SB Nation - Boise St. Broncos

If College Football Had a Playoff: #11 Virginia Tech Hokies @ #6 Boise State Broncos

Jeremy Mauss — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:00:34 -0000

Before we get to game four the previous matchup of #10 Iowas at #7 Oregonn was all Oregon in this matchup and they move on to play Texas (now that would be sweet if real).

This current matchup features Virginia Tech from the ACC and Boise State from the WAC. This matchup will feature a speedy Tech defense against a very dominate and well oiled offenisve machine for Boise with QB Kellen Moore. Boise State will have too much for Tech on both sides of the ball for Tech to keep up. The Hokies do have Tyrod Taylor who is a dual threat quarterback who could cause some trouble for the Broncos.

With Boise State at the smurf turf where they do not lose and they most likely would not. Simulator What if Sports has Boise State in a very surprising blowout 40-27. What if has Boise running out to an early 21-7 lead and never looking back as Boise is powered behind their running attack and put together 241 yards and four scores on the ground.

Now it is time for the fan vote to decide who moves on, yes that is you. Check back daily at 12 PM eastern time to vote for the next matchup, and voting is only for 24 hours. As they say in Chicago vote early and vote often.

Virginia Tech Stats

Passing

		Passing									Rushing					Sacks
	G	Rating	Comp	Att	Pct	Yds	Y/G	Y/A	TD	INT	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD	Sack	YdsL
Ju-Ju Clayton	2	86.0	1	5	20	80	40	16	1	0	3	-13	-6.5	-4.3	0	-	-
Marcus Davis	5	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	7	1.4	7	0	-	-
Tyrod Taylor	12	93.0	126	226	55.8	2102	175.2	9.3	13	4	101	344	28.7	3.4	4	-	-

Rushing

		Rushing					Receiving
	G	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD	Rec	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD
Greg Boone	7	2	9	1.3	4.5	0	7	75	10.7	10.7	0
Ju-Ju Clayton	2	3	-13	-6.5	-4.3	0	0	0	0	0	0
Marcus Davis	5	1	7	1.4	7	0	4	115	23	28.8	1
Tyrod Taylor	12	101	344	28.7	3.4	4	0	0	0	0	0
David Wilson	11	52	301	27.4	5.8	3	0	0	0	0	0

Receiving

		Receiving
	G	Rec	Yds	Y/G	AVG	TD
Greg Boone	7	7	75	10.7	10.7	0
Andre Smith	3	3	27	9	9	1
Sam Wheeler	2	2	30	15	15	0

Kicking

		Field Goals								PAT
	G	0-19	20-29	30-39	40-49	50+	FGM	FGA	PCT	XPM	XPA	PCT	pts
Matt Waldron	12	-	-	-	-	-	17	20	90.0%	44	44	100.0%	95

Boise State Stats

Passing

		Passing									Rushing					Sacks
	G	Rating	Comp	Att	Pct	Yds	Y/G	Y/A	TD	INT	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD	Sack	YdsL
Mike Coughlin	5	60.0	12	19	63.2	50	10	2.6	0	0	4	22	4.4	5.5	0	-	-
Kellen Moore	13	93.0	254	393	64.6	3325	255.8	8.5	39	3	24	-8	-0.6	-0.3	1	-	-

Rushing

		Rushing					Receiving
	G	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD	Rec	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD
Carlo Audagnotti	1	2	3	3	1.5	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jeremy Avery	13	197	1131	87	5.7	6	22	244	18.8	11.1	1
Mitch Burroughs	9	3	-5	-0.6	-1.7	0	9	83	9.2	9.2	1
Mike Coughlin	5	4	22	4.4	5.5	0	0	0	0	0	0
D.J. Harper	3	44	284	94.7	6.5	3	1	7	2.3	7	0
Jarvis Hodge	6	21	102	17	4.9	1	2	-3	-0.5	-1.5	0
Matt Kaiserman	4	33	150	37.5	4.5	1	2	20	5	10	0
Doug Martin	12	112	727	60.6	6.5	14	7	67	5.6	9.6	0
Kellen Moore	13	24	-8	-0.6	-0.3	1	0	0	0	0	0
Austin Pettis	11	1	-11	-1	-11	0	62	850	77.3	13.7	14
Tyler Shoemaker	9	1	3	.300	3	0	21	345	38.3	16.4	2
Titus Young	13	12	122	9.4	10.2	2	71	969	74.5	13.6	10

Receiving

		Receiving
	G	Rec	Yds	Y/G	AVG	TD
Jeremy Avery	13	22	244	18.8	11.1	1
Richie Brockel	7	8	75	10.7	9.4	2
Mitch Burroughs	9	9	83	9.2	9.2	1
Michael Choate	1	0	0	0	0	0
Kyle Efaw	11	27	369	33.5	13.7	1
Tommy Gallarda	6	8	94	15.7	11.8	4
D.J. Harper	3	1	7	2.3	7	0
Jarvis Hodge	6	2	-3	-0.5	-1.5	0
Matt Kaiserman	4	2	20	5	10	0
Chandler Koch	2	2	17	8.5	8.5	0
Doug Martin	12	7	67	5.6	9.6	0
Kirby Moore	7	17	214	30.6	12.6	2
Austin Pettis	11	62	850	77.3	13.7	14
Chris Potter	6	6	39	6.5	6.5	0
Tyler Shoemaker	9	21	345	38.3	16.4	2
Titus Young	13	71	969	74.5	13.6	10

Kicking

		Field Goals								PAT
	G	0-19	20-29	30-39	40-49	50+	FGM	FGA	PCT	XPM	XPA	PCT	pts
Jimmy Pavel	2	-	-	-	-	-	1	1	100.0%	2	3	70.0%	5
Kyle Brotzman	13	-	-	-	-	-	17	23	70.0%	63	62	100.0%	114

Poll

Who wins?

Is TCU's Andy Dalton the best quarterback Boise State has faced this season?

Kevan Lee — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:30:14 -0000

Andy Dalton, the efficient, dangerous Opie look-a-like who runs the killer TCU offense, has quietly become one of the nation's best quarterbacks. Will he be the best one that Boise State has faced this season?

Join me after the jump for a look back at the Broncos' past QB conquests, and judge for yourself where Dalton ranks. Is Dalton better than Jeremiah Masoli? Does he have Colin Kaepernick beat? Let's find out.

TCU will be the most well-rounded team the Broncos play this year, and you can't have a well-rounded team without a solid quarterback (Fresno State has tried, and it do not work). Dalton, it could be argued, goes above and beyond solid. He is No. 4 nationally in pass efficiency rating, he is a dual-threat QB, and he fits perfectly in TCU's myriad offense. Bronco fans will remember him from last year's Poinsttia Bowl as the clunky white guy who picked up 7 yards a pop. Well, now he can Dave Coulier his way for 7 per AND throw the ball.

Dalton will definitely play a key role in the Fiesta Bowl, and Boise State will have their hands full with him. But is he the best QB the Broncos have seen all season? Let's go through the list. Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments.

Jeremiah Masoli, Oregon

Masoli makes for the closest comparison to Dalton if for no other reason than that those two are the most competent of the bunch. Seriously, scroll down a ways and you'll wish you had some college eligibility left.

Masoli was a dual threat in much the same way that Dalton is, but I would be lying if I told you that I thought the Masoli Boise State faced on September 3 was any sort of similar to the Dalton of January 4. If the Broncos had faced the Masoli of, say, the USC game, then maybe we could talk. Then again, was USC Masoli present on opening night and the Boise State defense made him seem all-too human?

Andy Dalton > Jeremiah Masoli

Daniel Raudabaugh, Miami (OH)

The Redhawks' QB moved the ball in spurts against the Broncos, but he is nowhere near the upper ecehlon of college QBs and probably a ways off the upper echelon of MAC QBs.

Andy Dalton > Daniel Raudabaugh

Ryan Colburn, Fresno State

Similar to my reaction to the PT Cruiser, I thought Colburn looked pretty cool until I saw him in person. If Winston Venable could be as effective against DAlton as he was againstg Colburn, I would be a very happy man.

Andy Dalton > Ryan Colburn

Tyler Sheehan, Bowling Green

Take away WR Freddie Barned, and Sheehan is Daniel Raudabaugh.

Andy Dalton > Tyler Sheehan

Greg Denham, UC Davis

Strange as it may seem, Denham was probably one of the five best QBs that Boise State saw this year. Denham's numbers against the Broncos looked good in part because Kyle Wilson did not play, but Denham was still very accurate, smart, and effective in moving his team up and down the field. Still ...

Andy Dalton > Greg Denham

G.J. Kinne, Tulsa

When he wasn't taking sacks or missing wide open receivers, Kinne was alright. Unfortunately, those first two things are kind of important for being a quarterback.

Andy Dalton > G.J. Kinne

Bryant Moniz, Shane Austin, Hawaii

A more interesting debate would be whether Dalton is better than former Hawaii QBs Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan. As a passer, I would say no, but as an all-around QB with the running threat and the ability to lead his team I'd say it was close.

Andy Dalton > Bryant Moniz, Shane Austin

Jordan LaSecla, San Jose State

Uh, no.

Andy Dalton > Jordan LaSecla

Ross Jenkins, Louisiana Tech

Like the Prius, Jenkins slowly sneaks up on you until you suddenly realize, "Hey, that's a car and not some child's play thing." Jenkins surprised some folks by playing coherent football for a half against the Broncos, but his overall QB game is a far cry from those at the top of the heap like Dalton.

Andy Dalton > Ross Jenkins

Brian Reader, Idaho

Didn't Reader turn the ball over 6 times?

Andy Dalton > Brian Reader

Diondre Borel, Utah State

Borel is the quick, elusive version of Dalton, and the USU QB certainly looks like he'll be a good one. However, at this point, Dalton has Borel beat on pure passing. It will be interesting to see where each QB is one year from now.

Andy Dalton > Diondre Borel

Colin Kaepernick, Nevada

Wait, I thought this was a quarterback comparison! [/rimshot] For all the grief I give Kaepernick, he is capable of some great QB performances if the mood and the defense are right. Those performances never seem to come against the Broncos, though, which says a lot about both Kaepernick's talent and Boise State's defense. In reality, Kaep is probably a little overrated, and Dalton proved to be much more effective against BSU in last year's Poinsettia Bowl than Kaepernick has been since 2007.

Andy Dalton > Colin Kaepernick

Jeff Fleming, Trevor Walls, New Mexico State

Even combined, I doubt these two would be better than Dalton.

Andy Dalton > Jeff Fleming, Trevor Walls

So there you have it. By my count, Dalton has every QB on the Broncos' schedule beat. For the record, here is how I would rank the group of opponent QBs.

Andy Dalton
Jeremiah Masoli
Diondre Borel
Colin Kaepernick
Ross Jenkins
Greg Denham
Tyler Sheehan
Ryan Colburn
G.J. Kinne
Bryant Moniz, Shane Austin
Brian Reader
Daniel Raudabaugh
Jordan LaSecla
Jeff Fleming, Trevor Walls

Your turn

How would you rank the Bronco opponents' QBs? Will Andy Dalton be the best one that the Broncos have faced this season? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments.

BCS Bowl Watch:

utesfan100 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:55:54 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

2 months ago: FILE - In this Jan. 4, 2008 file photo, workers pause to study their work as they paint the logo for the BCS Championship football game on the field at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Bowl Championship Series officials are considering hiring a permanent point person to be a full-time advocate for the often-criticized postseason system. If a new position were created it likely would take over much of the high-profile responsibilities of the BCS coordinator _ a two-year post that rotates among the commissioners of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big East, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Browse more photos »

[For the rest of the bowl season I will be periodically posting a summary of recent news for each BCS bowl participant.]

National Championship Game:

Texas Longhorns: DJ Monroe will be allowed to play in the NCG. The charges of DWI charges that got him suspended were reduced to a misdemeanor driving offense. DJ Monroe is a star kick returned known for his speed.

Alabama Crimson Tide: QB Greg McElroy will apply next year to be a Rhode Scholar. He will wait until finishing his final season of eligibility at Alabama to apply.

Sugar Bowl:

Cincinnati Bearcats: Brian Kelly has been hired to be the next head coach at Notre Dame. And now Interim head coach Jeff Quinn has been hired by Buffalo.

Florida Gators: Since I haven't mentioned it yet, Florida defensive coordinator Charie Strong is of to Louisville, so the coaching changes will be on both sides in this one.

Fiesta Bowl:

TCU Horned Frogs: WR Johnathan Jones, LB Kenny Cain and S Tekerrein Cuba returned to practice after missing multiple games at the end of the season for injuries.

Boise St. Broncos: The football team will be attending Wednesday nights basketball game against Montana for an official sendoff to the Fiesta Bowl

Rose Bowl:

Oregon Ducks: Defensive Coordinator Nick Aliotti wnats this game as much as Oregon has ever wanted a game. Oregon is taking a couple of days off as they move practice from Eugene to Los Angeles.

Ohio St. Buckeyes: WR Ray Small and DL Rob Rose likely suspended from the Rose Bowl. No official statement has been made.

Orange Bowl:

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Georgia Tech will be scrapping their triple option for a newly created hendecuple scheme that involves eight skilled potential ball carriers every play.

(Ok, real news from Atlanta is scarce. This explains CNN and Time-Warner well).

Iowa Hawkeyes: Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker will return for 2010. He is confined to a wheel chair for medical reasons and will be coaching from the press box in the Orange Bowl.

The Domino Effect of Big 10 Expansion, Will it Affect the Mountain West?

Jeremy Mauss — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:51:21 -0000

The recent big college football news is that the Big 10 is finally considering expanding to grab a few extra million bucks in a championship game and to extend their season to the first week of December instead of pre-Thanksgiving. The search is to take between 12-18 months before any decision is made and the search is going to be extensive and 'nation wide,' but expect the usual suspects to be involved.

Teams of interest are and in no order: Pitt, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Rutgers, Nebraska, Kentucky, Louisville, Cincinnati, Iowa State, and Maryland. The Domers are the obvious and most coveted choice, but most likely will not join because their NBC contract goes for another six years. Even if Notre Dame says yes and the search takes 18 months which is the summer of 2011 when the invite will come Notre Dame will not begin play until the 2012 season. At that time if the current deal with NBC is not extended there would still be three more years left on that deal, and unless the Big 10 wants to let them finish out the deal and let the Irish keep the money no way the Irish will join.

Team Speed Kills brings out a very good point if the Big 10 goes after someone else just to get to twelve:

2. Saying yes to someone else means saying no to Notre Dame forever

Conferences larger than 12 members don't work well with football. The WAC tried having 16 and couldn't make it work. The MAC has serious scheduling problems with its 13 team format. A 12 member league works. More than that really doesn't.

If the Big Ten adds another member, it will have 12 schools. Since more than 12 is untenable, if that twelfth school is not Notre Dame, then the Big Ten will never have Notre Dame. Adding Missouri or Pitt functionally closes that door forever.

That is a real good point, because if the Big 10 wants to hurry this along and take someone else just to get a championship game; they can then seal the Irish's fate forever as an Independent.

Back to how this could affect the Mountain West. The MWC is desperately trying to gain BCS status and Boise State has been the rumored team for years, and most recently there was a rumor that would bring in Nevada, Fresno State, as well as Boise State this summer to gain BCS status. That was just a rumor, but realistically at least Boise will get the invite this summer.

The Big 10 expansion could mean every thing or it could mean nothing to the Mountain West, however the Pac-10 made the same statement as the Big 10 but back in July about a 12-18 month time line and wanting a title game. Utah from the Mountain West and Colorado from the Big XII were at the top of new commissioner Larry Scott's wish list to form the Pac-12.

The scenario that will have the minimal impact is that the Big 10 invites Notre Dame and then there is no domino effect what so ever, but we all know that has a slim chance of happening.

The two most likely candidates to join the Big 10 are Pitt and Missouri. Starting with Pitt they are one of the 'old money' teams on the east coast and are comparable in all aspects that the Big 10 wants. They are a state school with a large enrollment, a good educational institution, and are good at both money sports.

The Big 10 Network would not get a huge bump in viewers since it all ready covers the Pennsylvania with Penn State all ready in the league, so Pitt does not add much on that front. Now, if Pitt were to join then the Big East would be in for a real hurt because that would leave them with only seven teams and not eligible to be an FBS league, or more importantly a BCS league and all the bling that goes with being a cartel member.

The Big East would either need to crawl back to Temple and beg them to come back to the league they were kicked out of or go rampage the MAC or C-USA for an eighth member. Or somehow promote a basketball playing school that has an FCS program like UMass, Villinova, or Georgetown; but with that they may lose their BCS status since their league would be even more watered down. So, Pitt moving to the Big 10 would not really have any impact on Mountain West.

The biggie is Missouri because they are currently in the Big XII and fit nicely with all the Big 10 wants in its member institutions. Here is how it will or could affect the Mountain West: Missouri leaving opens up a spot in the Big XII and more importantly the Big XII North. TCU and Arkansas would love to get back in the old South West Conference rivalries, but they are not a geographical fit to be in the north division. Plus, moving Oklahoma or Oklahoma State to the north would disrupt their rivalries as well as the Red River Shootout if Oklahoma were to move. Those two are out of the question because of locale, now saying that the ACC has no real geographical lines they have Florida State and Miami, FL in separate divisions.

The next choice falls back to a former potential member when the Big XII was being formed and that is BYU. If it were not for government influence by the former Texas Governor Ann Richards who oh just happens to be a Baylor alum pushed and won the fight to get Baylor in the Big XII. BYU would be on the list and make the thousands of Cougar fans very, very happy to be in a BCS league, and be in a very winnable North division from day one.

However, if you go by the time line of expansion the Big 10 has which is the 12-18 month time frame the Big XII may be left scrambling for a different team. Now, why would BYU turn down a chance to be in the Big XII? The reason that could happen is if as I have expected for a while that Boise State will be invited this summer and begin play in 2011. That would give the Mountain West a very strong case to be a BCS league for the 2012 season because the league all ready has had three teams in the BCS top 25 final standings, and adding Boise would bring that number to four over the past two years. The Mountain West does not show any signs of slowing down, and with the Boise rankings counting while in the WAC the MWC looks almost a shoe in to begin play as a BCS league in 2012.

An invite coming from the Big XII to BYU -- if the Big 10 does expand with Missouri-- will most likely come in the summer of 2011 which is the last year of the four year BCS cycle. The reason a summer invite is mentioned is that any league that moves conferences must give a one year's notice. Now, that 2011 season would be the first with Boise State and give college football a chance to see if the Mountain West is a BCS league.

Here is the caveat with that the Mountain West may not know until after the 2011 football season, or possibly later if they are to be a BCS league. That would occur after an invitation would have been handed out to BYU, so I could see BYU jumping ship to the Big XII because of the uncertainty of the Mountain West becoming a BCS league. Quite frankly BYU would be stupid not to jump to a better league with a guaranteed BCS bid and realistically could win the Big XII North in year one.

The only way BYU would not join is if the BCS where to make some announcement about the Mountain West becoming a BCS league prior to an invite from the Big XII. That seems doubtful since the 2011 season will needed to be played. Now, a move by BYU to the Big XII would not affect the Mountain West and their BCS aspirations since all four of their playing years in the MWC would be in the four year cycle so BYU would not lose them.

The Pac-10 is also looking to expand about the same time as the Big 10 and they have mentioned Utah and Colorado as their top choices. Now, there is no need to run through the Utah scenario because it is exactly the same as BYU as far as the time line for invites go.

This Big 10 trickle down effect towards the Mountain West all boils down to if Missouri goes to the Big 10 to form hopefully either a) numerical correct league name, or b) a regional name makes sense, but since the Big 10 is obsessed with tradition do not be surprised if the name stays the same.

The best choice for Utah and BYU would be to stay in the Mountain West as a BCS league, because they are all ready on the top of the league and a move to a current BCS league would mean a few years of building up to the level -- that goes more toward Utah then BYU since the Big XII north is not as difficult as the Pac-10. Utah would be upper middle pack and be fitting Oregon, USC, and Cal to get a conference title.

Since the timing could make things go hay wire and if either league makes their expansion threat a reality the Mountain West could be in a world of hurt. An invite to a bigger league will come the summer prior to the last year of the BCS evaluation cycle so the Mountain West will not know for sure if they are included to the table or not. Why should Utah or BYU not go to a larger league if invited, I know I would.

Here is the real kicker that could be very odd and bizarre. The Mountain West could be a BCS league without BYU or Utah if they do happen to get plucked away. It is possible since both schools would have been in the Mountain West for the four year evaluation cycle, and if Boise gets in the last year of the cycle their WAC rankings are now shifted to the Mountain West.

Now, that would be weird.

Fiesta Bowl debate: As a Boise State fan, are you afraid of TCU?

Kevan Lee — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:30:13 -0000

With the Fiesta Bowl only two weeks away, it's time to kick our coverage into high gear, starting with perhaps the most important question for Bronco fans: Are you afraid of TCU?

After the jump, Drew and I choose sides and debate the topic into the ground. Where do you stand with the Horned Frogs? Are you worried heading into the Fiesta Bowl? Are you confident? Weigh in with your choice in the poll and in the comments, and read along to see the reasons behind each school of thought.

Drew and I tackled this topic the best way we knew how: Email exchange. I took the side of "confident;" Drew took the side of "terrified." The following is our back-and-forth.

Are you afraid of TCU?

Kevan: Things I am afraid of: deep water, homeless people, midgets, failure, letting down the people closest to me, robot singularity, toaster ovens, and unintentional double entendres. Things I am not afraid of: Disney original programming and TCU.

Surprised? You shouldn't be. Lizzie McGuire was adorable, and TCU is beatable. The Horned Frogs deserve Broncos fans' respect, but they do not deserve Bronco fans' sleepless nights of sweat-drenched worry, emotional eating, and soft weeping to the sound of John Tesh Christmas playing from the white noise radio machine on their night stand. This Horned Frog team is tough. No doubt about it. But they are also beatable.

Bronco fans need look no further than TCU's game against Air Force for proof that the Horned Frog iron giant has a self-destruct button. Against the Falcons, TCU turned the ball over three times, gave up 229 yards rushing, failed to reach the end zone in the second half, and won by three. Experts blame the weather for the underwhelming result, which is a little like blaming George Washington for the decline of the dollar. Other people blame the tough road environment of a conference foe. Others blame Andy Dalton because they just love to ginger hate.

Fact is, TCU played a very losable game against Air Force. And they did the same two weeks prior against Clemson, a team that was struggling at the time. A three-point win over the Falcons, and a four-point win over the Tigers will be written off by most people as early season struggles, but the prudent Bronco fan knows better. If you believe the Broncos of September 3 versus Oregon can show up in the Fiesta Bowl, then what's stopping you from daydreaming about facing the Horned Frogs of October 10 versus Air Force?

Hakuna Matata, Bronco fans. TCU is good, but they are far from invincible.

Drew, what say you?

Drew: First off, props to you, Kevan for admitting your hobophobia...it takes a big man to own his fears and shortcomings. I believe it takes an even bigger man to admit fear of another non-BCS football team...so here goes.

TCU frightens me in a big way. It isn't really their ginger QB or their All-American DE Jerry Hughes that has me more than a little concerned. No...what has me more scared than Oprah without her makeup on is the fact that TCU dominated Boise State in last year's bowl game...and they're better this year.

Most outsiders will remember last year's Poinsettia Bowl as a 1-point barn-burner that was only won late in the game by TCU...helped by a missed FG and late INT thrown by Kellen Moore. More obsessive compulsive types will remember the game as one that was won handily on both sides of the ball by TCU. The Broncos mustered only 250 yards of offense in that game and gave up 472 to TCU - 275 of which came on the ground. Looking back, it's amazing that Boise State only lost by one point.

via www1.pictures.gi.zimbio.com

Frog QB Andy Dalton is better than last year and the team ranks in the top-5 nationally in rushing yards per game and scoring offense. And I hate to say it, but the Broncos are by most accounts not as good this year on D. Put the gawdy turnover numbers and 13-0 record aside, and I think most would agree that the Bronco D has shown flashes but has been more inconsistent this year than last. Did I mention that TCU has arguably the nation's best D this year? Don't forget last year's squad held the Broncos to a mere 28 yards rushing.

Now, don't get me wrong...the Frogs aren't unbeatable...and I think the Broncos will represent the best offense and defense TCU has faced this year...but gadfries, the Broncos have to play better than they did against Oregon to leave Glendale with another trophy. If you think me a coward...so be it. At least I'm not scared of bums.

Kevan: 2009 TCU is better than 2008 TCU. I'll give you that. But thankfully, the Fiesta Bowl is being played in 2010, a full Dilbert desk calendar away from 2009.

Bronco fans need look no further than last year's Fiesta Bowl for antacid-type relief. Ohio State was supposed to get blown out by Texas, but blowing was the last thing to happen in that game (did I just do the double entendre thing?). The Buckeyes hung close to the bitter end, and I narrowly escaped with my 33 Bowl Pick 'Em confidence points in tact.

Point is: You never know what will happen in bowl season ... unless you're a fan of a Bob Stoops team.

You want to know another reason why I'm not scared to death of TCU? My Second Life friend, Coach Pete. He will come up with a gameplan to get the most out of this matchup. The last time he had extra time to plan for an opponent turned out to be the Broncos' best effort of the season against Oregon. Give Coach Pete a month, and he can gameplan against just about anything. TCU? Counter plays and single coverage. Trade deficit? Minimum-working age lowered to 11. Cancer? Beets.

The extra time between now and January 4 can only help the Broncos as they heal, study, and prepare for their toughest game of the year. Is the matchup in their favor? Maybe not on December 14, but check back in three weeks, and I guarantee you things will be closer.

Drew: Uh...Kevan? Have you watched any Texas games this year? Putting aside they're the "No. 2" team in the nation this year (No. 2 also refers to Colt McCoy's play in the Big 12 title game), I don't know if I'd use them in any type of example of what can and cannot be accomplished. TCU is better than Texas...and I don't even think that is much of a stretch.

Let me list a few other reasons that TCU scares me this year (the year that matters most). The injury bug that Boise State kept at bay for years with a giant citronella candle has finally landed, and is slowly sucking the heart and soul out of our team. Richie Brockel, DJ Harper, Matt Kaiserman, Tyler Shoemaker...the list (unfortunately) goes on and on - but I haven't even mentioned the biggest loss: Austin Pettis. Pettis, quite simply, keeps our offense going and provides a huge safety net for Kellen Moore. Another thing that Pettis provides besides corner-fade TD grabs is the ability to spring our other star wideout Titus Young. In the 1 3/4 games that the Broncos have played sans Pettis, the passing game simply did not click. Titus Young is a playmaker and a valuable deep threat, but Kellen's long ball can be spotty and Titus is coverable. Now, having Shoemaker back will slow the blood-letting...and Kirby Moore is coming around...but we need Austin Pettis. We need him like Chris Ault needs Centrum Silver.

Oh, here's another! Boise State's defense has been incredibly inconsistent this year. After the Oregon and Miami games, I thought the Broncos might be able to stop a freight train. Then Fresno State happened, or more accurately, Ryan Mathews happened. This shook my faith in Boise State's defense to the core. Boise State, unlike last year's squad, had rediscovered their ability to give up big plays. Fresno State, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, Utah State, and even Idaho all got at least one biggie against the semi-vaunted BSU "D," and that is all it will take when you're playing as talented a squad as the Horned Frogs. If Boise State can't get the offense moving (Doug, we're counting on you) and they allow TCU to put consistent drives together, Boise State might get embarrassed. I don't like embarrassment...I witnessed the 2005 season.

Kevan: As a matter of fact, I did not watch any Texas games this year. On a dare, I have watched nothing but the .mtn since August. I now wish for death.

The loss of Austin Pettis is big, but it is not life-altering since Kellen Moore is still QB, Bryan Harsin is still OC, and I bought a lock of Dan Hawkins' hair from David Augusto that Augusto promises me will heal Pettis in time for the Fiesta. The Broncos have enough skill and scheme left on offense to give Boise State fans hope. I'm not predicting offensive fireworks, but there's no need to fear the Broncos laying a box of Pop-its, either.

The Bronco defense reverting to the 2007 Hawaii Bowl version lurks as a possibility, but so does the possibility that BSU can coalesce into a stew of all the dominating parts of the defense that we have seen this year. A dash of early Fresno, large parts of Tulsa - mmmm. Tastes like Fiesta Bowl champion swag. Can the Bronco defense pull it off? I'm confident that the extra prep time, the Kyle Wilson made-for-TV-movie movie ending, and the gravity of a BCS bowl will inspire an impressive effort.

Before letting you rebut, I'd like to point out the inaccuracy in one of the founding principles of this TCU fearmongering: Strength of schedule. The Horned Frogs have built their reputation on the Mountain West Conference and two road wins over BCS-conference schools. And now we have to deal with FanPosts like this:

I fully agree that TCU is one of the best teams in the Nation this year. It is a shame that they have to prove how good they are against an "overrated" Boise State team, that doesn't even deserve to be in the BCS. With that I would like to say GO FROGS! Beat them Broncos!

Jeff Sagarin, who must be important because he has his own poll, ranks the schedules of Boise State and TCU thusly:

TCU: No. 82
Boise State: No. 98

Fear not, Bronco Nation. The Horned Frogs went undefeated against a WAC-caliber schedule plus hype. Boise State's highest quality win was Oregon; TCU's was Clemson. Each team's next toughest games were against conference foes, which leads me to the obvious question: Does a team that beat BYU and Utah scare you?

It does not scare me. We have already been over what scares me. Overrated MWC teams do not make the list (unless they are coached by a toaster oven). TCU's margin of victory has been impressive, but its schedule is nothing to start a Bleacher Report account over. It's also nothing to fear.

Drew: Ok, ok. I agree that Boise State would've beaten BYU and Utah and owns the more impressive OOC win of the two teams (against top ten Oregon). My fear (call it trepidation if you'd like) mainly stems from so many unknowns. We know TCU has a tough-as-nails defense...we don't know if we'll see Boise State's top-flight D (or even if we'll revert back to the hellish snap problems of earlier in the season). We don't know if we'll have Pettis back. We don't know if Jerry Hughes will be held in check by the Bronco line or if he'll go all Ndamakong Suh on us.

I think Boise State and TCU are fairly evenly matched on paper, but we simply cannot afford to play like we have at times this season...TCU may have a similar schedule to ours, but we can't skate by them playing like we did against UC Davis, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, or even Fresno or Nevada for that matter. Boise State must bring the defense from the Ducks game and the offense from the Idaho game. Anything less may spell D-I-S-S-A-S-T-E-R. Wait...did I spell that right?

Kevan: You were close. D-I-S-S-A-S-T-A-R. No wait. Ah, I don't know.

via www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com

For the record, my list of games the Broncos played this year that would have been good enough to beat TCU: Oregon, Bowling Green, Tulsa, Hawaii, Idaho, Utah State, and Nevada. That's seven out of 13, which is more than 50 percent, which I can round up to equal 100 percent, meaning Boise State has played well enough in every single game this year to beat TCU. Fact.

A lot of this debate seems to come back to the eternal struggle between cautious realism and predictive optimism. For all you optimists in the room, let's eat family style from this fact: Boise State has not lost by more than two touchdowns since the 2005 season. Anyone whose fear of the Fiesta Bowl is based on the possibility of a Bronco blowout needs to rest easy. When Boise State doesn't win, it keeps games close, and so long as the game is close, there is always the chance to pull out the win. No worries.

Drew: Alright, Kevan-here's the deal. The last few bowl games where we didn't have the proper fear (read: respect) for our opponents we got beaten. I remember that the 2007 ECU team had no business being on the field with us and then Chris Johnson blew past our secondary time and again like they were standing still. Last year's consolation prize bowl game against TCU was supposed to be no contest too, and we all know how that one turned out. I'm content to fear the crap out of TCU this year and expect the worst...then maybe I will be pleasantly surprised on January 5th instead of being talked off a ledge. See, Kevan? There's a method to my madness and I'm soakin' the sheets with a purpose this time around.

If the Broncos come into the Fiesta Bowl overconfident, I'm blaming you.

Kevan: Blame away. I was named "Most likely to take the fall for something he didn't do" by my high school class, so being a scapegoat comes naturally.

Bottm line for me is that I find too many rays of hope in this matchup to be overly concerned about the Horned Frogs. Boise State has the advantage of a month's preparation, TCU is overrated based on MWC reputation and some early season close calls, and the Broncos have given me no reason over the past five years to doubt them (Taylor Tharp excluded). Bronco fans have nothing to fear about the Horned Frogs. Yes, they are good. No, they are not omnipotent.

I have to go now. I think I see a bum.

Your turn

Where do you stand with this debate? Are you afraid of TCU? Do you see some signs of hope? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to vote in the poll.

Poll

Are you afraid of TCU?

In the midst of the media's TCU crush, LA Times' Chris Dufresne stands alone predicting a Boise State win

Kevan Lee — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:59:32 -0000

Two themes are becoming increasingly clear this holiday season: ABC Family's made-for-TV Christmas movies are unintentionally hilarious, and everyone and their mother is picking TCU to win the Fiesta Bowl.

Chris Dufresne from the LA Times seems like the only one refusing to play along. So what is all the media seeing that Dufresne is not? Find out after the jump how Dufresne made his choice, what his prediction said, and weigh in on how you think the media sees this matchup.

Shun the unbelievers

CBS Sports compiled a panel of experts ("experts" being a loose term considering the group consists of Gregg Doyel and someone whose title is "on-air talent") to weigh in with picks for all 34 of the bowl games (HT: Finloopio). Among their unanimous picks were Central Michigan, Ohio University, Texas Tech, and good old TCU.

J. Darin Darst: TCU
Dennis Dodd: TCU
Gregg Doyel: TCU
Jason Horowitz: TCU
Johnny Rosenstein: TCU

USA Today's Erick Smith also graced the Internet with his 34 bowl predictions, including a Fiesta Bowl nod for the Horned Frogs. Judging from his explanation, do you think he has watched any Boise State games this year?

There was a strong argument to be made that the Horned Frogs were more deserving of a title shot than their Texas neighbors in Austin. TCU is so good because it has been dominant in all three phases. The Broncos will have to play as well as they did against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl three years ago to win. TCU 28, Boise State 21.

The Horned Frogs are still favored by 7 points by the oddsmakers, and it seems like everyday someone new comes out with a prediction of a TCU win. Any ideas why?

OBNUG reader Loque had an interesting theory.

I can see how Boise can beat TCU. I mean, they have a chance. But even I know it’d be ridiculous to "predict" a Boise win. Both teams match up very well on both sides of the ball and this game is really a pick ‘em. Of course, TCU gets the lean due to the media touting of the "other team from Texas." I would be very surprised to see anyone pick Boise. If it’s a pick ’em game, the odds are against us Broncos.

The media does love their Texas football teams, and with the Horned Frogs being closer to national championship consideration at the end of the year than the Broncos were, it makes sense that predictions would go TCU's way if people are indeed viewing the Fiesta Bowl as a pick 'em.

What other theories do you have? Does the media view TCU as a far superior team to Boise State? Is the matchup one-sided in a lot of people's eyes? How much does TCU hype have to do with these picks?

Save us, Chris Dufresne

Fortunately, not everyone is riding the TCU bandwagon. Los Angeles Times writer Chris Dufresne, a Boise State fan all season long, is siding with the Broncos for the Fiesta Bowl.

Boise State (13-0) vs. TCU (12-0) -- Boise State out to avenge last year's one-point Poinsettia loss and position team for national title run in 2010. Winner: Boise State

Dufresne's methodology provides an interesting thought on the matchup. He chooses games based on a "want to be there" factor. The teams that think too highly of themselves and come in with a sense of entitlement are the ones he typically picks to lose. For instance, when a BCS team with January bowl aspirations gets stuck playing a non-BCS team before Christmas, Dufresne would pick the upset (in this case, Utah over Cal). Dufresne is wise enough to admit that the system doesn't always work, but in a lot of ways his methodology makes sense.

Can you use the "want to be there" factor for TCU in the Fiesta Bowl? Some might argue that TCU feels it belongs in the national championship game and that a Fiesta Bowl trip is an inadequate runner's up award. In that sense, you could reason that the Broncos stand a good shot at upsetting the Horned Frogs who may not play 100 percent come January 4.

Will this happen with TCU? What do you think? No doubt Gary Patterson will do his best to prevent this from happening, but as Dufresne points out, these college rosters are filled with teenagers and twentysomethings. In many ways, it will be up to the players on how they respond.

Your turn

What do you think about Dufresne's reasoning? Why do you think the rest of the media is siding with TCU? Share your thoughts in the comments.

WAC All-Decade Team: Dinwiddie, Moore, or Brennan: How will you vote?

Kevan Lee — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:41:39 -0000

What does your WAC All-Decade Team look like? Pretty much exactly the same as your Bronco All-Decade Team?

The conference is holding an All-Decade vote-off on its website, letting fans pick the best players at each position from the past 10 years. Who will get your votes? What positions are the toughest to call? Join me after the jump for a look at some of the closest races, and we'll take the debate to the comments and see if we can't figure this thing out.

A quick note before we get started: The WAC automatically generated its list of nominees based on players who earned first- or second-team All-WAC honors at least twice and who were still playing WAC football during the year 2000. The year 2000, Conan? That's right, David Duchovny.

Without further ado, here are the positions that I am having the most trouble with. Please help me.

WAC All-Decade Quarterback: Dinwiddie, Moore, Carr or Brennan?

The Chase Holbrook mindscrub is nearly complete

Quarterback is going to be the most notable position on this All-Decade team, especially if Jared Zabransky can get that PF Chang's grassroots campaign going. The four biggest names on the list make for an interesting debate about who was the best quarterback of the past 10 years.

In my opinion, the favorites are Ryan Dinwiddie, Boise State's most accomplished quarterback of all-time; Kellen Moore, Boise State's future most accomplished quarterback of all-time; David Carr, No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft; and Colt Brennan, prolific college passer and Honolulu wax museum feature. Karl Benson, their WAC accolades if you will:

Ryan Dinwiddie: 1st team (2002), 1st team (2003), POY 2003
Kellen Moore: 2nd team (2008), 1st team (2009), Freshman of the Year 2008, POY 2009
David Carr: 2nd team (2000), 1st team (2001), POY 2001
Colt Brennan: 1st team (2006), 1st team (2007), POY 2006, POY 2007

How do you think the QB race will shake down? The race most likely will come down to Dinwiddie and Brennan as one is the most successful WAC quarterback of the decade and the other is the most recognizable. Will productivity or popularity win out?

My deciding factor: Dinwiddie won WAC championships. Brennan did not. That should account for something.

via media.idahostatesman.com

Etcetera: Will Jared Zabransky get any votes? Anyone surprised at how well Kellen Moore holds up against players who have played an entire career in the WAC?

WAC All-Decade Running Back: What do you do with LaDainian Tomlinson?

a.k.a. The One Where You Vote For Ian Johnson

Climb aboard the way-back machine for this category, destination: anonymity.

Yonus Davis, San Jose State (2nd 2005, 2nd 2006, 2nd 2008)
Brock Forsey, Boise State (1st 2001, 1st 2002, POY 2002)
Howard Jackson, UTEP (1st 2003, 1st 2004)
Ian Johnson, Boise State (1st 2006, 1st 2007, 2nd 2008)
Keylon Kincade, SMU (2nd 2002, 2nd 2003)
Chance Kretschmer, Nevada (1st 2001, 2nd 2003, FOY 2001)
Ryan Moats, Louisiana Tech (1st 2003, 1st 2004, POY 2004)
Daniel Porter, Louisiana Tech (1st 2008, 2nd 2009)
Joe Smith, Louisiana Tech (2nd 2001, 1st 2002)
Vai Taua, Nevada (1st 2008, 1st 2009)
LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU (2nd 1998, 1st 1999, 1st 2000, POY 1999, POY 2000)
Deonce Whitaker, San Jose State (2nd 1999, 1st 2000)

Howard Jackson? Deonce Whitaker? The immortal Joe Smith? What conference have I been watching for the past 10 years?

A lot of votes will undoubtedly go LaDainian Tomlinson's as voters go "Hey, he's in my ESPN the Magazine" when they see his name. But is one year of 21st century WAC domination enough? For me, it is not, but I am open to any arguments that say otherwise.

Out of the whole list, there are only three POY winners: Tomlinson, Ryan Moats, and Brock Forsey. Moats and Forsey are definitely in the running for me, but I think you also have to consider Ian Johnson (three-time All-WAC performer) and Vai Taua (the face of Nevada's new rushing attack).

If I'm picking one back, it is Brock Forsey. If I'm picking two (and I am because the WAC lets me), it is Forsey and Moats. Would you put Ian Johnson on your All-Decade team?

WAC All-Decade Wide Receivers: Do any Broncos make the cut?

Two Broncos make the roster of All-Decade nominees. Are either Jeremy Childs or Austin Pettis worthy of a spot?

The competition at WR is intense with the likes of Bernard Berrian, Davone Bess, Kevin Jurovich, Ashley Lelie, and Chris Williams. Any one of those players could make the final three. Do Childs and Pettis fit with them?

Add one season to either player's resume, and I think the answer is easy. However, since Childs left early for the pros and Pettis still has time left at Boise State, their careers are not as complete as other WAC receivers. Was Childs the best receiver in the conference during his stay with the Broncos? I'd say yes. Is Pettis the best receiver in the conference right now? Absolutely. Are either good enough to make the All-Decade team? What do you think?

WAC All-Decade Offensive Line: If you had to choose between Daryn Colledge and Ryan Clady ...

Fat guys have their day in the sun

There are a lot of big names on the nominee list for offensive linemen, and the fact that the WAC lets you vote for five big uglies makes stuffing your ballot with Broncos a little easier.

But let's say you had to choose between the two Broncos on the list. Would you take Daryn Colledge or Ryan Clady? And why?

Colledge was the self-made Bronco lineman who was an All-WAC player three years running. Clady was the prototypical NFL tackle who earned two first-team awards then left early for the NFL. Does Colledge's four-year success trump Clady's brief brilliance?

For the record, I voted for both, but if I had to choose only one for the All-Decade team, I think I'd lean toward Colledge.

WAC All-Decade Defensive Backs: If Quintin Mikell doesn't make this, I am not responsible for what happens to Karl Benson

Is this where I vote for Marty Tadman?

Mikell is the only player in the secondary to win POY honors, and his two trips to the first-team (plus his success at the pro level) should make him a shoo-in. Will any other Broncos join him?

Kyle Wilson is up for nomination along with Jeron Johnson, Gabe Franklin, and Marty Tadman. Franklin, Tadman, and Wilson all made three All-WAC teams, a feat only matched one other time by a secondary player (UTEP's D.J. Walker). The Broncos should be well-represented in this category. But how well-represented? Is three players too much to ask?

Your turn

How will you be voting with the WAC's All-Decade Team? Are you putting down Dinwiddie's name? Where will Ian Johnson be on your ballot? Is Korey Hall a no-brainer? Share your thoughts in the comments.

What Big 10 Expansion Could Mean For BYU

Layton — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:14:37 -0000

The Big 10 (really 11, but who's counting?) came out with word recently that they're seriously looking into expanding the league to 12 teams, even as soon as 2011. And while we think about the prospects, let me put a quick end to the excitement you're feeling on behalf of Bronco and Co.: BYU would not be invited to join that league, the Big 12 or the Pac-10 as a result of the Big 10 expanding. However, that doesn't mean the Cougars won't be seriously affected by what may happen after next season. Here's why 1) BYU won't be invited, and 2) why they may be feeling the brunt of such actions by the already big Big 10.

Before I examine the reasons of leaving BYU out, here's what the expected plan is: when the Big 10 (11) expands to 12, Missouri jumps ship and joins the Big 10, or Notre Dame flees its independent status and joins. The latter is less likely as Notre Dame enjoys being able to play anybody, at any time of the season, and not splitting any possible earnings. A "conference" schedule's not really their style.

As for BYU...

1. As an avid college football fan, and obvious BYU fan, I'd love nothing more than to see some of the Baylor's, Arkansas's, and Colorado's, be relegated to mid-major status, and have BYU (or other "worthy" teams) take their place much like what happens in England's Premier League (yes, that's a soccer reference). Without question there are few teams in the power conferences that should be demoted (Baylor, Colorado and Texas Tech, first and foremost).

Unfortunately, relegating these teams, or expanding conferences, doesn't open the door for BYU to join them; TCU and Utah? Perhaps, but not BYU. Though the Cougars have tradition, high-powered offenses and a national following, they're still the odd man out in these scenarios. Why? For starters, they can't compete on a national recruiting stage with Utah or TCU, not to mention Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio St., etc. I know they get the likes of Jake Heaps, Kyle Van Noy, Zac Stout and others, absolutely terrific talent, but they're more scheme players (maybe with the exception of Heaps) than superior athletes with speed and strength. As long as the program focuses their attention on players who will live by the Honor Code (which I whole-heartedly support and agree with), they will be left with mostly second-tier talent.

As for Utah and TCU...

TCU absolutely makes the most sense of joining a BCS conference when you consider recruiting demographic, geographic positioning and natural rivalries (Texas, Oklahoma, etc.). They've been one of the most consistent (and winning) teams over the last decade, and with this year's success, they're a very sexy pick to join. The only thing that may hold them back is a very fickle fan base and a terrible basketball program.

Next up, after TCU, would have to be Utah. With their success in 2004 and 2008, great recruiting channels, a known basketball program, and a very zealous fan base, they've got all the ingredients to make an impact and land the coveted spot. The only thing holding them back might be their lack of sustained success/history, and the fact they play in Utah (it's kinda out of the way...just sayin').

In any event, with either of those teams leaving the MWC, BYU suffers big time. All of the sudden the MWC becomes an average league at best. The best hope is to expand the MWC very, very soon by adding Boise St., Houston, Tulsa, Nevada, and Fresno St., and dump a couple cellar-dwellers, and then get an automatic BCS bid (by addition or elimination). If the MWC were to obtain such a bid, TCU, Utah nor BYU would have any inclination to leave the conference for greener pastures because they'd be feeding where the cows are fat and happy, and this whole argument becomes unimportant, much like the climate talks in Copenhagen.

Poll

What's the best scenario for BYU?

Will a new contract make Boise State's Chris Petersen a $3 million man?

Kevan Lee — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:43:05 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Litchfield - AP

16 days ago: Boise State head football coach Chris Petersen answers questions during a news conference on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho, following the BCS Bowl announcement that the Broncos will be playing TCU in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. (AP Photo/Idaho Press-Tribune, Charlie Litchfield)

Browse more photos »

Coach Pete is one of the best values in college football, and Boise State is hoping to do something about that. With negotiations picking up for a new contract, you have to wonder: How much will Petersen make?

After the jump, see what Coach Pete's peers are hauling in and debate whether or not the university can afford to pay the going rate. Is $3 million per year out of the question? Is anything less a slap in the face? Share your thoughts in the comments.

(Note: Most contract figures came from USA Today's salary database.)

The McMackin Law provides impetus for contract negotiations

There is an unspoken rule at Boise State: A Bronco head coach should always make more than Greg McMackin. Such is not the case right now as McMackin currently pulls in more than Coach Pete despite Hawaii's not being all that good since McMackin became head coach.

Hawaii's head man isn't the only coach putting Petersen's contract to shame. There are others.

WAC salaries

Greg McMackin - $1.1 million
Coach Pete - $1.1 million

Other non-BCS coaches

Gary Patterson, TCU - $1.8 million
June Jones, SMU - $1.2 million
Skip Holtz, East Carolina - $1.3 million
Kyle Wittingham, Utah - $1.2 million
George O'Leary, Central Florida - $1.3 million

The question then becomes not whether Coach Pete needs a new contract, but how big will this new contract get?

Keeping up with the Gary Pattersons

Whatever number Petersen and Bleymaier decide on for the new contract, you can be sure that fellow non-BCS coach Gary Patterson's salary will enter the conversation. Patterson received a raise and extension from TCU this month.

The exact terms of Patterson's new contract, which extends his current deal by two years to 2016, were not disclosed, but sources close to the TCU administration say the new deal is guaranteed and puts his salary in the range of $2.5 million annually, up from $1.8 million per year. Also, TCU retained no buyout clause, so Patterson could take another job without a penalty.

Patterson has it pretty good. The guaranteed contract means that he'll get paid the full sum even if he gets canned before the contract expires. The raise to $2.5 million per year puts Patterson's salary above that of a majority of BCS-conference coaches. And Patterson can take a better job with no fear of buyout.

How will this impact Coach Pete's negotiations?

A salary of $2.5 million now seems like an industry standard since Patterson and Petersen are unanimously considered the best coaches in the non-BCS ranks. Petersen's success at Boise State is in many ways greater than Patterson's stretch at TCU, so the case could be made that Coach Pete deserves more than $2.5 million. Is $3 million per year asking too much?

Mack Brown's largesse

Three million per year is pocket change for newly minted Texas coach Mack Brown. The contract extension he signed on Monday makes him the highest paid coach in college football.

Beginning next season, Brown will be paid at least $5.1 million a year under a contract revision approved by the UT System Board of Regents. He'll become the first college football coach to reach the $5 million threshold and he'll zoom past Southern California's Pete Carroll, whose $4.4 million in total compensation for USC's 2007-08 fiscal year topped USA TODAY's 2009 survey of football coaches' pay.

Don't think for a second that Coach Pete will be able to finagle $5 million, but Brown's contract is a sign that college football programs across the country are doing whatever it takes to keep their coaches in town. An absurdly large contract is becoming the norm.

Can the university afford to do right by Coach Pete?

Let's say that Coach Pete deserves $3 million per year. Can the university afford that?

Petersen is already the state's highest-paid employee. A contract extension that more than doubles his current salary will be a tough sell when it goes before the state board for approval, and it will greatly affect Boise State's budgets. Plus, let's not forget that the Broncos pay their assistants better than any other non-BCS school. You have to wonder at some point if the university is going to have to make the choice between paying its assistants or paying its head coach.

Coach Pete has said time and again that he is happy at Boise State. Will that mean a hometown discount when contract negotiations heat up? The way that Boise State has been scrambling for extra money lately, you might wonder if a hometown discount is the only way this contract will work.

Your turn

How much do you think Coach Pete will make in his new contract? Should he get $3 million per year? Should he at least match Gary Patterson's deal? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Ranking The 2009-2010 Bowls: Part 3

Mark Kieffer — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:00:24 -0000

Here we go! Part 3 of the series. Pushing it out a day earlier than originally planned, with plenty of time to spare before bowl season!

Below is the list of the 9 Bowl Games that I am going to try and do everything in my power to watch. With these 9 games, if I were able to watch all of these, I would be perfectly content with bowl season.

As I've said before, there's a lot of people out there that think there are way too many bowl games. That they are all meaningless for the most part. If you're one of those fans, I'm totally with you, 100%. The main reason why there are so many, is because people are able to make money off of it, and I have no problem with people getting paid money. All I will do as a consumer, is watch the games I care about, and not watch the others. If everyone did that, then you probably wouldn't be as bothered by the Bowl System.

For me, I just pick and choose the matchups that look the most appealing. In some years, it may be just a few bowl games. In others, it might be 10-15. It all depends on how the season goes, and what the match ups look like. These people that try to make a Top 10 list every year are silly. Some years, the number of good games in a given year aren't constant, which is why for 2009-2010, I've got 9 games, as opposed to some round number like 5 or 10.

With that said, click the jump to see how I have my Top 9 bowl games ranked!

#9: Gator Bowl (West Virginia vs. Florida State), 1/1/2010, Noon CST, CBS

A historic game, as Bobby Bowden says goodbye to Florida State and coaching altogether. I'm interested in seeing the kind of pregame CBS will air. I'm sure the Florida State players are going to do everything in their power to come out prepared, and working as hard as they can to get their coach one more win.

#8: Las Vegas Bowl (Oregon State vs. BYU), 12/22/2009, 7:00pm CST, ESPN

I am really looking forward to this matchup. I've had the chance to watch quite a few Oregon State games this year. I will say that although they do not tackle well, they have a good offense, and are a tough opponent. BYU has had some head-scratching performances, like a blowout loss to Florida State at home, but I think a lot of those issues are taken care of, and they are a physical team. I look at BYU trying to pass all over the place, while Oregon State tries to run over BYU. I also think it will likely come down to the final possession or so to win it.

#7: Sun Bowl (Oklahoma vs. Stanford), 12/31/2009, 1pm CST, CBS

This game starts about 4 hours before the Insight Bowl. I'm hoping someone tailgating has a TV setup where we could watch this one as it should be a good one. I'm a big fan of OU's defense, and an even bigger fan of Toby Gerhart. The Sun Bowl did well with this matchup in my opinion this year.

#6: Rose Bowl (Ohio State vs. Oregon), 1/1/2010, 3:30pm CST, ABC

Uber-conservative Ohio State, against a more free Oregon offense. Typically when Tressell has a while to gameplan, he is able to keep the Buckeyes in the game. I also think that he often plays "not to lose" instead of playing to win. If he does that, I think the Ducks make him pay. Either way, I think it's a lopsided game, and Oregon wins by 2 TDs. I just love the way Oregon runs that option-attack, and this is one of the more traditional bowls that I do like to check out.

#5: Orange Bowl (Iowa vs. Georgia Tech), 1/5/2010, 7pm CST, Fox

I know Hawk fans are disappointed in not making the Rose Bowl this year, but it isn't all bad. They are in a BCS game, yet again, and get to face an opponent they actually have a chance at beating. I honestly think that Iowa would have gotten spanked against Oregon this year. If I'm a Hawk fan, I'm happier to see my team have a chance to win on the big stage. Both teams like to run it, and both play decent defense. The Hawks have played close games all year, and I don't think this one is any exception

#4: Sugar Bowl (Florida vs. Cincy), 1/1/2010, 7:30pm CST, Fox

Even though Brian Kelly bolted Cincy, I think these guys play hard in the biggest game in Cincy's history. It's also Tebow's last college game, and I'm interested in seeing how he goes out, after having a bad game in the SEC Championship.

#3: BCS Championship (Texas vs. Alabama), 1/7/2010, 7pm CST, Fox

Usually I find these games disappointing and not living up to the hype. Part of me thinks it will be a good game, while the other part thinks that Alabama is just going to throttle the Longhorns. The fact that Texas nearly lost to Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship game suprised me, and I think they are vulnearable. If 'Bama brings that physical play they brought to the SEC Championship game, it's over.

#2: Fiesta Bowl (TCU vs. Boise State), 1/4/2010, 7pm CST, Fox

I feel bad for both of these programs. From everything I've seen, I have no doubt in my mind that both of these teams could compete with anyone in the BCS. I would've like to see Iowa get in the Fiesta Bowl, playing one of these teams, with Georgia Tech playing the other. Regardless, the BCS is going to discount both of these programs, plus they can pat themselves on the back for taking Boise State as an At-Large as opposed to a Virginia Tech.

With that said, I think it's going to be a hell of a game. TCU with their explosive defense, and Boise State with their explosive offense. If I had the ability to stay in the Phoenix area for longer, I would try to get to this game as well, but it's not happening. It should be just as epic on TV!

#1 Insight bowl (Minnesota vs. ISU), 12/31/2009, 5pm CST, NFL Network

If you are not an ISU or Minnesota fan, this game probably ranks the lowest amongst Bowls with teams from 2 BCS Conferences. I get that, so don't rip if you aren't a fan. I am an Iowa State fan, pumped that they made it to a game in a fun location, and looking forward to a great trip down to Tempe! Having a chance to play a team in which I have friends and family that follow that program, make it that much more fun for me.

If you are an ISU fan, and aren't excited about this game, I don't know what to do for you. Realistically, this is closer to the ceiling in terms of Bowl Games for ISU; at least in the near term. If you're a student or on the fence about going to this one because you're "going to wait for the bigger one next year", don't fall in that trap! That is exactly what I did when I was in school! The team went to 3 Bowl Games, and I went to neither, because I was waiting until they made the Cotton, Holiday, or Alamo Bowl. I thought I'd be heading to Big 12 Championship games in the future, and we know how it has turned out. This year the team is bowling. Other than mode of transportation, tickets and hotels are very reasonable. The New Year's Eve Block Party in Tempe is one of the better New Years Celebrations in the US. Don't miss out on this, waiting 4 years for the next time this happens.

That concludes the series. I'd love to hear which games you're most forward to watching this bowl season!

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Part 2

Part 1