Boise State Is Good but Not Best Team in America

It was in the Fiesta Bowl between TCU and Boise State where the real national championship was won. With both teams entering the game undefeated, it is only right that the winning Broncos be named king of college football for the 2009 season.

The game between the two was incredible to watch and fitting for one that decides the national title. Defense and special teams were critical factors with Boise State taking one interception back for a touchdown and using a fake punt to set up the ultimate game-winning points. TCU was a worthy competitor, but just missed making a few big plays that were potential game breakers.

Beyond the Fiesta Bowl, both teams proved they were worthy to battle for the claim to best in the nation as well. These two juggernauts averaged over 40 points of offense in each outing while churning out a gaudy 460 yards of offense per game, which is something neither Alabama nor Texas could manage.  The Horned Frogs were the best defensive team in the nation, and while the Broncos were not quite their peer in this category they were still a top 15 team nationally in total defense.

Offense and defense: TCU and Boise State bring both to the table.

Boise State and TCU brought their No. 6 and No. 4 BCS rankings into this game by dominating their conferences. To obtain their undefeated season, the Broncos not only defeated the Pac-10’s Oregon, they also took conference foes Utah State, New Mexico State, and Idaho to task. TCU took down ACC power Clemson early and whipped up on Wyoming, San Diego State, and Colorado State in the Mountain West.

Powerful teams with powerful wins. Absolute domination over some of the best teams in the nation. What? Oh. You mean that might be a problem. Why? After all the powerful Horned Frogs played the 75th most difficult schedule in the nation. Boise State managed to play an even weaker overall schedule. Theirs comes in at 92nd.

Here is the thing that people who want to declare the superiority of Boise State and TCU over the likes of Texas and Alabama. They play one tough game a year, while teams in the BCS conferences face quality opposition in conference just about every week.

The strength of schedule Alabama faced? It was the fourth toughest in the nation. Texas checks in at 30th. Normally the Longhorns would be higher than this, but it was a bad year for the Big 12. You see a bad year for the Big 12 is better than a great year for the Mountain West or WAC.

So, here is my conclusion. TCU and Boise State are to be congratulated for great seasons. For the level of football they played, it was an outstanding year. What does not need to be said about Boise State is that they deserve a national title in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Likewise, TCU would not have been worthy if they had won.

Hold the rubbish about how they only play the teams on their schedule and the big boys avoid them. These are empty arguments. You see, they played the teams they played! If TCU and Boise State participated in the major conferences they would be mid-pack teams. At best. If middle of the road SEC teams like Arkansas or South Carolina played in their leagues we would be discussing how they deserve a shot to play for the national title since one of them would be undefeated right now.

So, now is the time to end this ridiculous conversation. The real national champion will be crowned after the game between Alabama and Texas. Let the real championship game begin.