BCS Busting

[handy]

OK, so it's heading into fall, which in America is another word for Football Season. The Bronco's started their season last night with another roller-coaster, nail-biting, entertaining as all get out win over VA Tech.

So, naturally, it's time for me to start kvetching about the BCS.

Actually, I love it. I love that our little team that could, in fact did, has and is going to remain a burr in the backside of the BCS.

People can moan and groan all they want to about Boise's admittedly weak schedule. OK, so the WAC is weak. We know. That's why we're on our way to the somewhat stronger (albeit still weak) Mountain West. The thing is, Boise State has offered and continues to offer to play anyone anywhere.....

(chirp, chirp, chirp)

......nope, still no takers.

As of now the top poll rankings in College Football are

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. My beloved Broncos!!!!

with Texas, TCU, Nebraska, Florida, Iowa, Oregon and Oklahoma rounding out the top 10 in various slots depending on the poll.

Now, for all you who deride BSU *weak schedule* as if the Bronco's don't deserve a place at the table, may I remind you that the Bronco's have played and have BEAT Oklahoma, TCU, and Oregon.

Now, Nebraska is open on Sept 3, 2011 and Boise happens to be open that date as well. But, so far Nebraska hasn't returned any of Bleymaier's calls.

So, my little team that could, did and is continuing to do so has proved itself in every game against the current top 10 that they have had the chance to play.

If Boise remains undefeated this season, (and that's the catch here, Boise must win every game it plays, we cannot lose for any reason to anyone) then they most certainly deserve that place at the BCS table.

 

[Mike]

Until there's a play-off in NCAA football, Boise's gonna get the shaft. They may be among the best, but they don't give themselves a full season of competition to prove it on the field. Strength of schedule is always factored into the computer power rankings and in the minds of voters. I wonder why they didn't approach the PAC Ten about joining that conference when it was trying to go mega.

By the way, I believe there will be a play-off one day, and for the record I DON'T WANT ONE!!! I'm the last of the hold-outs that likes college football the way it has always been. I'm so afraid of a play-off system making losses in the season less relevant. After a while, you'll have the NFL where a few losses don't matter, because a place in the playoffs is secured. I don't ever want to see that day. I want a teams season hanging in the balance every week. Sure some powerhouses can take an early loss and still be in contention for the Title Game. But there's only a few that can get away with that.

No playoffs in MY college football!!! They can keep their dirty hands off it!

 

[handy]

I wonder why they didn't approach the PAC Ten about joining that conference when it was trying to go mega.

ummm, Boise State was not invited to join the Pac-10. No invite from them at all. You would have thought with all the hoopla and revenue from two (count 'em 2!) Fiesta Bowl wins, plus Boise's ability to draw in a huge fan base (go Bronco Nation!), the Pac-10 would have jumped at the chance to get BSU, but when the time came to hand out invites

chirp, chirp, chirp

 

[Mike]

ummm, Boise State was not invited to join the Pac-10. No invite from them at all. You would have thought with all the hoopla and revenue from two (count 'em 2!) Fiesta Bowl wins, plus Boise's ability to draw in a huge fan base (go Bronco Nation!), the Pac-10 would have jumped at the chance to get BSU, but when the time came to hand out invites

chirp, chirp, chirp

But did BSU mske the push? I know much is not made public, but were there rumors? They need a top conference. I have heard a swell of support for them from the national media.

Do you support a playoff system?

 

[handy]

Oh, there was a push all right, but it seems that the Pac-10 just weren't interested, then allowed in the Utes once BSU committed to the Mountain West. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but...:bigfrown

As for a play-off system, I don't know. It works well enough for basketball, but the nature of the two games are just so different, I really don't see it working for football. It would allow good teams from weaker conferences to prove themselves, yes, but at the same time, a play-off system also can knock a really good team out of the running just because of an untimely injury or something else insignificant.

Basically Boise is in a "play-off" no matter what. At this point we have to win every single game or else we lose everything the team has worked so hard to achieve, not just for this season but for years down the road. Look at how many people bring up Boise's loss to Georgia Tech and that was in '05, FIVE years ago!!!! How many other teams are being hammered over one loss five years ago.

It's not that I don't like the BCS system, except that it has set up a monopoly amongst the bigger schools that make it too unfair when a good team like Boise, comes along and should get a place at the table...and NOT the kid's table like last year's Fiesta Bowl.

 

[handy]

At last, here is an article that I think articulates Boise's position best!!!

Boise State doesn't have it easy - Los Angeles Times

 

[Mike]

Dora, you're probably not going to adore me as much when you read this. ;)

To a certain extent, I wonder what Boise State fans expect. : I went to Central Michigan University, and they play in the Mid-American Conference. A MAC school practically has to go undefeated to get to any bowl game, and quite frankly, I get that. We play teams like Western Michigan and Toledo during our conference schedule. The Chippewas play well against non-conference foes usually, but until they join a conference where they have high caliber competition week in and week out, they shouldn't be taken as seriously as those that do and have a loss or two.

I'm not comparing Boise to CMU, but to a lesser extent, Boise suffers from their conference.

Besides, everyone knows the bowls are about $$$. Whose fans will travel and spend money in their cities? Who will attract viewership? Boise is getting some national love now, and there is some interest in the underdog. They have attracted curiosity, but when push comes to shove, names like Florida, Florida State, Michigan, USC, Texas, Notre Dame... are going to get the nod unless Boise makes the case inarguable. I'm not saying it's right, but voters trust establish powerhouses when placing their votes and bowl committees like the $$$.

A championship game between Texas and Alabama has more of an "epic" feel to it. I love football, and it's great to have a team like Boise rise up against the machine, but I must admit I like a game between to legendary powerhouses more because of that epic feel to it.

(waiting for the chair on the head) :help

 

[handy]

(waiting for the chair on the head) :help

OK


Seriously, yes, I do understand about the money. But, Bronco Nation has more proved that we will bring in the fan base, not to mention that the Broncos are proving that they can pull in the ratings. Monday's game was the highest rated Labor Day college football game in history!

What do we Bronco fans expect? Some respect for the fact that we have gone undefeated and, when facing tough opponents, we not only bring in a solid fan base and solid ratings ($$$) we also win.

As for Epic...come on! Boise has pulled some epic victories. The 2007 Fiesta Bowl win is still considered one of the best games in college football history. Now, we cannot, and indeed have not, rested on the laurels of 2007. Since then, the Bronco's have worked hard, very hard to maintain a stellar record. The Times article I linked to shows that they are living up to a harsher standard than the big boys have to live up to.

What do we Broncos fans expect? A shot at the national championship if we remain undefeated. Simple as that! If Boise were to play Alabama or Ohio for the Championship, it will be a most epic, unforgettable game.

If the Broncos lose just one game, then its over.

And I'll shut up.

For awhile.

Maybe.

:p

 

[Vic C.]

Is this the official thread for the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights football team? :D

 

[Mike]

Dora, in case you're planning anything drastic directed toward the BCS, I wanted to call you off the cliff and reason with you.

By the end of Saturday, looking at the then current AP standings, it seemed inevitable that someone currently behind Boise Sate would along the way leap-frog them some time this year. TCU, Oklahoma or Nebraska as well as Oregon could and probably would if they go undefeated through the season. I just didn't expect it to happen with Oregon this weekend.

BS has made all the statement they can, and now they need others to trip up. You can say all you want about BS playing and beating all comers in their non-conference schedule, but until the day that they are given the opportunity to stack their complete schedule with a full season of legitimate competition through the whole year, this is going to happen - unless they and 1 other school are the only ones left undefeated.

Like it or not, strength of schedule weighs in the decision. And going more against BS, some voters will consciously vote against them - enough to sway the numbers and drop them in the rankings. Like I said, BS has done all they can do. Now, they avoid a let down and a loss and hope the others trip up along the way.

I just don't want to see your name listed in a story about a riot ensuing in Boise. Lock up all your sharp objects and fire-arms. Get yourself in your happy place, and direct your angst at BS. Mad letters should be sent to their AD demanding that they join a major conference. If they truly did try to join the Pac Ten (and I question that, because I can't believe they would refuse them), they need to try harder. Go to the Big 12, the Big Ten and back to the Pac Ten. Nothing's going to change until something changes.

Happy thoughts, Dora... happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts...:yes I'm worried for you and your state of mind right now, Dora. :smt056

 

[Vince]

I'm not an Alabama Crimson Tide fan, but I predict that they are this year's NCAA champion.

You heard it first on Christian Forums.net

 

[Mike]

Dora? ... Dora??

Okay... I'm calling local hospitals and authorities in Middle-of-Nowhere, Idaho! Don't do anything rash, Dora!!!

 

[Vic C.]

Hey Dora, your team made the cover of Sports Illustrated... no bathing suits either.

 

[handy]

Why yes, yes they did!!!!!

Here they are in all their Blue and Orange glory!

View attachment 1557


No worries Mike. My guys are just doing the job right now. However, I will point out that they play each game as if they are playing against Alabama. Sure, it would be easy for them just to go out and do a Bambi vs. Godzilla stomp, but nope, they play each game to the best of their ability!!!!! My guys!!!!!

Vince...them's would be fightin' words, except that I'm still in awe of the Phillies no-hitter. I'm not a baseball fan, but even I admire that, so you get a pass. Hey, wait a minute...a quick look at when you posted this shows me that the no-hitter hadn't been pitched. So there!

IF THEY DON'T GET A BCS SPOT IT WILL BE THE BIGGEST CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY EVER!!!!! :angry

...well, except maybe the Nazi's. Oh, and Stalin, Pol Pot, guys like that. 'course Manson and Bundy were pretty bad too....

hunh, what was that Vic....Who? Rutgers? Rutger's has a football team? Hmm, didn't know. :p

 

[handy]

Wow!!! Alabama just dropped to #19! You can be sure I'll be keeping an eye on the rest of the pack. With Oregon jumping to #3, yet Alabama dropping...well, just have to see how things fall out this weekend.

I was listening to the radio and they were talking about how all the computers generally put Boise State at #1...that's because they don't have WAC prejudice!

 

[Vince]

Hokey Smokes Folks, it's true! For the first time since 2008, Alabama has been beaten! And by #19 South Carolina!

I do not foresee me having a great future as a seer.

 

[Mike]

Why yes, yes they did!!!!!

Here they are in all their Blue and Orange glory!

View attachment 1671

Dora, you do realize:

1. SI has regional covers for their mags, so likely, Idaho is the only state that saw that cover. The cover here had "Shoelace" from Michigan on it.

2. Regional or not, it's the kiss of death. Now, they'll drop an easy game for sure!

Wow!!! Alabama just dropped to #19! You can be sure I'll be keeping an eye on the rest of the pack. With Oregon jumping to #3, yet Alabama dropping...well, just have to see how things fall out this weekend.

I was listening to the radio and they were talking about how all the computers generally put Boise State at #1...that's because they don't have WAC prejudice!

You heard it here first. Alabama will NOT drop below BS in the ranking, leaving BS at best, in the spot they are at. Sorry. Just sayin'

 

[Vic C.]

1. SI has regional covers for their mags, so likely, Idaho is the only state that saw that cover. The cover here had "Shoelace" from Michigan on it.

The SI cover in the NYC area also had Boise on it. :yes It wasn't the same pic as Dora posted though.

This was our cover:

View attachment 1566

It's a rather big story overall. I do like Peterson's practical approach to it all. I admire his philosophy and his work ethics too.

 

[handy]

Wow, the things one learns....I had no idea that there were "regional" covers for SI. Believe it or not, I'm really not all that into sports. Pro basketball when my Spurs are in the rankings, the Super Bowl and my beloved Broncos are about all the sports I watch.

Well, a quick peek at the current AP rankings prove Mike right (sorry Vince, move over). Alabama stays firm at #1 with Ohio and Oregon rounding out the top 3. I guess I really didn't think that one loss would push the Tide too far. Was a bit of a shocker when they fell to SC, but the top ranked teams can lose one and still not take a hit. Unless they're Boise....no way, no how can Boise lose a game and not plummet.

Boise's game last night was another excellently played game, against a horribly weak opponent. It is hard being in the WAC, where there is just no competition.

At least Peterson makes the guys play each and every play as if they were going against Alabama or Ohio.

 

[Mike]

Well, a quick peek at the current AP rankings prove Mike right (sorry Vince, move over). Alabama stays firm at #1 with Ohio and Oregon rounding out the top 3. I guess I really didn't think that one loss would push the Tide too far. Was a bit of a shocker when they fell to SC, but the top ranked teams can lose one and still not take a hit. Unless they're Boise....no way, no how can Boise lose a game and not plummet.

I think you might have been looking at the rankings from last week, because the new ones have Bama dropping to 8 and BS moving up to 3. I go by the AP as the more legitimate poll. So, I was wrong in assuming the love-affair the SEC and The Tide in particular. I'm surprised that they dropped all the way to 8, actually, from where they came. They weren't just #1, they were locked in.

Being a CMU alumni who's in the MAC along with Toledo, what Boise did to Toledo is telling.