Now that the BCS picture is starting to clear up—sort of—it's time to start thinking about BCS at-large bids.
For the first time ever, there are four Non-BCS league teams that qualify for at-large bids. Utah, Boise State, TCU, and Ball State are all in the current BCS top 12, making them eligible for at-large spots in the BCS. However, only the highest ranking team, Utah, is guaranteed a spot. The fate of the rest is up to the discretion of the BCS bowls.
If any of these schools, other than Utah, receive a BCS berth it's likely to go to Boise State. Unfortunately for the Broncos, this certainly is not guaranteed since Ohio State is also eligible for an at-large berth. Seems like we have a good old fashioned BCS quagmire on our hands.
Remember, the only job of the BCS is to determine the top two teams and put them in the title game. After that, the bowls are in business to make money. This means you have to throw things like "emotion" and "fairness" out of the window. Just last year Kansas received a BCS at-large berth over Missouri (who beat Kansas and was also eligible).
Let's take a look at the resumes of Boise State and Ohio State...
Boise State
Conference: WAC
Record: 12-0 (8-0, Conference Champion)
BCS Standing: 9
Sagarin Rating: 11
Sagarin Strength of Schedule: 115
vs Top 10: n/a
vs Top 30: 1-0
Signature Win: @ Oregon (9-3)
TV Rating in BCS Games: 2007 Fiesta - 8.4
Ohio State
Conference: Big Ten
Record: 10-2 (7-1, Big 10 Runner-Up)
BCS Standing: 10
Sagarin Rating: 10
Sagarin Strength of Schedule: 43
vs Top 10: 0-2
vs Top 30: 1-2
Signature Win: @ Michigan State (9-3)
TV Rating in BCS Games: 2008 NCG - 17.4, 2007 NCG - 17.4,
2006 Fiesta - 12.9, 2004 Fiesta - 8.7, 2003 NCG - 17.2
Argument for Boise State
The Broncos are undefeated and undisputed conference champions. The last time they played in a BCS bowl they shocked the world by knocking off the mighty Oklahoma Sooners. The Broncos don't play in the strongest conference but they beat a good Oregon team on the road.
The Broncos are rated higher by the BCS and deserve the chance to play in a big time bowl. Plus, Ohio State has been dominated in their last two bowls and nobody wants to watch that happen again, give someone else a shot. The Buckeyes got blasted by USC earlier this year, we already know they aren't an elite team. America loves to see the underdog and Boise State is the team they want to see.
Argument for Ohio State
The Buckeyes are Co-Champions of the Big Ten and played a stronger schedule than the Broncos. The Buckeyes improved as the season progressed and aren't the same team that lost to USC earlier in the season. Further, Ohio State has one of the largest followings in college football and in today's down economy the Buckeyes will help the BCS make more money.
Also, even though the Buckeyes lost the last two title games, that doesn't mean people won't watch them in a BCS bowl (look at the TV ratings of the last two title games). Whether fans are rooting for Ohio State, or hoping that the Buckeyes lose, they'll be watching.
Prediction
The BCS bowls will select Ohio State, and they won't lose a wink of sleep. Sorry Boise State fans, this is a business and Ohio State is the better business move.
88 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Joseph Durst 7 months ago
As a direct result of the last national championship games, I actually wouldn't watch OSU in a BCS bowl. I would be much more inclined to watch a Boise State BCS game, considering the 2007 Fiesta bowl is in my top two or three college football games of all time.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Calvin,
How do you know what the minority is or isn't? Have you conducted a nationwide survey of college football fans?
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Show me that evidence, Calvin, and you will make a believer out of me. I am in the Hospitality line of work and whenever I talk to people from around the country the first thing they want to talk about is our football team. So I tend to think Joseph is in less the minority than you think.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Calvin,
The evidence that they have collected. How do you know its true? I have admitted that I think OSU will get the nod over Boise for monetary reasons. The point is that there are plenty of people who would prefer to watch BSU over OSU, and even more that believe they are more deserving. That is just a guess, but I don't think it is far from the truth. Just tell me, Calvin, money and traveling fans and tv ratings aside...
Who is more deserving on the field?
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
You are talking about things that are beyond Boise State's control then. We have only been an FBS school since 1996. How can anyone expect anything more from us off the field. Not to mention that, according to the 2000 census, Columbus had 711,470 people. Boise had 198,638 in 2006.
If you think that Ohio State would beat Boise State on the field, then fine. I have no problem with that. But use that as your argument as to who is more deserving, not anything else.
I have said it before, and I will say it again. The BCS will select Ohio State to play in their game. The good people of Boise know this. We just want more respect than we are getting.
Is that too much to ask?
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Yeah, and now the only people that remember that game are the people in Boise. I don't care about respect from Mark May, Kirk Herby, or Corso. They don't drive the college football world. Fans do. I want some more respect from the people who bust their ass at work to buy a ticket to a game. Who spend all saturday drinkin a brewskie and watching football. Even after our 2007 win, we didn't get it from those guys. We are still just one of the "little guys." Sure, people said it was a helluva game, but no one said that we were a helluva team. We beat them and you all made up excuses for why we beat them. Just like when we played at Autzen this year.
I don't base respect on the BCS or whether we get in or not. If I did, then my team would never have respect, just like you said.
We have a damn good team this year. Can anyone outside of Boise admit that?
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Iceman 7 months ago
i would love to see Boise state in a bcs game. the 2007 fiesta bowl was awsome, Bosie is a much better team than ohio state, the big ten is over rated and hides the fact that they all suck.
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
How do you know Boise is a much better team? They have a better record but nobody really knows. If Boise and OSU played on a neutral field, it would likely be a toss-up in Vegas.
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Michael Cline 7 months ago
Like you said, this is business and OSU will get the nod, and go to the Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes have a huge following in Arizona thanks to the snowbirds and selling tickets will not be a problem. They'll play either Oklahoma or Texas depending on how this weekend goes and it should be a great game. Can't wait for January to arrive!
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Brian Oswald 7 months ago
Dont be surprised if the Fiesta ends up taking Utah to go agaisnt Texas. I could see Ohio St. ending up in the Sugar bowl agaisnt Alabama ( my sec championship loser). I know espn says otherwise.
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
Wouldn't surprise me if the Fiesta passed on Ohio State. The Buckeyes have been to Arizona several times in the last 6 years.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
I'm not sure if you saw everyone from Boise in the '07 Fiesta Bowl, but we definitely did our part in filling the stadium. Tickets sold out in Boise in the first three days. Then some people went down there without tickets and bought them from locals who thought the game would be a blowout. Bronco Nation travels as well as any school in the country per capita.
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
Tucker,
I'm sure that BSU travels well 'per capita' but it's volume that matters. OSU has more than 500,000 living alumni, not to mention fans who just live in ohio. When discussing following and attendance, it really isn't even close. Now if you want to talk the quality of this year's football teams, that's more debatable.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Cullen,
University of Phoenix Stadium, site of the 2007 Fiesta Bowl where we "shocked" everyone outside of Boise, holds 63,400 people. Boise State fans occupied just over half of that so we will estimate we took 32,000 people down to Glendale to see that game. That was more than our own stadium would hold at that time.
Trust me. Travel will not be a problem to the people of Boise.
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
Tucker, I'm sorry but you really can't make an argument on fan following with Ohio State. Here's an example. Ohio Stadium holds 105,000 people. As an alum (lifetime member), I get the opportunity to buy two tickets to ONE GAME that the university chooses for me. In 2007 my game was Illinois. The demand was so high that the university had to send my money back because too many alums (who have donated more $ or bought tickets more years than me) responded for ticket requests. When I was bumped off of Illinois they tried to give me tickets to a game with less demand, but those were sold out too. Think about that, as a member of the alumni assoc. I couldn't get two tickets to one of 7 games with 105,000 seats. I'm sure Boise has a good following, but Ohio State is RIDICULOUS. I went to the Fiesta Bowl in '06 and the title game in '07, there were tens of thousands of Buckeye fans in town that had no intention of going to the game, they just came to party. That's a huge boost for the local economy (car rentals, hotels, restaurants, etc.). Boise may sell out their seats, but Ohio State will book all the hotel rooms in town.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Cullen,
I understand your argument and cannot dispute it. We are only talking about one game here thought. In one BCS game, Boise State would bring just as many people as Ohio State would. We would both sell out our allotted tickets. I am not saying that we have a bigger fan base, I am simply stating that to use that argument against us is not fair because we can travel to that big game just as well as you can.
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Marcus Anthony 7 months ago
Sorry Boise fans. Should have played more then Oregon.
P.S. If the Broncos played three or four BCS teams they would be in the National Championship conversation right now. They are that good of a team.
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
I agree. If Boise had a couple more BCS schools on their schedule they would have been in much better shape, they'd probably be ranked higher than Utah.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Well thank you for that, but we were hurt in the beginning by the fact that this was supposed to be a "rebuilding" year. How is our schedule any less impressive than Utah's? Oregon blew out Oregon State in Corvallis. They played their two biggest conference rivals at home and one of them (BYU) was rediculously overrated.
If we had started the season in the top 25, no doubt in my mind we are in a BCS game. That is why the polls shouldnt be released until at least 4 weeks in. That really hurt us.
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CrimsonUte 7 months ago
Sorry, did you just base your argument that BSU is better than Utah on the fact that Oregon beat Oregon State? That's some pretty convoluted logic.
How about this one? Florida beat Tennessee and North Dakota State beat Wyoming. Since Wyoming beat Tennessee, North Dakota State must be a better team than Florida. No? Then North Dakota State must be almost as good as Florida.
Or a more simple example: Ole Miss beat Florida but lost to South Carolina, so South Carolina should have beat Florida. No? Then South Carolina should have played Florida close. True, if you consider 56-6 close.
Games against other opponents don't mean much when comparing team A and team B, epecially if team A and B didn't even play the same opponent.
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Jon Altena 7 months ago
Great Article! First of all I think OSU is BETTER than BSU. I think if these two teams played ten times OSU would win 8. I cant see them stopping Pryor and Wells. They haven't played anyone as good as those two this year, whereas OSU has played all kinds of athletes of that caliber. I agree its about money (which is sad) and that will give OSU the nod. Plus Im more traditional and would rather see two powerhouses go at it rather than risking a huge blowout. That being said Im not trying to take anything about from BSU beause of what they did vs Oklahoma! But I feel like that was a cinderalla that wont be repeated for a while. Utah is the best non BCS team in my opinion and will also be the only ones that get a chance.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
How do you know if OSU is better than BSU? They have never played. But I really disagree with your argument that we couldn't stop Wells or Pryor. Pryor is at least an athlete, but Wells is horribly overrated. We had zero problem stopping LaGarrette Blount or Jeremiah Johnson from Oregon, and that is one of the best rushing attacks in the country. Our defense is pretty good this year, and I think if we played OSU ten times we would win 6 or 7. 9 if they were all played in Boise.
Also to your argument that Utah is the best non BCS team, we would beat them too. For the record, we are 12-0 against Mountain West Conference teams since the conference's existance.
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
How do you know BSU is better than OSU? The same argument applies, they've never played. You can't say that Boise would beat Ohio State 6-7 times out of 10, there's no evidence to back that up.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
I didn't claim to know that BSU was better than OSU. I gave my argument as to why he was wrong.
I will say that my guess is we would beat OSU on a nuetral site.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Calvin,
The evidence is on your tv set, bro. Watch and see that I am not in the slightest alone in calling him overrated.
I will say he is a great back and not near as overrated as our very own Ian Johnson. Boise State would keep Wells under 100 yards. That is all I really wanted to say in response to Jon's comment.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Calvin,
Did you even read my response? maybe you are the one that is devoid of crediblity due to your lack of illiteracy.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Calvin,
Haha ok good point about the lack of illiteracy. I never would have even caught that. ha.
As for Wells being overrated, there will never be fact to base that on. Only opinion. And your opinion, Calvin, is in the minority this time.
P.S. is potato head in reference to my residence in the potato state? If so, then I will take that as a compliment.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
The best potatoes you will ever eat.
Then why is he left out of every single Heisman conversation that doesn't happen in columbus?
I have conceded the fact that he is a great back and may go on to do great things at the next level. But for as much hype as you guys give him....you have probably taken it a little too far. Just like we did with Ian Johnson back in 2006.
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Jon Altena 7 months ago
Youre right they dont play eachother. But Boise State went undefeated in a terrible terrible WAC conference. The second best team was 7-5, and thats just sad. Their SOS is aweful and they have one DESCENT win. Ohio state has one good win and five or six DESCENT wins. The Buckeye O line would destroy the BSU D line who is used to lackluster running games. You say BSU shut down Oregon. NOT TRUE! 32 pts were given up, 29 first downs, 227 rushings yards. OSU would run all over BSU and thats that Tucker.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Jon,
You didn't watch the Oregon game did you? A majority of those points and yards came when we had already put in our BACK UP players. Did you know it resorted to that? That BSU put in some second stringers against the mighty Oregon Ducks? Your offensive line isnt much either. They are made to look good by a very decent running back in Wells whom I have called overrated. He was all the hype in the preseason and just hasnt lived up to his expectations.
In no way would I compare the WAC to the Big Ten. You did play a MUCH tougher schedule than we did. But a signature win over Michigan State? That isn't sayin much either.
Ohio State has better athletes top to bottom than we do. I can't argue with that and don't intend to. We have harder workers and will win with our schemes.
Also I never said that we "shut down" Oregon. I said we didnt have a problem keeping Blount and Johnson out of the endzone.
Back to the drawing board for you jon
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Calvin,
Let me concede to you that Wells is a good back. He just hasn't lived up to the preseason hype. That's all.
I may be wrong for calling him overrated, but I am not the only one doing it. He just has not lived up to the hype.
I will say, though, that he probably would be in some Heisman talks if he hadn't missed those games. Especially if you had beaten USC, which I highly doubt would have happened on your best day.
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Jon Altena 7 months ago
"We had zero problem stopping LaGarrette Blount or Jeremiah Johnson from Oregon, and that is one of the best rushing attacks in the country" Thats what you said! Doesnt say anything about an endzone. I agree that Michigan State and Oregon even out on the win scale but what I meant is beyond that OSU has beaten better teams which you didnt deny. Ha I enjoy the discussion I just disagree and think OSU is better, therefore they should go. I dont think BSU works harder either. I think to compete at that level both teams are putting in equal work. Also I think Jim Tressel is harder to outcoach than Bob Stoops. The argument about Oregon running up those stats on the second string is also false. For two drives BSU put their backups in and Oregon only scored on one of those drives!
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Dan Morgan 7 months ago
I really wish Boise would have had a better strength of schedule to make this discussion more interesting. As it stands I don't see how a team that is 115 out of 119 teams in schedule strength can even be judged against other top ranked teams. Before Oregon won this past weekend (with Oregon State's RB out with an injury) BSU was ranked 118 with Ball State at 119.
I understand the massive vote against Ohio State, but this wouldn't even be up for discussion if there was a real top tier team to compare for the spot.
Either way I'll be happy with the bowl bid OSU gets, if our losses are enough to make people believe we can't take care of business then so be it. It is hard to disagree until OSU starts beating top teams again.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
So you can admit that if we had played better teams, this would be a discussion. That's good. It also gives a hint of admission that we would have beat those tougher teams. You people complain about the computer rating system all day long until they work out in your favor. Sure, our schedule was very weak, but when we scheduled those non-conference games like Southern Miss and Bowling Green they were 2 and 3 loss teams. We have tried to bring big BCS schools into Boise, but they all refuse to travel and play on the Blue. Those things, plus a horrid conference schedule, are out of our control.
OSU will get the spot. That is just a fact. But it doesn't mean they are more deserving.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Calvin,
Wow you are going way back to 2005? That seems like quite a stretch. Even I haven't done that yet. You're right though. We were embarrassed by Georgia and lost our bowl game that year on our own field. We haven't suffered a loss here since, and all we did the next year was go undefeated and take down Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl (there I go again bringing up that game).
Why shouldn't schools come here to play? What do they have to lose if we will be such a cake walk?
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Calvin,
So you are saying you didn't care to watch the Oregon game this year? What if that game was going to air again this weekend now that we know what kind of teams were really playing. Would you watch it then?
What does OSU have to lose in traveling to Boise? Wisconsin traveled to Fresno, that isn't much different. When Ohio State makes an offer to BSU to play in your coveted Horseshoe, we will be there. At this point, if I am an OSU fan, I want to travel up to Boise just to shut this Tucker guy up.
Face it...the only way this will ever be truly decided is on the field.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Well you seem pretty concerned with what I think, Calvin.
I hope I know what its like someday, too. But as long as people like you keep trying to boost your proverbial egos by talking sh** about a supposed "second-tier" team, that will never happen because it is people like you that are causing our major setbacks. No one wants to play us. and it is about more than money. The sooner you see that the better.
Yours truly,
Potato Head
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HD Handshoe -- BlockONation.com 7 months ago
Boise State
Sagarin Strength of Schedule: 115
vs Top 10: n/a
vs Top 30: 1-0
115/119 meaning only 4 teams played a weaker schedule and 1 top 30 win
Sure Ohio State lost to #1 USC 35-3 but DO NOT forget Pryor barely played in that game and Beanie Wells didn't play at all and the 13-6 loss to #3 Penn State was a close game all the way and 1 costly turnover was the difference.
USC, Penn State and Ohio State would all beat Boise State by at least 14-20 points (most likely more)
In addition, BSU's final game the day after Thanksgiving broke their home game attendance record with a whopping crowd of just over 31,000........
The BCS bowls are about $$$ plain & simple and anyone on here who says they won't watch Ohio State vs either Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama or Florida in a BCS bowl is a flat out LIAR!
Whether you're a fan or you want the Buckeyes to lose, you'll watch and that's why OSU is almost guaranteed to get the bid...
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Michael Inglis 7 months ago
So Ohio State should get the bid because they know how to lose to good teams?
How many seats does BSU stadium hold?
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Haha wow. USC would beat us. That is true. It would be close, but they would win. I might even give us the nod if it is played on the blue, but I am a pretty big homer.
As for Penn State and Ohio State, we win 7 times out of 10. If you guys had actually seen Boise State play, I would listen to your arguments. But you haven't. If you had, you wouldn't be saying things like "...Penn State and Ohio State would all beat Boise State by at least 14-20 points (most likely more)."
The day after Thanksgiving we had 32,400+ fans in a stadium that holds 32,025.
I am not lying when I say that I would not watch Ohio State vs Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama or Florida in a BCS bowl. Ohio State's past couple of performances we embarrassing! I feel bad for the good people of C-bus.
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
USC would destroy Boise in a bowl game, they have one of the best defensive units in the history of college football. The game might even be worse on the blue turf.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Cullen,
They lost to Oregon State in Corvallis. Maybe you didn't see that game? I am not saying we would blow them out, or dominate them every time, but I am suggesting that we could beat them.
I did admit that I thought they would beat us.
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HD Handshoe -- BlockONation.com 7 months ago
Tucker, I've watched BSU twice this year and they would not beat Ohio State....sorry but just b/c you're a Boise homer doesn't make them anywhere near good enough to beat a top team from a BCS conference.
USC would beat them by 40, Penn State & OSu would both beat them by at least 14+
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
yeah, HD, I said you guys would win a couple of games too. But so would we. And I wouldn't exactly call OSU a "top team." At least not this year. In the past, no doubt about it. But the Big Ten hasn't been what it usually is this year. Dont worry, bro, every conference has a down year or two. Unfortunately for me, the WAC is going on 10 down years in a row.
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Doug Kraus 7 months ago
It is impossible to determine which team is better unless they play. You can argue all day about 12-0 dominating a cake-walk schedule versus 10-2 with multiple quality wins and only two loses to #1 and #3. I think it is a matter of opinion. I think both schools are worthy of consideration.
The real question is who does the BCS want. They have to take Utah, but Boise State and Ohio State is at the BCS's discretion.
I'll run this down in my own article later today.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Doug,
Couldn't agree more. Thank you for the level-headedness.
Even being the homer that I am, I can admit that they will probably take OSU. But to say that they are the better or more deserving team....that's not right.
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ron lane 7 months ago
How can you tell Boise state is a good team, they've played one team in the top fifty who they barely beat. Also that was ohio states team the last two seasons, not this season. Sorry boise state if you want to get in a bcs game you'll need to schedule much tougher out of conference teams.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Well the first way to tell is they went undefeated. I don't care who you are or what conference you play in, that is not an easy task. Look at Florida's loss for example. They should have easily won that game. Showing up every week and winning is hard to do for a full season.
Reason two is we never trailed a game in the second half. We weren't just winning our games, we were dominating them. Even the win at Oregon which you say we barely won, which the scoreboard would agree with you, we dominated for 3 full quarters and a couple of minutes into the 4th.
Our quarterback is in the top 15 in every major category and he is a freshman.
Our defense has allowed less points than 116 FBS teams. And that includes points that were scored on our offense. Take those away and it gets even better.
And we have one of the best coaches in all of college football.
Why don't we deserve a shot? OSU has, quite frankly, been embarrassed the last couple of seasons in their bowl. The Big Ten is horribly overrated. Last time we played, we put on a good show. If I were you, I'd want Boise State in the BCS just so they could get blown out and you wouldnt have to have this argument again.
Of course, I don't think we would get blown out. We aren't Hawai'i.
OSU has proven that they can't handle the big game. We have proven that we can.
OSU will get the game, but that doesn't mean they deserve it.
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HD Handshoe -- BlockONation.com 7 months ago
Tucker, other than your fluke win vs Oklahoma in the Fiesta bowl, what big games has Boise State won???
Ohio State is 4-2 in BCS games so for you to say we don't know how to win big games is simply F**KING MORONIC!
The only BCS game we lost that we were favored was 2006 to Florida....THAT'S IT!
Last year it's not our fault every team 1-4 decided to lose in Week 14 and we moved up to play in the BCS NCG......and I don't call 38-24 an embarrassing blowout when you're playing LSU in a home game for them as a 7 point underdog....
I don't make excuses for the ass whipping we took in 2006 from Florida, that was pitiful and we got killed but that's one time when we were expected to win a big game but lost.....
Boise State is a needle and Ohio State is the Haystack sorry to break it to you........
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
HD,
Maybe that win vs oklahoma was a fluke. But there is only one way to find out. Put is back in that spotlight and see what we can do. If we get blown out, you will never have to hear from me again. So you are blaming last year's loss on the losses of the teams ahead of you in week 14? That's too bad, man. Look, Boise State was embarrassed last year by EAST CAROLINA. I would say that is far worse than taking a 14 point loss to LSU. But that is not my point. You have been in the big games the last couple of years, and have not been able to pull if off. Maybe me using the term embarrassed for OSU was a little harsh, but let us have a shot. You guys will still land a great bowl against a good team. For us, it is back to the Humanitarian Bowl against a Wake Forest or Maryland team.
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Mike Muratore 7 months ago
Ohio State is a BCS team... From a BCS conference... with a BCS following... but there seems to be a backlash against teams not from the SEC and Big 12 this year. I think inviting the non-BCS undefeateds is too interesting to pass on. For no other reason than to see what happens, I'd bet on Boise State. Ohio State has been there so much, so often, and in such high profile, I really wouldn't be surprised to see them not selected.
BUT the fact that they will bring a stadium full of people to a BCS facing inviting Boston College, Cincinatti, and Utah will make them that much harder to pass up. Can you imagine an Orange Bowl with BC vs Cincy and 20,000 empty seats? It could happen!
I don't know what will happen... I'd rather see Boise State go, just to see what they would do against a top tier team... but I understand that money talks, and I'll probably get to see Texas or Alabama beat Ohio State like a drum. (NO. Ohio State isn't anywhere NEAR as good as either team).
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Mike...
Thank you so much. I feel like I have been taking on the world here.
I know that I have been sounding like a huge homer, and maybe I am, but I believe everything that I wrote and I think BSU deserves the game over OSU.
I do believe that OSU will get picked, but BSU deserves it more.
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
Beware BSU fans. If you get your wish and make a BCS game it has to be competitive. Ohio State can get blown out but since they're part of the BCS establishment they will always get a chance to make it back in. If a groundswell of BSU support gets them into a BCS game and they lose like Hawaii, it could really damage your future BCS prospects. Last year, Hawaii got a shot because of your success. This year, it's likely that you're being held back due to Hawaii's flop. That's just as fair as holding OSU back due to their last two bowl game performances. Speaking of bowl games, it's interesting that nobody has mentioned Boise's loss to East Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl last year. If OSU's bowl losses are relevant, shouldn't Boise's loss be a factor?
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
We are better than Hawai'i was last year. Even you can admit that, Cullen. You can admit that we would be competitive. I know you can. I am more worried about Utah really ruining it for the rest of us. Two blowout years in a row would be rough for non-BCS teams. But I have faith in them and I think they are a pretty decent team that deserves to be where they are at.
Yes, we lost an embarrassing game to ECU last year in Hawai'i. But before some key injuries this year, everyone was jumping on their bandwagon. I am not, in anyway, defending that loss. It was embarrassing and a huge setback for our team.
At least I can admit that though. How bout you?
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Justin Morgan 7 months ago
It isn't Boise St. fault that they have a weaker schedule. No quality teams will play them. You think any good SEC or Big-12 teams want to play Boise St.? not after the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. Boise St. is still looked at as a 2nd tier team but everyone is scared to play them. This year the Broncos would have won the Big East, ACC and Big Ten, finished 2nd in the Pac-10 and SEC. I know there is no way to know that, but Boise St. is that good!
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Thank you Justin.
I agree with you on all of that with one exception. I think that both Florida and Alabama would beat us, making us third in the SEC.
But all your other points sound good. Unfortunately, no one will ever take us seriously. And to think, we have only been FBS for 12 years.
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HD Handshoe -- BlockONation.com 7 months ago
Boise would have been 2nd in the SEC and would have won the Big 10????
You're kidding, right?
WHAT AN IDIOT........................
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
His words, HD. Not mine.
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Reggie Garcia 7 months ago
I think you can make a very strong arguement for both teams. Really. I mean Ohio State has been to the Nat'l Championship and spanked by the SEC (sorry Ohio State fans, but you know its true). But personally, I think Boise would put up better numbers than Ohio State. Think about it, any college football fan nowadays knows about the "BCS Busters". ESPN spews that word every chance they get in relation with the Utah's and Boise's of the world. BCS Busters are fun to watch, those teams don't get alot of national attention, so when they get on the big stage, you never know what they are going to do. I use the Fiesta bowl as a starting off point, BOTH fiesta bowls. Boise beat (heavily favored) Oklahoma. It was a extraordinary game, where even Oklahoma fans had their jaw dropped. in 2004, The Utah Utes beat Pittsburgh silly, and went on to finish #4 in the polls. Now their is the alternative. Hawaii got man handled by Georgia. So you do have 2 sides to the Boise argument? Yes they did not play anyone this year, but they did not really play anyone in 2007, and they went to a bowl game, and beat a big 12 team. in 2004, they beat a big east team. Ohio State had its chance. twice for all i am concerned. You can not be biased AND make a legitimate argument for the 2 schools. I am not a fan of Boise OR Ohio State, I just love college football. Ohio State MAY bring more fans, but Boise is a growing school, who knows...in 10 years, it might be in the Pac 10, and all of this would be history.
Tucker made a good point, going undefeated is HARD, period. Being perfect against any team is difficult, because the more wins you stack on, the bigger the target on your back becomes week after week. They could play Oregon or The citadel, they are 2 different teams but they are football players that want to beat your football players.
I would make my case for Boise. We don't know what we are going to get with Boise, Ohio State is going to be good for years to come
Tressel is 83-18
Peterson is 33-3/Hawkins was 53-11 = 86-14
It is all about winning
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Reggie,
Thanks for your support. One minor correction. Petersen is 35-3. That is my only beef. haha.
Thanks again.
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Reggie Garcia 7 months ago
Damn haha. I guess my researching skills aren't top notch when I woke up 10 minutes ago. Thanks, oh and great article. you sure do know how to spark something haha
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
Interesting points. A couple more things to note...
- Utah beat a Pittsburgh team with a lame duck coach (Utah's coach was leaving too though).
- Boise beat an overachieving Oklahoma team that hasn't won a bowl game in 5 years and was playing with a converted WR at quarterback.
Hawaii is the only mid-major to play a BCS school at full strength and with their full attention. Non-BCS schools aren't sneaking up on anyone any more. That said, Boise could still provide a great game but if they draw a bad match up (i.e. Florida or Alabama in the Sugar Bowl) it could get ugly.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Reggie,
Yeah, I understand. haha. It is still early. ha.
Cullen,
Oklahoma would have been in the national championship game that year if it wasn't for a rediculous call by some PAC 10 officials when they played Oregon. I am sure you remember the call I am talking about.
Thank you for at least admitting that we would provide some intrigue. I have also gone on record saying that I think Alabama and Florida would beat us. And USC for that matter.
We should perhaps co-author a point and counter-point article on who should get into the BCS this year. Could provide some good stuff. Just a thought.
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Reggie Garcia 7 months ago
Haha good point about the lame duck coach. Pitt tends to have alot of those. I don't sing the praises of Famous Dave. Thompson was alright though, I mean he didn't have moe INT's than TD's, so I guess he could have done worse. But your right, BCS Busters aren't really...BUSTERS, they got at least one non big six team in the bcs year after year.
And thanks for the sympathy Tucker haha. Now I just gotta get ready for work =/
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rob soldwish 7 months ago
The rankings are so screwy, I mean how is #1 Alabama a 10 point dog to # 4 Florida? I am a die hard buckeye fan but I can take my blinders off from time to time...people in the past have thrown this out but this is truly the biggest example for the playoff argument..How exciting of a time would it be right now if 10 different teams still had a chance to win the National Title? As for the arugment from tucker and boise fans..seriously? your are looking thru coke bottle sized Bronco glasses..Every single argument that you have begins and ends with Oklahoma and the fiesta bowl..without that game you dont havea leg to stand on..base your opinions on this season and this season only...your schedule is purely pathetic...and to call wells overrated is upserd...if not for being injured he would have been a heisman finalist for sure and maybe even won the thing..he is a complete beast of a back..to say Boise would win 6 or 7 out of ten times is delusional...
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Rob,
I have only called myself a homer. I don't need your help in determining that. No one else will lobby for Boise State to get into the game, so I have taken it upon myself because they are truly deserving. Any other year, and I have the Buckeye's back. I just think that Boise really deserves to go over them this year. That is me stepping off my soap box and laying out an honest opinion.
I agree that this is a huge argument for a playoff system. It is unfortunate that it can't be decided on the field where I like our chances way more than our fight against public opinion. OSU is a storied program no doubt about it. I wrote an article a week or so ago that mentioned tresell as one of the greatest coaches of all time. I can jump on your bandwagon. Just not this year. C-bus is a great place, I have enjoyed my time there and I like the people of Ohio. I really just think it is the Bronco's turn to play in the game.
Aside from that, I am not the only person who thinks wells is overrated. Try everybody outside of C-bus. The same goes for us winning head to head 6 or 7 times. I will drop that number to 5 to satisfy the Buckeye fans, but it wouldn't be anything less.
Is that better for you, rob?
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Mike Muratore 7 months ago
Wouldn't it be MORE fun just to get the top 8 to 16 teams together and have a playoff? This who's in/who's out debate is always present. Let's have Ohio State and Boise State play and see who wins! Novel approach isn't it...
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Agreed.
Unfortunately, if there was a playoff with the top 8, both Boise State AND Ohio State would be left out.
That would be unforgivable. One of us deserves to go, and one of us will....more than likely the Buckeyes.
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Kurt Kelly 7 months ago
Actually, Ohio State didn't get dominated in the Bowl game against LSU. They actually had more yards on the day, but committed an uncharacteristic number of penalties (a couple of huge retaliation unsportsmanlike conduct pentalties).
However, that being said, I believe that Boise State should get there shot. It's not their fault they play in a weak conference--they still won every game they played. Ohio State lost its two opportunities to beat teams in the top 10. Let's see what Boise State can do.
I don't think either team will actually win a BCS game anyway. It would probably be less painful for Boise State's ego than for OSU to lose a Bowl game. It's better for OSU to get in a Bowl game that they can win and regain some confidence for next year.
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Mike Muratore 7 months ago
It WOULD be fair that both OSU and Boise State get left out... OSU lose twice, and BSU has a strength of schedule that ranks behind almost all of the MAC. Utah played Michigan... most of the MAC schools play Big 10 and ACC schools... Boise State should be able to find one or two mid-level BCS conference schools to play a year. Go beat Notre Dame. They'll probably schedule the Broncos. Play a good MAC or Conference USA school... Marshall, Eastern Carolina, or Ball State would have improved that strength of schedule a bit. AND LOSE THE BLUE ASTROTURF! No one will take you seriously until you play on something green... Ohio State has played quite a few mid-majors... including WAC and Mountain West schools... If Boise state were really looking, they'd find someone. Didn't they play Oregon?
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
How is Utah's win over Michigan better than our win over Oregon?
I will take YOU seriously when your arguments hold some logic. As for the turf...it stays.
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rob soldwish 7 months ago
Tucker, I appreciate your comments, they seem less of the bashing blogger type, then the typical your team stink comments..but I still have some major issues with your comment that "the Broncos would have won the Big Ten, and finished 2nd in the Pac-10 and SEC" while you later retracted your sec comment and said they would have finished 3rd in the SEC..When making a argument like this you can only compare the conferences to the competion in the WAC and these other conferences..first the WAC--
Boise State 8-0 12-0
Hawai‘i 5-3 7-5
Louisiana Tech 5-3 7-5
Nevada 5-3 7-5
Fresno State 4-4 7-5
San Jose State 4-4 6-6
Utah State 3-5 3-9
New Mexico State 1-7 3-9
Idaho 1-7 2-10
Then the Big ten--
Penn State 7-1
Ohio State 7-1
Michigan State 6-2
Northwestern 5-3
Iowa 5-3
Minnesota 3-5
Wisconsin 3-5
Illinois 3-5
Purdue 2-6
Michigan 2-6
Indiana 1-7
Yes there is a big drop off from 1,2,3..to the rest of the conference..and I agree the big ten has been terrible recently but the competion in this conference and the Big East, ACC, and SEC is so distant in comparison that saying Boise would win 3 out of the 4 is pretty crazy..You say Boise might win 9 if the Buckeyes had to play 10 times in the feared "BLUE" come on dude we play in happy valley, and other major college atmospheres on a yearly basis you think Boise is going to have a big home field advantage in their 31,000 seat stadium? I agree Boise might be BCS credible but some of these things you have said are completly outlandish..
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Ok, 9 wins was a bit much. But I never claimed we would finish 2nd in the SEC. I said third. Someone else said second and I disagreed. Maybe the comments are outlandish, admittedly they probably are, but someone has to say it because this discussion was dominated by Ohio State fans. ha.
It has been a fun discussion regardless.
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rob soldwish 7 months ago
you keep changing everything you say, and are an admitted homer..so do you just hope Boise State gets a BCS game? or do you really think they deserve to play against the big boys? I read your bio and respect your loyalty, you are an obvious diehard as I am...But reality has to set in at some point..you say next year is "the year of the Bronco" what does that mean? another undefeated year and pointsetta bowl win? or maybe hawaii bowl revenge!!!
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
No, rob, I really think they deserve it. I realize that i am in the VAST college football minority, but I have to do my part for the people of Boise.
The year of the Bronco comment was directed toward all the non-BCS schools. As I would call this year, the year of the Ute...2009 is the year of the Bronco.
No doubt in my mind, rob, that we start the 2009 season in the top 20 and probably top 15. At which point, IF we go undefeated again, we most certainly "crash" the BCS. I dont think we will get in this year, and I have accepted that. I hope that we get the Buckeyes in a BCS game in 2009. I think it would be a good game and I would love the opportunity to play another top-tier team.
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rob soldwish 7 months ago
reply to comment by Justin
about 6 hours ago
It isn't Boise St. fault that they have a weaker schedule. No quality teams will play them. You think any good SEC or Big-12 teams want to play Boise St.? not after the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. Boise St. is still looked at as a 2nd tier team but everyone is scared to play them. This year the Broncos would have won the Big East, ACC and Big Ten, finished 2nd in the Pac-10 and SEC. I know there is no way to know that, but Boise St. is that good!
by Tucker
from about 6 hours ago Thank you Justin.
I agree with you on all of that with one exception. I think that both Florida and Alabama would beat us, making us third in the SEC.
But all your other points sound good. Unfortunately, no one will ever take us seriously. And to think, we have only been FBS for 12 years.
I AM SORRY I THOUGHT THIS WAS YOUR ORIGINAL STATEMENT JUSTIN WAS THE ONE WHO SAID WIN THE BIG TEN,ACC, AND BIG EAST AND 2ND IN THE SEC...THEY ARE THAT GOOD!!! YOU AGREED WITH IT ALL BUT THE SEC 2ND PLACE FINISH..
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
yes, thank you for taking the time to review that. So...I never said they would finish second. nor do I keep changing what I am saying.
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Eric Bernkopf 7 months ago
BSU Fans...
1) You want to talk about is the OSU losses in the BCS NC games. Fast Fact: OSU has a winning BCS record! (3-2). That means they have 2 more wins then BSU.
2) Look at the stength of schedule (115 to 43). OSU could move to the WAC and go 12-0 every single year too.
3) Let's remember what BC$ is really about. It is not the rankings!
Go Bucks, enjoy Arizona!
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
Eric,
We all know that OSU gets the game because of their draw and money they can bring in. No one is disputing that. I just think Boise State would definitely play a competitive game against them.
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HD Handshoe -- BlockONation.com 7 months ago
Eric,
Ohio State is 4-2 in BCS games, (Tressel is 3-2, Cooper was 1-0...he won the 1998-1999 Sugar Bowl)
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Eric Bernkopf 7 months ago
Tucker,
I hear what you are saying and agree it would be a good game. I think if we played on that Blue Turf, Beanie Well's toe might cramp up and BSU would win! I (as an OSU fan) feel bad about the BSU drop as well. I think BSU and Ohio State (and maybe even Ball State) should go before a ACC or Big Least champ this year. HMy only thing is this...I get nauseated by some of the skewed logic people use to justify BSU's "right" to go over OSU.
Example...people need to let go of the BSU/Oklahoma game from 2 years ago. If we do consider that, we must also consider Ohio State beating the #1 ranked Texas that same year in Austin. Has that even been brought up? Nope. Therefore...let us all step away from the statue of liberty play and the post-game engagement. I agree, it was a magical night. A night all people, even if just for a second, wished they had a blue field. But the BCS doesn't care about blue fields...they care about green bills.
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Tucker Botkin 7 months ago
haha unfortunately, that is too true. It is all about money and that is what's holding us back. For the record, though, I never bring up the Oklahoma game until someone else does. Or I at least don't use it as a point on why we should go over you guys, unless I am making the point that we can hang with the "big boys."
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Crayton 7 months ago
Is either team playing this weekend? No? Line 'em up and knock 'em down.
If the BCS establishes a playoff for the at large spots then I'd consider that a step in the right direction.
03. Texas - 11. Texas Christian (in New Orleans)
08. Boise State - 09. Ohio State (in Glendale or Pasadena)
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
Interesting idea. But why should Texas, at #3, have to play TCU to get an at-large bid? Is there any question the Texas deserves an at-large bid? Texas Tech vs. TCU might be more fitting.
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Crayton 7 months ago
Texas deserves to settle this Big 12 thing on the field. Texas is much closer to being the Big 12 Champion than Missouri. We'll justify it by better conference record and BCS ranking over the Red Raiders.
We'll update this as follows:
02. Oklahoma - 03. Texas (in Kansas City)
07. Texas Tech - 11. TCU (in New Orleans)
09. Boise State - 10. Ohio State (in Glendale or Pasadena)
20. Missouri is sitting on the couch this weekend
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David Hoffman 7 months ago
Of course money and ratings play into it. BUT, emotion aside (big task), it's intuitively difficult to take a team playing the 115 ranked schedule (despite being 12-0 w/ a win over Oregon) over a time-tested winner (forget 2 NCG losses against the SEC), who plays against better teams, has only lost against 2 top 10 teams, and who is an obvious different (better) team at the end of the season.....and who is ranked 10th....not like they're 15th or 20th.
I like BSU and would watch their game, but the BSU's of the world just have to start proving it in the regular season by playing more consistently stronger non-conference opponents to make up for weaker conference schedules. It's just the way it works, you have to significantly upgrade to get respect and prove yourself. The folks who make the decisions are not going to take the chance, they're going to go with a team proven over the years against tougher competition.
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Justin Skinner 7 months ago
As a Boise State alumni and the biggest Bronco fan, I'm with you Tucker. BSU needs to be more nationally recognized. With the winning records that BSU has, it's a real joke that we're in the WAC. So what does BSU need to do in order to play with the big boys?
1) Build a bigger stadium. (Which is being done as we speak)
2) Beat the crap out of everyone in the WAC. (Been doing that for too long)
3) Win some games from with the big boys (Won a few, can't win them all)
3) Win some BCS games. (One down and hopefully many more to come)
It's sad that BCS is all about $$$. So if Ohio wins the chance to play in BCS because they can bring in more money, then BSU will just keep doing what they have always been doing for the last decade...pound the sh** out of everyone in the WAC and still be the underdogs. What more can BSU do?
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Cullen Buie 7 months ago
The only thing BSU could do that they haven't done is schedule more BCS schools as non-conference games. This year, Oregon wasn't enough to offset the weakness of the WAC. I realize this isn't all BSUs fault, but only one BCS school on the OOC schedule isn't always going to cut it. For example, East Carolina (who beat the broncos in the Hawaii bowl last year), played Virginia Tech, NC State, and West Virginia OOC. With that schedule, if East Carolina would have gone undefeated they may have gotten to the BCS title game.
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