn the win. I will give them credit for that. For the second year in a row, the 'Huskers fall short of the Big 12 title and are on their way to the Holiday Bowl. It's hard to pick an upset special when all the favored teams win. Oh well. Nebraska will face the Washington Huskies, whom they slaughtered earlier in the season in Seattle 56-21. The Holiday Bowl takes place in San Diego on 30th. Oklahoma will play Connecticut in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona on January 1st. Let's see if Stoops can finally win a BCS Bowl Game. Here's to hoping he doesn't.
Record coming in: 57-16
This week (including Boise State's win over Utah State): 8-1
Total: 65-17
The regular season has ended, as you may have heard. I will be picking winners for all 35 bowl games. The first one takes place on December 18th, which is a Saturday. Look for the picks on either the 16th or the 17th. Make sure you check back in tomorrow and the rest of this week for more Boise State information. Let's go Broncos!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The History of (Boise State) Football and its Fans
Yesterday I went to gobblercountry.com and decided to poke around for a little while. The main reason in doing so was to re-read all of Virginia Tech's takes and reactions to the Labor Day game against Boise State. I was impressed number one by how much both the Hokies and the Broncos and their fans respected each other, what they stand for, and the season-long goals that each team has. It was really cool, actually. Virginia Tech fans understand and have experienced the talent, focus, and will of the Boise State Broncos. It is no longer a mystery. They know the Broncos play hard, play physical, and get it done in crunch time. As I sat there in awe and wonder of the respect that I now have for the Virginia Tech Hokies, I saw a line from a blog on gobblercountry.com in a post from furrer4heisman. You can see it here at the bottom of the post, but it said; "Your team is certainly ready for prime time, but your fans aren't. That's the only thing I'm going to say on the subject." At first I was a little upset. Who does this guy think he is? But then I though about it a little more and realized "You know what? This guy, sadly, might be right. It was the only real negative comment that I found on the entire site.
Are Boise State fans really delusional and not ready for the success the team has had and will have? Are we annoying to other fan bases and teams? I think the answer to this question is probably yes. Don't get all offensive and start hating Bronco Chase. We have a reason and a right to be how we are as Bronco fans. There is an explanation that I owe you that will explain why I decided the answer to the question is a yes. It involves a history lesson and a lesson on football fanatics.
From the moment Boise State began getting noticed in the 2006 football season, there has been constant bandwagon fans that have jumped on board. You know who they are; they didn't even pay attention to the team until they got good and started winning everything. You know plenty of them and if you don't, you might be one of them! If you had nothing to do with Boise State when Bart Hendricks and Nate Sparks were running the offense, then you are a bandwagon fan. It's OK though, we want you and need you. You are now part of us. Just don't stop believing (I feel a song coming on!) or watching when they finally lose another game a la at Washington in 2007. Who knows, you may even become a die hard as time goes by. All storied programs need fans and they have to come from somewhere.
Beyond the bandwagoners, Boise State fans in general have had much less time cheering for a successful program in comparison to "traditional" college football schools. Allow me to present to you yet again the match up that brought the Broncos so much fame to begin with; the Oklahoma Sooners.
BOISE STATE...............OKLAHOMA
Years Playing Football in any Level or Division:
....42..................................115
Years as a Division-1 Football Program:
....14..................................76
National Championships (Division 1-A):
.....0..................................7
All-American Players (Division 1-A):
.....5.................................148
Heisman Winners:
.....0..................................5
Current NFL Players:
....11..................................53
These are the numbers that I have found thanks to Wikipedia. You can scroll through both for yourself. Boise State is here and take a look at Oklahoma right here. I have listed the most obvious things that I could find. It is also of worth to note that the Sooners play in the Big 12, a perennial power conference with a huge national following. Compare that to the Broncos who are just now getting ready to leave the lowly WAC and get into the Mountain West. While their fan base is growing, it is nowhere near what Oklahoma has for support. Basically, there is no comparison when comparing the two programs.
What is my point? Boise State fans have been nothing but spoiled in the past 5 seasons. Since the first Fiesta Bowl season in 2006, the Broncos have gone a staggering 55-4. In fact, 2 of their losses have been in bowl games. They have had 2 undefeated regular seasons in a row and are currently working on a third. That is unheard of! While the team enjoys their success and it helps in the recruiting of more and better players, the fans are the ones that get the most from it. We can gloat, talk crap to Idaho fans or those of any other team that our guys beat, and fill up message boards and blog comment sections with stories and facts of our awesomeness! At times it even resorts to belittling other schools and their fans (see everything for Oregon and Oregon State in the past 3 years for proof). I contend that it has all gone to our heads.
Boise State has been so dominant that its fans are constantly jacked for anything Bronco-related. We defend ourselves and our team to the death (me included, I'll admit it) from evil-doers who are scared of Bronco Nation and OUR team. It has all been too much too fast. I understand that all teams have rabid fans, but ours are different. Oklahoma has had years and years of success to which their fans have adapted. They expect it. Boise State, however, bleed their schools colors and literally cry themselves to sleep in a bout of depression if the Broncos lose. It is literally the end of the world. In other words, the highs of winning are higher than that of other teams' fans, and the low of losing is way worse. I hate to say it because I am there with you guys, but let's chill out, please! Life will go on, I promise. The ebbs and flows of college football are not the most important things in life, although at times it sure seems like it.
So I ask again, is furrer4heisman right? Are we as fans not ready to go the distance with our team? Right now, I think the answer is no. Some call it being a die hard fan while others call it a blind craziness that takes over one's mind. Trust me, it is important for us to have something to lean on and enjoy, but don't let it get to the point where you need to be fitted for a straight jacket and take Prozac after Boise State loses. Not getting into the National Championship is what it is. Again, chill out. Rankings? Brian Murphy of idahostatesman.com has that one covered for me.
Like I said, being a fan is important. But let's try and get a life. Me included (please see yesterday's post and read the rant that my fingers concocted when I was ripe with the same over exuberance and BCS Rankings-related anger that I have been talking about today. I am as guilty as the next person). We just need some time to mellow a little bit and get used to winning. Let's go Broncos!
Are Boise State fans really delusional and not ready for the success the team has had and will have? Are we annoying to other fan bases and teams? I think the answer to this question is probably yes. Don't get all offensive and start hating Bronco Chase. We have a reason and a right to be how we are as Bronco fans. There is an explanation that I owe you that will explain why I decided the answer to the question is a yes. It involves a history lesson and a lesson on football fanatics.
From the moment Boise State began getting noticed in the 2006 football season, there has been constant bandwagon fans that have jumped on board. You know who they are; they didn't even pay attention to the team until they got good and started winning everything. You know plenty of them and if you don't, you might be one of them! If you had nothing to do with Boise State when Bart Hendricks and Nate Sparks were running the offense, then you are a bandwagon fan. It's OK though, we want you and need you. You are now part of us. Just don't stop believing (I feel a song coming on!) or watching when they finally lose another game a la at Washington in 2007. Who knows, you may even become a die hard as time goes by. All storied programs need fans and they have to come from somewhere.
Beyond the bandwagoners, Boise State fans in general have had much less time cheering for a successful program in comparison to "traditional" college football schools. Allow me to present to you yet again the match up that brought the Broncos so much fame to begin with; the Oklahoma Sooners.
BOISE STATE...............OKLAHOMA
Years Playing Football in any Level or Division:
....42..................................115
Years as a Division-1 Football Program:
....14..................................76
National Championships (Division 1-A):
.....0..................................7
All-American Players (Division 1-A):
.....5.................................148
Heisman Winners:
.....0..................................5
Current NFL Players:
....11..................................53
These are the numbers that I have found thanks to Wikipedia. You can scroll through both for yourself. Boise State is here and take a look at Oklahoma right here. I have listed the most obvious things that I could find. It is also of worth to note that the Sooners play in the Big 12, a perennial power conference with a huge national following. Compare that to the Broncos who are just now getting ready to leave the lowly WAC and get into the Mountain West. While their fan base is growing, it is nowhere near what Oklahoma has for support. Basically, there is no comparison when comparing the two programs.
What is my point? Boise State fans have been nothing but spoiled in the past 5 seasons. Since the first Fiesta Bowl season in 2006, the Broncos have gone a staggering 55-4. In fact, 2 of their losses have been in bowl games. They have had 2 undefeated regular seasons in a row and are currently working on a third. That is unheard of! While the team enjoys their success and it helps in the recruiting of more and better players, the fans are the ones that get the most from it. We can gloat, talk crap to Idaho fans or those of any other team that our guys beat, and fill up message boards and blog comment sections with stories and facts of our awesomeness! At times it even resorts to belittling other schools and their fans (see everything for Oregon and Oregon State in the past 3 years for proof). I contend that it has all gone to our heads.
Boise State has been so dominant that its fans are constantly jacked for anything Bronco-related. We defend ourselves and our team to the death (me included, I'll admit it) from evil-doers who are scared of Bronco Nation and OUR team. It has all been too much too fast. I understand that all teams have rabid fans, but ours are different. Oklahoma has had years and years of success to which their fans have adapted. They expect it. Boise State, however, bleed their schools colors and literally cry themselves to sleep in a bout of depression if the Broncos lose. It is literally the end of the world. In other words, the highs of winning are higher than that of other teams' fans, and the low of losing is way worse. I hate to say it because I am there with you guys, but let's chill out, please! Life will go on, I promise. The ebbs and flows of college football are not the most important things in life, although at times it sure seems like it.
So I ask again, is furrer4heisman right? Are we as fans not ready to go the distance with our team? Right now, I think the answer is no. Some call it being a die hard fan while others call it a blind craziness that takes over one's mind. Trust me, it is important for us to have something to lean on and enjoy, but don't let it get to the point where you need to be fitted for a straight jacket and take Prozac after Boise State loses. Not getting into the National Championship is what it is. Again, chill out. Rankings? Brian Murphy of idahostatesman.com has that one covered for me.
Like I said, being a fan is important. But let's try and get a life. Me included (please see yesterday's post and read the rant that my fingers concocted when I was ripe with the same over exuberance and BCS Rankings-related anger that I have been talking about today. I am as guilty as the next person). We just need some time to mellow a little bit and get used to winning. Let's go Broncos!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
I Got my Tickets, Did you Get Yours?
As a true Boise State Bronco fan, I try as hard as I can to make sure I have game times free so as to indulge myself in the treat that is BSU football. When it is a huge game and within my financial, geographical, and wife-permitting range, I make freaking sure that I am there to watch in person. Such is the case when the Beavers of Oregon State (hailing from the beautiful city of Corvallis) come to play on the Blue against the Boise State Broncos! After days of fighting, worrying, and chatting with former peers and still current students at that great school, I have obtained two tickets; one for me and one for my wife. We have arranged for my mother to take care of our 3 month old baby in hopes of getting our mugs on ABC (I have appeared 3 times on ESPN, but I've never gone big time with some network channel face time!)! In other words, all is set for me to return to my second home, Bronco Stadium, and scream my face off in support of the Broncos. All is well!
While I am preparing my weekend picks and weekly PTW, I decided it would be appropriate to add some comments and tidbits that will not make the two aforementioned posts. As you know, this is a huge game for Boise State and I need myself and you to be as psyched as possible (it is scientifically proven that getting completely geeked up and jacked for a football game allows for louder, longer cheering). Read on.
Number one; I am really excited for this game, if you cannot tell. As I no longer live in the Boise area (work took us away from that great place), I will not have as many chances as before to get to the games. In this particular case, both teams are ranked and it will be the home opener. You cannot get much better than that.
Number two; Every time the Broncos play the Beavers, it reminds me of a hilarious newspaper headline that Jay Leno used on his "Headlines" segment. The year was 2006, Boise State was early in its quest to get to a BCS Bowl game (They ended up in the Fiesta Bowl, beating Oklahoma. You know the rest). Sophomore running back Ian Johnson had his breakout game, scoring 5 touchdowns. The headline said;
"Broncos' Johnson Runs All Over Beavers"
Whoever edited that newspaper was probably fired the next day. It was awesome! My only wish is that Malcolm Johnson was able to play. He was a huge recruit for Boise State but has struggled academically to the point where he is not enrolled in schools this semester. I want him to play and start, all in hopes of seeing another headline like that one...Oh innuendos! You never get old, no matter how much I do! In case you forgot what Ian did that day, look at this:
Number three; LET'S GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is all.
While I am preparing my weekend picks and weekly PTW, I decided it would be appropriate to add some comments and tidbits that will not make the two aforementioned posts. As you know, this is a huge game for Boise State and I need myself and you to be as psyched as possible (it is scientifically proven that getting completely geeked up and jacked for a football game allows for louder, longer cheering). Read on.
Number one; I am really excited for this game, if you cannot tell. As I no longer live in the Boise area (work took us away from that great place), I will not have as many chances as before to get to the games. In this particular case, both teams are ranked and it will be the home opener. You cannot get much better than that.
Number two; Every time the Broncos play the Beavers, it reminds me of a hilarious newspaper headline that Jay Leno used on his "Headlines" segment. The year was 2006, Boise State was early in its quest to get to a BCS Bowl game (They ended up in the Fiesta Bowl, beating Oklahoma. You know the rest). Sophomore running back Ian Johnson had his breakout game, scoring 5 touchdowns. The headline said;
"Broncos' Johnson Runs All Over Beavers"
Whoever edited that newspaper was probably fired the next day. It was awesome! My only wish is that Malcolm Johnson was able to play. He was a huge recruit for Boise State but has struggled academically to the point where he is not enrolled in schools this semester. I want him to play and start, all in hopes of seeing another headline like that one...Oh innuendos! You never get old, no matter how much I do! In case you forgot what Ian did that day, look at this:
Number three; LET'S GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is all.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Let the Haterade drinking begin
It has been 3 days since Boise State snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Virginia Tech. Just as one would expect and for lack of a better term, the crap has hit the fan. Not bad crap, just a bunch of people who hate the Broncos for being so incredibly good and consistent. These are the same people that threw on their Hokie jerseys Monday night and became good enough friends with the VT quarterback to refer to him as Tyrod as he scrambled his way all over Fedex Field. They wanted nothing more than to see the Broncos lose so that they could feel better about themselves and their own teams. Talk about insecurities. The excuses and hate topics range from bad calls by the referee to some obscure insane point rating system that has the Broncos at the back end of all Division 1 colleges. Let me bring a few to your attention today.
This one was actually not too bad as far as hate goes. I just really don't like when people blame the referees for a loss. If your team plays well enough to not let the opponent get close, then the referee's calls don't get questioned. But when it is close, the ref sucks. Like I said, this one was a little subdued, and the comments on it below were very civil as well. It's from "Gobbler Country," a blog for the Hokie faithful. Check it out.
Our next specimen is probably the most ludicrous excuse for a ranking system that I have ever seen in my life. To no surprise it comes from an Oklahoma Sooner blog (still bitter about Fiesta Bowl 2007 I see). As I mentioned earlier, this system would have Boise State ranked towards the back end of college football. Ridiculous. Here it is.
This guys who does the "Crimson and Cream Machine" blog for Oklahoma really likes to throw out a bunch of random numbers and claim that the Broncos aren't as good as they are ranked. Again, Fiesta Bowl 2007, get over it. Another one here.
This guy is a complete tool. He writes for CBS sports and had a huge article about why he hates Boise State before the game was even played. Now he has readers comments after the win and he proceeds to make fun of them. Gregg Doyel, the world is not as bad as you make it sound. Get over yourself and enjoy the little things. Read this POS.
This guy is just a complete moron. I don't even need to say much. I will just quote a line from it and let your minds wander; "If Boise met a powerhouse (take Alabama for example) in the title game, it would get crushed. It wouldn’t be a game, it would be a massacre. Despite what many people would say, the parity of college football displayed in a matchup like that wouldn’t help college football. It would hurt it. Immensely." What a ridiculous statement! This is the same Alabama team that got walloped by Utah a couple of years ago, right? Saying something like that and making such a claim is completely off course and destroys any legitimate argument in his article. What a freaking loser! Check it out here.
The Sports Nickel gives us a general "we hate the Broncos" article, covering everything possible. They do it in sort of a comical way, but it is still haterade. It is also the same stuff that we hear every day. The "Boise State does not deserve to be in the national championship" comments are plentiful. Here is this last one.
Now some of you may ask me, do I think the Broncos deserve to be in the BCS National Championship? As of right now, my answer is; I am not sure. It is really early in the season and there are way too many things that need to play out first. If there are 3 or 4 undefeated teams in the country when all is said and done (including, Boise State, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Florida, etc.) then no, they don't deserve to be in the game and nor will they be. If they do finish undefeated, they have qualified themselves for it, but everything depends on how the rest of the top teams finish. I even feel that a one-loss Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, or Florida would get the nod ahead of the Broncos. Part of that is the weaker WAC schedule compared to a full SEC, Big 12, or Big 10 schedule, and part is the history and reverence that these big schools have in their corner. As I said, if the Broncos finish 12-0 and the SEC, Big 12, and Big 10 beat themselves up with every team losing at least once or twice, Boise State will be in the BCS National Championship game. At 12-0 they will have qualified, but it is up to the rest of the national powers to win and that will be that, no more wondering. It will all be settled and the Broncos will be out to play in the Rose or Fiesta Bowls, which isn't a bad thing in itself. Like I said, a lot needs to play out before they are in the game.
This one was actually not too bad as far as hate goes. I just really don't like when people blame the referees for a loss. If your team plays well enough to not let the opponent get close, then the referee's calls don't get questioned. But when it is close, the ref sucks. Like I said, this one was a little subdued, and the comments on it below were very civil as well. It's from "Gobbler Country," a blog for the Hokie faithful. Check it out.
Our next specimen is probably the most ludicrous excuse for a ranking system that I have ever seen in my life. To no surprise it comes from an Oklahoma Sooner blog (still bitter about Fiesta Bowl 2007 I see). As I mentioned earlier, this system would have Boise State ranked towards the back end of college football. Ridiculous. Here it is.
This guys who does the "Crimson and Cream Machine" blog for Oklahoma really likes to throw out a bunch of random numbers and claim that the Broncos aren't as good as they are ranked. Again, Fiesta Bowl 2007, get over it. Another one here.
This guy is a complete tool. He writes for CBS sports and had a huge article about why he hates Boise State before the game was even played. Now he has readers comments after the win and he proceeds to make fun of them. Gregg Doyel, the world is not as bad as you make it sound. Get over yourself and enjoy the little things. Read this POS.
This guy is just a complete moron. I don't even need to say much. I will just quote a line from it and let your minds wander; "If Boise met a powerhouse (take Alabama for example) in the title game, it would get crushed. It wouldn’t be a game, it would be a massacre. Despite what many people would say, the parity of college football displayed in a matchup like that wouldn’t help college football. It would hurt it. Immensely." What a ridiculous statement! This is the same Alabama team that got walloped by Utah a couple of years ago, right? Saying something like that and making such a claim is completely off course and destroys any legitimate argument in his article. What a freaking loser! Check it out here.
The Sports Nickel gives us a general "we hate the Broncos" article, covering everything possible. They do it in sort of a comical way, but it is still haterade. It is also the same stuff that we hear every day. The "Boise State does not deserve to be in the national championship" comments are plentiful. Here is this last one.
Now some of you may ask me, do I think the Broncos deserve to be in the BCS National Championship? As of right now, my answer is; I am not sure. It is really early in the season and there are way too many things that need to play out first. If there are 3 or 4 undefeated teams in the country when all is said and done (including, Boise State, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Florida, etc.) then no, they don't deserve to be in the game and nor will they be. If they do finish undefeated, they have qualified themselves for it, but everything depends on how the rest of the top teams finish. I even feel that a one-loss Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, or Florida would get the nod ahead of the Broncos. Part of that is the weaker WAC schedule compared to a full SEC, Big 12, or Big 10 schedule, and part is the history and reverence that these big schools have in their corner. As I said, if the Broncos finish 12-0 and the SEC, Big 12, and Big 10 beat themselves up with every team losing at least once or twice, Boise State will be in the BCS National Championship game. At 12-0 they will have qualified, but it is up to the rest of the national powers to win and that will be that, no more wondering. It will all be settled and the Broncos will be out to play in the Rose or Fiesta Bowls, which isn't a bad thing in itself. Like I said, a lot needs to play out before they are in the game.
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