Could Boise State Be Virginia Tech's Hardest Opening Season Game Ever?

Ty HodgesJun 19, 2010

Looking at the past games that Virginia Tech's football team has played; the Hokies have given themselves some tough games to open the season. In recent memory these games consist of: Southern California in 2004, Alabama in 2009, and now on that list comes Boise State in 2010.

The USC team of 2004 and the Alabama team of 2009 both share something in common, both teams went on to win the national title that year.

Despite this fact, Boise State might be the toughest team that Virginia Tech has ever opened a season against.

Boise State is coming off an undefeated season as the defending WAC Champions. Last season, the Broncos defeated two ranked teams, Oregon and TCU. Boise State finished the season ranked No. 3 in the nation last year.

While that is all fine and well, the kicker is that Boise State returns 23 of 24 starters from last season! The only player lost for the Broncos was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Boise State burst onto the football scene in 2006 when they went undefeated and upset Oklahoma in arguably the best game in college football history. Since that season, Boise State has seen seasons of 10-3, 12-1, and most recently 14-0.

The Boise State program is on the up and up and recently switched to the Mountain West Conference for the 2011 season, which will only build their reputation.

Boise State is also known for a very explosive offense which puts up a lot of points. Virginia Tech has had a stale and bland offense as of late under offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring. If this game turns into a shootout, advantage Boise State.

The Broncos have the ability to run the most shifty offense in college football and at the same time are physical enough to pound the ball on the ground. This is a very lethal combination.

While the talent might not be up to par with the Alabama and USC teams, the timing couldn't be better for the Broncos against a young and inexperienced defense. This fact alone could make Boise State the toughest team that Virginia Tech has opened with.

Is Boise State the best team Tech has opened against? Debatable. Is Boise State in prime position to do as USC and Bama did and win a national title after playing Virginia Tech? No debate necessary.