Boise State Football Schedule 2010: Plotting the Road To a BCS Title

The Boise State Broncos got their 2010 season off to the kind of start they wanted to Monday night, knocking off 10th-ranked Virginia Tech 33-30. 

The Broncos came into the season with serious national title aspirations, and Monday night's victory simply confirmed head coach Chris Peterson's team as contenders. 

But the Broncos have 11 games to play during the regular season, including some tougher than expected matchups. Will the Broncos stumble? 

Let's break down the Smurf Turfers' remaining schedule, game by game, explaining what the Broncos need to do to win, and why they could lose. 

Sept. 18, BSU at Wyoming, 8:00 EST

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BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels #5 of the Wyoming Cowboys is tackled by Taj Kaynor #97 of the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on September 19, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

How the Broncos can win

The Cowboys of Wyoming pose a stiffer threat than they would have in years past. Fresh off a strong 7-6 season, Dave Christensen's team posted a 28-20 win over Southern Utah in their opener. They love to throw the ball all over the field, so to get a win, Boise State must be able to contain the Cowboys aerial attack.

Why they might lose

The Cowboys aerial attack is formidable, behind quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels. With the game taking place at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, the Broncos will be coming into an extremely loud and hostile environment. If they overlook the Cowboys, they will pay the price. 

Sept. 25, BSU Vs. No. 24 Oregon St.

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 04: Running back Jacquizz Rodgers #1 of the Oregon State Beavers at Cowboys Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

How the Broncos can win

The Beavers of Oregon State are not the balanced offensive team they were a year ago. Quarterback Sean Canfield is gone, and the Beavers must rely on running back Jacquizz Rodgers and his brother, wideout James. If the Broncs can neutralize Jacquizz, they'll pull out a win. 

Why they might lose

While Oregon State isn't quite as good as they were a year ago, they're definitely a strong team. They hung with sixth-ranked TCU for most of their matchup, and while new quarterback Ryan Katz is inconsistent (9-for-25 in the TCU game), he's going to get better.

This game presents one of the biggest threats to the Broncos' title hopes. If Rodgers gets going, and Katz finds a rhythm, they'll pose a major threat. 

Oct. 2, BSU at New Mexico State, 8:00 P.M. EST

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AUSTIN, TX - AUGUST 31: Running back Cedric Benson #32 of the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns leaps over the New Mexico State University Aggies during the game Texas Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2003 in Austin, Texas. Texas defeated New Mexico

How the Broncos can win

Show up. The Aggies went 3-10 last season, and this season doesn't look much better. 

Why they might lose

If something happens to Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore, or Chris Peterson comes down with the flu, the Aggies might have a shot. Otherwise, it'll take a miracle for the Broncos to lose. 

Oct. 9, BSU Vs. Toledo

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CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Nathan Williams #43 of the Ohio State Buckeyes rushes quarterback Aaron Opelt #11 of the Toledo Rockets at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Ohio State Buckeyes shutout the Toledo Rockets 38-0

How the Broncos can win

Stay focused. Toledo looks like a royal mess right now. They were blown out of their first game of the season against unranked Arizona, and don't seem to have much in terms of weapons this year. If Boise State is focused, the Rockets shouldn't pose much of a threat. 

Why they might lose

There isn't much so far that would indicate this game has upset potential, but if Boise State loses focus, it could be a rough night. 

Oct. 16, BSU at San Jose State, 8:00 P.M. EST

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PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Jordan La Secia #12 of the San Jose State Spartans in action during their game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

How the Broncos can win

Efficiency. For the second straight week, Boise will be facing a team that poses little to no threat to their undefeated season. As long as they don't make too many mistakes, a win here is a virtual lock. 

Why they might lose

The Spartans get Boise State in San Diego, so an upset is possible. Not probable, but possible. 

Oct. 26, BSU Vs. Louisiana Tech, 8:00 P.M. EST

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Derek Dooley of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs talks with his team during a time out in the game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 14, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Tigers defeated the Bulld

How the Broncos can win-

The Bulldogs looked decent in their opener against Grambling. But against FBS competition? It could be a tough year for Tech. Boise just has to play their game to get the victory here. 

Why they might lose

The Bulldogs do have some talent on the roster, and the Broncos could show signs of letting up after several weeks of inferior opponents. Plus, Louisiana Tech played the Broncos closer and tougher than just about everyone did last year, so they could very easily do it again. 

Nov. 6, BSU Vs. Hawaii, 2:00 P.M. EST

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HONOLULU - SEPTEMBER 02: Ronald Johnson #83 of the University of Southern California Trojans is taken down by Po'okela Ahmad #40 of the University of Hawaii Warriors during first half action against the University of Southern California Trojans at Aloha S

How the Broncos can win

Stopping the pass. The Warriors love to throw the ball, and if the Broncos can shut it down, this game will be a cakewalk. Hawaii struggles to run the ball rather frequently. Plus, their defense gives up a ton of points, so Boise should have no trouble keeping up.

Why they might lose

The Warriors have a puncher's chance, evidenced by their close game with USC. If they hang around or turn the game into a shootout, anything can happen. 

Nov. 12, BSU at Idaho, 9:00 P.M. EST, ESPN2

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LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 1: Idaho quarterback Nathan Enderle fires a pass against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 1, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. The Vandals were defeated by the top-ranked Trojans won 38-10. (Photo by Kevin Terr

How the Broncos can win

The biggest rival Boise has ensures that the Broncos will be up and ready for this one. Plus, after an 8-5 season last year, the Vandals are not pushovers. But, if Kellen Moore can keep Boise State in front, Idaho will struggle to keep up. 

Why they could lose

Idaho presents a real threat to Boise's undefeated season. Quarterback Nathan Enderle is an excellent player, and the Vandals' system is such that it could give the Broncos problems. Plus, the game is in Moscow, meaning Boise gets an incredibly hostile environment to play in. 

Nov. 19, BSU Vs. Fresno State, 9:30 EST, ESPN2

Colburn could give Boise State fits.

How the Broncos can win

Stop Ryan Colburn. The junior quarterback for the Bulldogs is an excellent passer and has some mobility. He gave Boise fits last season, and could do it again this year. But if the Broncos defense can keep him contained, they should come away with the victory.

Why they might lose

This is arguably one of the biggest threats the Broncos will face this year. Fresno State is a good, solid team, with good balance offensively, and a decent defense. If they hang around into the third quarter, anything could happen. 

Nov. 26, BSU at Nevada, 10:30 EST, ESPN2

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COLUMBIA, MO - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack rolls out during the first half of the game against the Missouri Tigers on September 13, 2008 at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty I

How the Broncos can win

Stop Colin Kaepernick. The Wolfpack's dual threat quarterback is a legitimate thorn in any defense's side. Boise must stop him to have a chance at beating Nevada at Mackay Stadium. He's the heart and soul of Nevada's offense. 

Why they might lose

Kaepernick. He's a senior now, and wants to go out on top. Beating Boise and ruining their national title bid in front of thousands of delirious Wolfpack fans would be the icing on what has been a delicious cake of a college career. 

Dec. 3, BSU Vs. Utah State, 3:00 P.M. EST

Aggies quarterback Diondre Borel can bomb the ball

How the Broncos can win

Kellen Moore has to have a big game against the Aggies. Utah State can put up points in bunches, and this could turn into a gun fight. Moore has to be on his game for the season finale. 

Why they might lose

Diondre Borel. The Aggies' senior quarterback is an excellent passer, as he approached the 4,000-yard mark last season. With another year of experience under his belt, he will be a thorn in the Broncos' side for sure. Anytime a team can put up points like Utah State can, they've got a puncher's chance.