Criticism Of Boise State's Schedule Is Unfair

From college football message boards to ESPN college football analysts, Boise State undergoes constant ridicule for their lack of strong opponents.

In each of the past four seasons, the Broncos, ranked fifth in the latest AP poll, have only played one team from a BCS conference during the regular season. Along with this lone marquee game, Boise State schedules pancake games with FCS schools (Weber State, Idaho State) and mediocre teams from weak conferences such as the MAC and Conference USA.

Although they tend to run through an easy schedule, credit must be given to the Broncos. Since joining the FBS in 1996, Boise State has launched its program among the elite mid-major programs. No other school in recent memory has found so much success in such a short period of time.

The Broncos have the highest winning percentage among FBS teams this decade, ahead of prestigious football institutions such as Oklahoma and USC. During that same span BSU has only lost two conference games.

No matter the level of competition, that feat is remarkable. Look at USC for example: in the past four years, the Trojans have lost six games to middle of the pack teams in its conference.

Before the Broncos go on the hot seat once again for their "cake" schedule, the naysayers need to realize it's not fully the Broncos' fault. It's not like college football video games, in which the team just picks and chooses their schedule. Scheduling games is two-sided; both teams have to agree on a contract.

Most contract agreements are known as "home and home." This is when each school gets to play the opposing team on their own field in two or four different seasons.

Rarely do BCS schools agree to this contract with Boise State. Over the past few seasons BSU has agreed to three home and home contracts with BCS schools: Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, all regional teams. Since 2002, BSU has posted a 4-3 record versus these opponents.

Ultimately, Boise State would love to play a schedule similar to Fresno State, which includes three BCS teams this season. Playing high-caliber programs would boost the Broncos' prestige, recruiting, fan base, athletic department funds, and their overall program.

Unfortunately, Boise State poses too big of a risk for BCS teams to agree to a scheduling contract. The Broncos have proven that they are on the highest echelon of the college football world, and collegiate powerhouses do not want to take the risk of playing them.