Memo to the talking heads – they do actually play football out west besides the Pac-10

So check out the link from ESPN.com discussing how unlikely it is Boise State will play for the title. They do admit here that just because you’re in an automatic qualifying conference, that doesn’t mean you play a tough schedule. Refreshing to hear.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5659830

In spite of the somewhat level headed talk, it is of course still tough to believe Boise State can make it to the title game. Their first of what will be many slights, took place last week. Boise State got hosed when Oregon jumped them in the polls and pushed them back to #4. Oregon convincingly beat #9 Stanford so they jumped up. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I don’t buy Oregon. They do have a great offense, and might even win the PAC-10. However, I would take Boise State over them by at least a touchdown anywhere in America. Why I am so sure? Because we all watched it happen last year. Bosie State destroyed Oregon, not allowing a Ducks first down till the second half. Ya ya ya – I know, you can’t compare years. However, Boise trashed their opponent 59-0 last week and lost ground. I’m sorry, that’s just not right.

So what is a Bronco fan to do?

Keep on winning and make sure you show well against Nevada when you get them. Hopefully Nevada will still be ranked.

Then while you’re winning you’ve got to start scoreboard watching like a second place baseball team does in mid-September. I think we all agree Alabama is a run-away #1 and if they win out, will obviously be in the title game. So Ohio State and Oregon are the 2nd and 3rd road blocks in the way of  Boise State. Unless the incredible quarterback from Michigan, Denard Robinson, can somehow take down Ohio State in their rivalry game, I don’t see the Buckeyes losing. What I’m not convinced of is that Ohio State will have played a tough schedule. The same goes for another currently undefeated team and potential threat to a #2 Boise State ranking, Nebraska. They are in the always weak Big 12-North and their cross-over games with the Southern division, do not include Oklahoma. Ultimately they would get OU in the Big 12 championship game and that might help the dust settle. By the way BYU fans, if you don’t like independence next year, don’t worry, because your team is the missing puzzle piece in getting the Big 12 back to 12 (when they go to 10 next year) and getting the championship game up and running again. I still think BYU to the Big 12 in a year or two is a real possibility.

But back to Boise State – another road block to a #2 ranking will be the winner of the #5TCU/#10Utah contest. I think the winner of that game could jump Boise State, a la Oregon beating #9 Stanford and vaulting ahead of BSU.

Finally, we still have Auburn and LSU undefeated but those two both have to play Alabama and each other in the SEC West.

So in the end, Boise State will need Ohio State to lose and have Oklahoma lose a game before they beat Nebraska in the Big 12 championship. Boise will then need to hold off the winner of TCU/Utah.

Then Broncos – you’re in. 

For the record, I’m not a hater of all the teams I just rattled off. They recruit incredible talent and are consistent year in and year out. I love that Nebraska is once again relevant nationally. I think Oregon is an exciting team to watch. What I really can’t stand though are the talking heads constantly telling the likes of Boise State, TCU and Utah that they are great kids but there is no way you are gonna make it in our club. It just simply is not true any more.

A few more quick notes:

Should BYU lose to San Diego State this week, (BYU is a 5 point dog) they are pretty much guaranteed a losing (not bowl eligible) season. They get TCU next and will be 1-6 after that game. There is no way they turn it on and run the table to go 6-6. Let’s hope their new defensive coordinator has a few tricks up his sleeve against SDSU.

Finally: Check out the Top 25 this week and just think what could have been in a theoretical Mountain West Conference:

#4 – Boise State
#5 – TCU
#10 – Utah
#21 – Nevada
#25 – Airforce

I’m not sure Boise State and Nevada would have been invited to the Mountain West if Utah had not jumped and BYU threatened independence, but my goodness. Imagine if a year or two ago, the presidents of these schools had said forget you to their respective 2nd tier conferences, joined forces and built something new. This cluster of 5 teams along with BYU, who will not be down long. would have easily been the 3rd or 4th best conference behind only the SEC, Big 12, Pac 10.

Enjoy the weekend!