Fanblogs.com: Does Boise State have an in conference challenger?
babigos
· 5 months ago
I hope you're right about San Jose State Football finishing second in the WAC this year. It seems as if the cards are stacked high against us however, due to our tough OOC schedule.
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
Fortunately those out of conference games don't count for the conference standings but will make your conference foes look a lot less intimidating.
Besides, I might have other interests in seeing ya'll do well.
I've never really tried being unbiased.
fosterkeats
· 5 months ago
I think San Jose is a stretch at #2...
San Jose may be better than last season, but their non-conf schedule is tough(at So Cal, Utah, at Stanford, Cal Poly), and their 4 road conf games are Fresno, Boise, Utah St, & La Tech...
Their only locked in wins are Idaho, New Mexico St & MAYBE Cal Poly(who beat San Diego St last year and almost beat Wisc in Madison)
You also have to factor in how senile Dick Tomey has gotten...
KatherineBH
· 5 months ago
2008. Hawaii got to the Sugar Bowl in 2008.
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
How did I miss that? Will fix.
KatherineBH
· 5 months ago
Thanks Ben :) Great piece!
Zac
· 5 months ago
I still maintain, given Hawaii's schedule that season, their going undefeated wasn't that great a feat. In fact, that may not be a half bad topic for conversation. What teams went undefeated, and in doing so, didn't do all that much?
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
I was just pondering the Miami(OH) vs. Miami(FL) situation in the early 80's and was likening the situation to what a comparison with Washington and Boise State today. One is a team with history that has tarnished and the other an upstart doing better than expected.
This led me to the question, would Boise State be better off as an independent?
They could still schedule Fresno State, San Jose State and Nevada as they give reasonable competition and Idaho would likely not go away due to the instate rivalry. The upcoming series with Utah and BYU could be extended indefinitely as they are a boost to all programs involved schedules and the bus fares are cheaper than flights. That would count as 6 regular games that would function as Boise's pseudo-conference schedule. If they can get Oregon State or the Washington schools to sign on that would be a big plus as well and get them to a normal level of pseudo-conference games of better quality than most conferences.
Losing games at Hawaii and Louisiana Tech would generate instant travel savings.
Add a few games against other top 25 teams to this and you have a schedule that compares well with anyones, like Miami and FSU did in the 80's.
And all on a dime travel-wise compared to the WAC.
fosterkeats
· 5 months ago
I really like Nevada to give Boise St some competition this season...
-They have the best QB in the league -They have the best RB in the league -They have the 2 best returning DEs in the league -Their conference road games are Utah St, San Jose St, New Mexico St, & Boise St -They have an excellent chance to beat Notre Dame in the 1st week -They play a rebuilding Mizzou team in Reno -They averaged 278 rushing yards & 231 passing yds per game in '08 -Their weak link last season was Pass D, they have 8 starters back, 3 of 4 DBs
GO PACK!!!
NevadaTom
· 4 months ago
And don't forget they got Missou at home a Missou team that ran up the score its going to be like missou going into one of those wasp nests and wacking it with a stick but, oops the gate you just shut to get into the yard was kiddy proofed so your mommy is the only one who can save you omg !!!
RecklessRay9
· 5 months ago
Many may say this is an optimistic view, but our Spartans will battle this year for the WAC championship. The key will be veteran maturity, health on both sides of the ball, our offensive production, and K-Reed will WOW the country his Senior season as he plays with a chip on his shoulder having something to prove. He will be healthy!! He will have a year of experience, a healthy spring, and a great fall tune up in him. He is primed to break out as a top QB in the WAC.
Probability is that we will most likely lose the opener to USC, but they have many new pieces in place and we will come out of the gates amped and firing on all cylinders. Similar to the way we played against Nebraska only we don't lose gas and we are loaded with more offensive weapons. I will never doubt my Spartans.... We need that attitude from the team and the fans if we want this program to be where we all want it to be. I spoke to K-Juro a few weeks ago and he told me that they will leave it all on the field September 5th!
Hold me to this!! WE WILL SURPRISE UTAH THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND!! Our boys will be ready and the stadium will be louder than ever.
It will be all momentum from there. We have tough road trips, but our confidence and offensive play will propel us. The defense will be great again and this year the offense will give them that huge apology they owe for last year. The D will not be on the field as much!
Offensive keys to success: 1. Terry Malley (our new QB coach/OC/play caller) Had Arena Leagues best offense with the San Jose Sabercats. 2. K-Reed (He will preform!) 3. WR corps- Jurovich, Jalal, Avery, Avila, terrance Williams, Harrison, and Ryan Otten (SCARY if you ask me). We have size, athleticism, speed, a proven star, and experience). 4. A healthy veteran O-Line 5. Our RB's will do work!! Muldrow (our Lendall White!), an experienced and confident Brandon Rutley (our Reggie!), add in a proven chain mover and goal line finder in Pat Perry and we present a tough equation to solve. It will be our triple threat all season. They all bring a unique individual style. We will have power, speed, and flash!
Again, many may say I am an optimist, but I expect this team to surprise the WAC and the country. More so than in 2006 because we are loaded with talent and an outstanding coaching staff. omment here.
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
What is the preseason for, if not unbridled optimism?
As a Utah fan I believe the trip to San Jose has all the markings of a trap game. We are likely to look a lot better on film due to the difference in competition in week 1 (Utah State is not USC) and we also have Oregon up the week after we play you.
This game will be a test to see if Utah can truly keep an eye on one week at a time.
Tommy_Trojan
· 5 months ago
VeryRecklessRay:
More like a train wreck. If Southern Cal doesn't beat you by fifty - I'll be stunned. Dude, your San Jose State for cryin' out loud! You don't have Reggie or LenDale back there. In fact, you don't have anybody back there, but guys that look okay against extremely bad WAC defenses. You guys are gonna look real good against Idaho and Utah State. But, your gonna get the hair removed from your behinds, by both USC and Boise State.
Your enthusiasm is endearing. But, don't place any money on where your heart lies....
NevadaTom
· 4 months ago
Maybe the Usc people will mistaken the yellow on their uniforms and think your playing Ucla and think (easy game) :)
Just a Ucla joke for you hahahahaha good times brother.... I hope you guys crush Ohio States Championship Party :)
But, as I predicted Oregon State to beat Usc last year in the Pre-season .. .. .. .. .. Id keep my eye on Oregon/Arizona/Arizona State/California.
JFord
· 5 months ago
Step away from the drugs, this is the only preseason prediction with LA Tech less than 3rd and you have them 7th. WHY!? You give no evidence to back up your LA Tech prediction.
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
I didn't really give any evidence for any of my predictions.
Looking into it I likely did underestimate LA Tech. At the least they should be in the mix with Nevada/Hawaii and not below New Mexico State.
Maybe I should get a pay cut, 10% of this months pay sound right?
TigerEducated
· 5 months ago
A rare LaTech Bulldog siting...
Seriously, Ben, they are getting some REALLY good recruiting classes up there. They're fighting off TxA&M, our other in-state programs, and even MSU for some recruits.
Derek Dooley was Saban's recruiting coordinator at LSU, and went with him to Miami, as well. He's their Head Coach and the Bulldog's Athletic Director. Dooley's building a very good program-and athletic department-up there.
His DL Coach is a guy that I honestly wanted to bring in until we hired Brick Haley. Former Auburn DL Legend Jimmy Brumbaugh...He's got some S&C experience, and is a very high energy coach & has some recruiting chops, as well.
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
I'll defer to the resident Louisiana Expert.
Porcine
· 5 months ago
They're still the Techsters to me.
JFord
· 5 months ago
You're still ignorant too, so I guess we're even?
Porcine
· 5 months ago
I don't really get this comment. Ignorant for historical humor? Even? What are we even for?
Zac
· 5 months ago
Now, wait a minute; wait a minute. You said he's "...still ignorant..." For that to be accurate there would have to have been a previous accusation proclaiming his being ignorant. Lacking said accusation, he can't be "still ignorant", given his "being ignorant" hasn't been established.
On the other hand, your Bulldogs (too common, should change it to Pitt Bulls or something) having been referred to by many rival fans as "Techsters", is well established, as my esteemed colleague from NO, LA will confirm.
As for said Bulldogs, or Pitt Bulls, or Techsters, I'm sitting here wondering what with all the FL's, Penn St's, OK's, OSU's, TX's, & USC's out there, why are we harping on an LSU wanna-be? So I thought I'd take a look.
Consider their records since 2002:
4-8, 5-7, 6-6, 7-4, 3-10, 5-7, 8-5 (w/Bowl win)... Anyone see a pattern here? Seven seasons ago these guys began a 4 year upward trend, which ended with a 7-4 year, only to drop back to 3-10 the following year. But, wait! What ho? Another upward trend I spy. Now, here's the best part, the Techsters approach year #4 of this, the 2nd, 4 year upward trend.
So, let's look at this year's schedule. At Auburn & at Navy. With Auburn's arguable coaching woes, winning that game is do-able. Win both; your team is on its way to doing quite well. Next up: Nicholas St & Hawaii. There's nothing like a breather before your team plays a rival it hasn't beaten in a while. At home this season could be the right place & time.
The visit to NV may not be pretty, but it just may be competitive. NM St, UT St, and ID should be in the bag, unless the team's really down after NV or foolishly looking ahead to Boise St - the next loss.
The last 3 represent probable loss #3 (Face it; LSU won't toss INT's for TD's to your guys in this game. I watched them against GA Tech; they've learned their lesson.), and possibly #4, but both states of Fresno & San Jose are winnable.
Now, if WVU were playing this slate, everybody would be rag'n on em despite the presence of Auburn, Boise St, Hawaii, & LSU (not to mention Navy & Nevada). Thing is Fresno has never been a gimmy, & San Jose was bowl eligible last year. So, potentially, your team plays 8 bowl eligible teams. Go 8-4 against that slate, or better yet 9-3, I would have to be impressed. What's scary is it looks like their poised to do it. So, as Judy Tinuta has been known to say, "It could happen."
Now that I've painted the background for you, howzabout you filling in the details as to why I'm right or wrong, as the case may be. Who's their starting QB? Experienced? Good Stats? RB's & WR's - same thing. O-Line, who returns? Defense - same thing. Why can or can't this be a 10 or even 11 win team? You be the judge. I'll be waiting.
JFord
· 5 months ago
A Tiger fan who knows his stuff, I'm impressed. I still don't like the Flagship, but props to you my friend.
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
He definitely lives up to the second half of his moniker in football.
That modifier helps distinguish him from the rest of the LSU faithful...
JFord
· 5 months ago
You have yourself a deal on the pay cut, also, no soup for you!
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
Wait, thats more than 10%...
OU_Fan
· 5 months ago
Boise State will leave Tulsa with a loss.
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
That statement can be read to favor either team.
OU_Fan
· 5 months ago
Good point. Boise State will lose to Tulsa.
JFord
· 5 months ago
Is OU still bitter about the Statue of Liberty play they fell for?
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
Almost as bitter as they are about the refs in Oregon.
OU_Ron
· 5 months ago
Nah Ben, not bitter...how could anyone be bitter about being involved in the most exciting game ever viewed on TV.....
Although the Oregon screw job is just deep entrenched hatred...for the Pac 10 Refs only...not for Oregon.. Thats my story..and I'm sticking to it..
fosterkeats
· 5 months ago
BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!
Weird Al Yankovic just had a Fart Attack... more to come...
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 5 months ago
hahaha!
fosterkeats
· 5 months ago
There was an incident at Santa Monica beach earlier in the day...
Apparently, Michael Jackson was at the beach, and some guy there yelled at him to "Get outta my son"...
Ben Prather
· 5 months ago
Lets let the dead rest in peace...At least for a day or two.
fosterkeats
· 5 months ago
What's the difference between Michael Jackson and a grocery bag???
One's white, made of plastic & kids shouldn't play with it, and the other is what you put groceries in...
TheMayor
· 5 months ago
Stick to football.
spartanation
· 5 months ago
I believe La Tech is one of the teams to beat this year in the wac. They have had some great recruiting classes and time has come for the recruting to pay off. I also believe that this is the year that boise will come down in the wac. Fresno is better and tough, La tech, will be in the mix, San Jose State will be in the Mix as well as Nevada. I think boise will lose 3 to 4 games this year. Just my opinon. Ciao!
Tommy_Trojan
· 5 months ago
Boise State has had some tremendous QB's. None are even close to the left-handed Kellen Moore that is there now.
Ryan Dinwiddie passed for 9,819 yards between 00-03, breaking Danny Wuerffel's career record for Passing efficiency, with a rating of 168.79 for his career.
Jared Zabransky started between 04-06, passing for 2,587 yards (66.3%) with a 23-8 ratio, as a senior in 06.
Taylor Tharp was the starting QB in 07. He passed for 3,340 yards (68.3%) with a 30-11 ratio.
Kellen Moore was only a redshirt freshman in 08. His numbers are astonishing. He passed for 3,486 yards (69.4%), with a 25-10 ratio. He looks better than this when you watch him play in person.
As a freshman QB, numbers such as these cannot be put into words, but show a maturity well beyond his years. The WAC conference, as well as many other National accolades, will belong to Boise State for the next 2-3 years. There will be no stopping the Broncs.
nevadafan
· 3 months ago
Disagree. NEVADA will compete with BSU this year. NEVADA has a better offense (QB and Running backs for sure) and seasoned OL and a great pass rushing attack with a great run stop (ranked 6th last year, 9th per carry). BSU has a better pass D (who doesn't) than NEVADA but I really do see NEVADA giving ND fits and should be able to compete for the first 3 quarters and they better beat a down MIZZOU at home. What will determine the BSU/NEVADA game at the end of the season will be who is healthier. The rest of the schedule is actually okay. UNLV is supposed to be better this year, CSU is down but the game is at CSU. In conference I just don't see NEVADA losing besides BSU, they get the weakest of the conference on the road (besides BSU) and they don't have to travel to Hawaii. NEVADA is pretty much on everyone's watch list this year if for nothing else than Kaepernick's abilty and potential. If they give ND a game or even win, watch NEVADA make some real noise this year.
Ben Prather
· 3 months ago
I like Nevada, but they have yet to prove my expectations.
How much of a difference will Louks transfering from Utah make for Nevada in 2010? Does Nevada need a QB who is a serious run threat?
All Comments
Besides, I might have other interests in seeing ya'll do well.
I've never really tried being unbiased.
San Jose may be better than last season, but their non-conf schedule is tough(at So Cal, Utah, at Stanford, Cal Poly), and their 4 road conf games are Fresno, Boise, Utah St, & La Tech...
Their only locked in wins are Idaho, New Mexico St & MAYBE Cal Poly(who beat San Diego St last year and almost beat Wisc in Madison)
You also have to factor in how senile Dick Tomey has gotten...
This led me to the question, would Boise State be better off as an independent?
They could still schedule Fresno State, San Jose State and Nevada as they give reasonable competition and Idaho would likely not go away due to the instate rivalry. The upcoming series with Utah and BYU could be extended indefinitely as they are a boost to all programs involved schedules and the bus fares are cheaper than flights. That would count as 6 regular games that would function as Boise's pseudo-conference schedule. If they can get Oregon State or the Washington schools to sign on that would be a big plus as well and get them to a normal level of pseudo-conference games of better quality than most conferences.
Losing games at Hawaii and Louisiana Tech would generate instant travel savings.
Add a few games against other top 25 teams to this and you have a schedule that compares well with anyones, like Miami and FSU did in the 80's.
And all on a dime travel-wise compared to the WAC.
-They have the best QB in the league
-They have the best RB in the league
-They have the 2 best returning DEs in the league
-Their conference road games are Utah St, San Jose St, New Mexico St, & Boise St
-They have an excellent chance to beat Notre Dame in the 1st week
-They play a rebuilding Mizzou team in Reno
-They averaged 278 rushing yards & 231 passing yds per game in '08
-Their weak link last season was Pass D, they have 8 starters back, 3 of 4 DBs
GO PACK!!!
Probability is that we will most likely lose the opener to USC, but they have many new pieces in place and we will come out of the gates amped and firing on all cylinders. Similar to the way we played against Nebraska only we don't lose gas and we are loaded with more offensive weapons. I will never doubt my Spartans.... We need that attitude from the team and the fans if we want this program to be where we all want it to be. I spoke to K-Juro a few weeks ago and he told me that they will leave it all on the field September 5th!
Hold me to this!! WE WILL SURPRISE UTAH THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND!! Our boys will be ready and the stadium will be louder than ever.
It will be all momentum from there. We have tough road trips, but our confidence and offensive play will propel us. The defense will be great again and this year the offense will give them that huge apology they owe for last year. The D will not be on the field as much!
Offensive keys to success:
1. Terry Malley (our new QB coach/OC/play caller) Had Arena Leagues best offense with the San Jose Sabercats.
2. K-Reed (He will preform!)
3. WR corps- Jurovich, Jalal, Avery, Avila, terrance Williams, Harrison, and Ryan Otten (SCARY if you ask me). We have size, athleticism, speed, a proven star, and experience).
4. A healthy veteran O-Line
5. Our RB's will do work!! Muldrow (our Lendall White!), an experienced and confident Brandon Rutley (our Reggie!), add in a proven chain mover and goal line finder in Pat Perry and we present a tough equation to solve. It will be our triple threat all season. They all bring a unique individual style. We will have power, speed, and flash!
Again, many may say I am an optimist, but I expect this team to surprise the WAC and the country. More so than in 2006 because we are loaded with talent and an outstanding coaching staff.
omment here.
As a Utah fan I believe the trip to San Jose has all the markings of a trap game. We are likely to look a lot better on film due to the difference in competition in week 1 (Utah State is not USC) and we also have Oregon up the week after we play you.
This game will be a test to see if Utah can truly keep an eye on one week at a time.
More like a train wreck. If Southern Cal doesn't beat you by fifty - I'll be stunned. Dude, your San Jose State for cryin' out loud! You don't have Reggie or LenDale back there. In fact, you don't have anybody back there, but guys that look okay against extremely bad WAC defenses. You guys are gonna look real good against Idaho and Utah State. But, your gonna get the hair removed from your behinds, by both USC and Boise State.
Your enthusiasm is endearing. But, don't place any money on where your heart lies....
Just a Ucla joke for you hahahahaha good times brother.... I hope you guys crush Ohio States Championship Party :)
But, as I predicted Oregon State to beat Usc last year in the Pre-season .. .. .. .. .. Id keep my eye on Oregon/Arizona/Arizona State/California.
Looking into it I likely did underestimate LA Tech. At the least they should be in the mix with Nevada/Hawaii and not below New Mexico State.
Maybe I should get a pay cut, 10% of this months pay sound right?
Seriously, Ben, they are getting some REALLY good recruiting classes up there. They're fighting off TxA&M, our other in-state programs, and even MSU for some recruits.
Derek Dooley was Saban's recruiting coordinator at LSU, and went with him to Miami, as well. He's their Head Coach and the Bulldog's Athletic Director. Dooley's building a very good program-and athletic department-up there.
His DL Coach is a guy that I honestly wanted to bring in until we hired Brick Haley. Former Auburn DL Legend Jimmy Brumbaugh...He's got some S&C experience, and is a very high energy coach & has some recruiting chops, as well.
On the other hand, your Bulldogs (too common, should change it to Pitt Bulls or something) having been referred to by many rival fans as "Techsters", is well established, as my esteemed colleague from NO, LA will confirm.
As for said Bulldogs, or Pitt Bulls, or Techsters, I'm sitting here wondering what with all the FL's, Penn St's, OK's, OSU's, TX's, & USC's out there, why are we harping on an LSU wanna-be? So I thought I'd take a look.
Consider their records since 2002:
4-8, 5-7, 6-6, 7-4, 3-10, 5-7, 8-5 (w/Bowl win)... Anyone see a pattern here? Seven seasons ago these guys began a 4 year upward trend, which ended with a 7-4 year, only to drop back to 3-10 the following year. But, wait! What ho? Another upward trend I spy. Now, here's the best part, the Techsters approach year #4 of this, the 2nd, 4 year upward trend.
So, let's look at this year's schedule. At Auburn & at Navy. With Auburn's arguable coaching woes, winning that game is do-able. Win both; your team is on its way to doing quite well. Next up: Nicholas St & Hawaii. There's nothing like a breather before your team plays a rival it hasn't beaten in a while. At home this season could be the right place & time.
The visit to NV may not be pretty, but it just may be competitive. NM St, UT St, and ID should be in the bag, unless the team's really down after NV or foolishly looking ahead to Boise St - the next loss.
The last 3 represent probable loss #3 (Face it; LSU won't toss INT's for TD's to your guys in this game. I watched them against GA Tech; they've learned their lesson.), and possibly #4, but both states of Fresno & San Jose are winnable.
Now, if WVU were playing this slate, everybody would be rag'n on em despite the presence of Auburn, Boise St, Hawaii, & LSU (not to mention Navy & Nevada). Thing is Fresno has never been a gimmy, & San Jose was bowl eligible last year. So, potentially, your team plays 8 bowl eligible teams. Go 8-4 against that slate, or better yet 9-3, I would have to be impressed. What's scary is it looks like their poised to do it. So, as Judy Tinuta has been known to say, "It could happen."
Now that I've painted the background for you, howzabout you filling in the details as to why I'm right or wrong, as the case may be. Who's their starting QB? Experienced? Good Stats? RB's & WR's - same thing. O-Line, who returns? Defense - same thing. Why can or can't this be a 10 or even 11 win team? You be the judge. I'll be waiting.
That modifier helps distinguish him from the rest of the LSU faithful...
Although the Oregon screw job is just deep entrenched hatred...for the Pac 10 Refs only...not for Oregon..
Thats my story..and I'm sticking to it..
Weird Al Yankovic just had a Fart Attack... more to come...
Apparently, Michael Jackson was at the beach, and some guy there yelled at him to "Get outta my son"...
One's white, made of plastic & kids shouldn't play with it, and the other is what you put groceries in...
Ryan Dinwiddie passed for 9,819 yards between 00-03, breaking Danny Wuerffel's career record for Passing efficiency, with a rating of 168.79 for his career.
Jared Zabransky started between 04-06, passing for 2,587 yards (66.3%) with a 23-8 ratio, as a senior in 06.
Taylor Tharp was the starting QB in 07. He passed for 3,340 yards (68.3%) with a 30-11 ratio.
Kellen Moore was only a redshirt freshman in 08. His numbers are astonishing. He passed for 3,486 yards (69.4%), with a 25-10 ratio. He looks better than this when you watch him play in person.
As a freshman QB, numbers such as these cannot be put into words, but show a maturity well beyond his years. The WAC conference, as well as many other National accolades, will belong to Boise State for the next 2-3 years. There will be no stopping the Broncs.
How much of a difference will Louks transfering from Utah make for Nevada in 2010? Does Nevada need a QB who is a serious run threat?