And The Debate Begins

Each year since 2006 the NCAA football season has ended with a non major conference team in the top 10. Last year Boise State and Texas Christian University broke into the top ten with undefeated regular seasons. This immediately started the debate as to whether or not an undefeated non major conference team should be in the national title game. The decision last year ended up pitting TCU against Boise in a BCS game instead of letting them play a major conference team and finding out if they really belonged or not. Nothing was really proved in terms of competitiveness by this game as Boise went on to win the game but didn't beat a team that people were willing to compare to. This season started with the Broncos ranked number 3 in the country based on their bowl game win and the fact that they return 22 starters from last year.

Monday night was the toughest game on the Broncos schedule but just how tough it was remains to be seen. Virginia Tech handed the Broncos 17 points in the first quarter, yes I understand that they had to do something to create points but it wasn't much. The fumbled snap was just lack of focus for the center and the quarterback, 4 plays, 4 yards gained, 3 points on the board. The second drive for Tech was just as bad, they let Pettis run right around the end, 2 Tech defenders stood in the middle of the field and didn't pick up anyone. Boise got the ball back, 2 plays, 12 yards, 7 easy points (blown coverage by the corner). The third Boise score was a bit more work but if it wasn't for a terrible mental decision by the defender Virginia would have had the ball back with decent field position. 2 penalties on the kick return, by the same player gave Boise not only the first down but 15 yards on top of that. So in summary Boise had the ball for 9 minutes, went 74 yards on their own, and had 17 points on the board.

After the first quarter I felt like Virginia Tech dominated most of the game, their offence figured out how to play again, they gave Taylor time to make plays like the great athlete that he is. Their defense forced Boise to make decisions in a hurry getting pressure on the quarterback and not letting the Broncos get a rushing game going. This all was until the final Boise drive though. Kellen Moore found his form and put together and excellent drive, I don't know enough about football rules to comment on the non call block from behind or the late hit on the sideline(I feel that if the receiver keeps playing like it's like so should the defender but I'm sure that isn't the rule). Credit to the Broncos but I also think that the Hokies played the last 2 drives all wrong. They were having success by bringing pressure on defense but played prevent defense which allowed Boise to easily pass down the field. They changed up their offensive strategy as well; they were going for the long ball to get into range even though they had 2 timeouts left. All game they had success with the short plays, around ten yards, getting down the field by scrambling and just making plays.

Time will tell just how good Virginia Tech is once they start their ACC schedule, this will be important in the coaches' poll in determining how much of an impact the win has on Boise. With their remaining schedule Boise should have no problem going undefeated, Oregon state will be a test but limited since they are playing them at home on the blue turf. Last season teams in the WAC went 43-58, well below the breakeven point of a .500 winning percentage. Their non conference opponents, VT, Wyoming, and Oregon State, went 23-13 last year which isn't bad but none of them were competing for a national championship either.

I personally just don't think Boise State should automatically be slated into the national championship game. Their competition just isn't the same as a team Big 10, SEC or Big 12 where you face as many as 5 ranked teams throughout the year. Had they blown out VT on Monday night I would probably feel like they belong but I don't know how good VT is and I think that most of the game was handed to the Broncos. Maybe by the end of the season everyone will have 2 losses other then Boise and I could justify them being in the championship but until then I disagree and feel they a BCS game is acceptable but not the big one.