Boise State Ranked No. 2 in First Early 2010 Poll

According to web site NationalChamps.net and their "Early Bird Preview," Boise State is ranked No. 2 in the nation in the first "early bird" 2010 preseason rankings.

In the past, how close has the Early Bird Preview been to the preseason AP poll that comes out in August? Very close. In four of the last six years, they have correctly ranked nine out of the top 10 teams.

A number of key statistics (as well as other factors) are used to compile their poll, including the depth chart of each team, which is readily available to almost anyone.

Here are the rankings of the Early Bird Preview for 2010:

1. Alabama

2. Boise State

3. Oregon

4. Florida

5. Ohio State

6. TCU

7. Texas

8. Georgia Tech

9. Iowa

10. Miami (Florida)

You can review the entire top 25 here.

Of note in the Early Bird Preview is TCU being ranked No. 6. Personally, I would have them higher simply because they return 16 of 22 starters from this year's team. BSU returns 21 of 22 Fiesta Bowl starters.

Obviously, this means little at this point, but based on the previous Early Bird Previews, at least it confirms that Boise State is indeed a real contender next year.

Boise State’s non-conference schedule is much tougher than this year, with Virginia Tech (at FedEx Field in Washington D.C.), Wyoming in Laramie, and both Toledo and Oregon State at home.

The key to success next year is, of course, winning. Should the Broncos manage another undefeated regular season, I predict a major nightmare for the BCS. There could be a non-BCS conference team playing for the National Championship.

Is it possible that TWO non-BCS schools could via for the national title? Very possible considering TCU will enter next season also ranked high in the preseason top 10.

Can you imagine Boise, Idaho if the Broncos are invited to play for a national title?