Fiesta Bowl 2010: Boise State Makes Case for 2011 National Championship Game

Everyone was expecting a shootout, but what they got was just as good.

A defensive struggle the entire game, the Boise State Broncos defeated the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl 17-10. This was Boise State's second Fiesta Bowl win in the past four years. They also have as many BCS Bowl wins as Penn State, Alabama, and Michigan—combined.

Many people, including myself, thought TCU (4) was among the top teams, if not the top team in the country. Boise State's (6) win proved that they are among the top teams in the country and can compete with anyone.

Losing only one starter from this years team, Boise State is a force to be reckoned with next year.

They should be a preseason top five team next year, potentially propelling them to the National Championship game in 2011. Coincidentally, the game will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium, the site of both of Boise State's BCS Bowl wins.

However, the schedule gets much harder for the Broncos next year. The highlight will be when they face Virginia Tech September 6 at FedEx Field, practically a home game for the Hokies.

Boise State will also be playing Oregon State and Wyoming in 2010. If they can get past all three of these opponents, I can see the Bronco's running the table next year, and earning a spot in the BCS National Championship Game.

Sure, the skeptics will say that they couldn't compete in a BCS conference, but I beg to differ. They proved to me tonight that their defense is among the top in the nation, and even without a big impact from Austin Pettis their offense is as potent as any ones, scoring 17 points on the top defense in the nation.

If they do get a shot at a national title, it would be a win for all mid-major teams. 10 years ago, if you told any one that Boise State could have the opportunity to play for a national title, they would have probably tried to admit you into an insane asylum.

It could happen, and I see it happening.