Boise State Football: 5 Things the Broncos Learned from Last Year

The Boise State Broncos had another incredible season in 2011, but in the end it wasn't incredible enough. To say that the coaches, players and fans weren't disappointed in what transpired would be a baldfaced lie.

It all came down to one game, one moment, one play and one missed kick. It was deja vu all over again, and for the second year in a row the hopes of BCS glory went wide right—way wide right.

When it was all said and done, the 2011 Boise State football team enjoyed many shining moments and certainly learned some valuable lessons.

With that in mind, let's look at the five biggest things that the Boise State Broncos learned from last season's action.

1. Being Great Isn't Good Enough

The TCU game was a heartbreaker for BSU. The Broncos had the lead late in the game and were driving to go ahead by two touchdowns. However, a fumble by a backup running back turned the tide.

Doug Martin was hurt and not playing, but D.J. Harper was filling in just fine. However, after a major hit Harper was on the sidelines and third-string running back Drew Wright lost the grip on the ball. TCU recovered that fumble and took it the other way on an impressive long drive.

The Broncos had the chance to win with just a few seconds on the clock, but we all know how that ended up.

It was a very disappointing loss, and it proved that being a great team isn't good enough for Boise State. It seems that in this day and age of BCS bingo, a team like the Broncos has to be perfect to even expect a chance to play for a conciliation prize.

It isn't fair, but it is the sad reality of college football in the 21st century. Maybe all of this changes soon with a revamped BCS system, but no one is holding his/her breath.

2. The Mountain West Is Not the Answer

The Mountain West Conference was supposed to be a big step up for Boise State.

However, that quickly changed with the exit of Utah, BYU and TCU.

Add to the exodus of excellence that occurred in the Mountain West the limited television exposure and horrible TV contract and you have a recipe for a lackluster conference that few respect or that few can watch.

It is too bad the commissioner didn't try to go outside the sandbox for some kind of exciting expansion that could have included a conference championship game and increased viewership. However, it is what it is, and now the MWC is on the verge of disappearing into the ocean of Conference USA.

When historians look back on the demise of the Mountain West it will be under the heading "What Might Have Been." There was so much potential, and to see it all disappear like that had to be hard for the folks at Boise State.

3. Chris Petersen Is Still Happy at BSU

At the end of every college football season there seem to be several stories that speculate Chris Petersen's exit from Broncoville. However, none of those rumors have ever proved true—at least for now.

Last season was no exception.

Rumors swirled about Petersen going to UCLA, Penn State and Arizona respectively. Again, none of those offers ever panned out for the much sought-after coach, but it was enough to make Bronco Nation sweat a little.

In the end it appears that Coach Petersen is still happy with the challenge in Boise, and why wouldn't he be? After losing so many amazing players to graduation, Petersen will have one of his biggest challenges since taking over for Dan Hawkins in 2006.

Many coaches would run in the face of such a task, but not Petersen. If we have learned anything about him it is that he doesn't back down from a challenge.

Will he be able to rebuild his team and make them a contender for the BCS once again? Only time will tell, but is should be fun to watch.

4. Kellen Moore Is Special, Very Special

Every Bronco fan knows Kellen Moore is incredible. However, as the season ended and Bronco Nation has had time to reflect, it has no doubt left a pit in the stomach of most BSU fans.

Players like Moore come along once in a lifetime, and Boise State and its fans have been privileged to watch one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Fifty wins is more than incredible, it is nearly impossible and it is something this future College Football Hall of Fame member will be remembered for. The only way that record gets broken is if college football expands its season. Even then it would be challenging.

It will be interesting to see how he does in the NFL, but it might be more interesting to see how he does later on in his career as a coach.

Most Bronco fans have high hopes that Moore finds his way back to Boise someday to join the coaching staff. Who knows, maybe he replaces Coach Petersen when he decides to retire someday.

No matter what happens, Kellen Moore will always be one of the most beloved Broncos of all time.

5. The Big East Is the Best Choice Available

When the Big East came calling for Boise State there was only one answer that made sense. The Broncos had to say yes.

The Mountain West is a depleted conference with little appeal and even less hope for the future. The only way for BSU to continue its impressive and historic rise on the college football landscape was to take the next logical step up.

Sure, all of Bronco Nation dreams of a Pac-12 or Big 12 invitation, but none of those conferences ever came knocking on the blue and orange door. So when the Big East made its move it was only logical to take the offer.

The Big East offers better competition, better revenue, better television exposure and a place at the BCS table. The Big East needs Boise State and Boise State needs the Big East. It is a match made in football heaven.

Look for BSU to contend for the Big East championship in 2013, but until then the Broncos will have to endure a lame-duck season in the Mountain West. Still, for Bronco fans it would be great to leave the MWC with a conference championship trophy.

Let's just hope the Broncos solve that kicking problem before they travel east.