Boise State Is Making The BCS Sweat Now More Than Ever

I'll admit right here that I was against Boise beating Virginia Tech and the possibility that winning one game is all they need to play for it all, but the Broncos just will not go away.  They got up 17-0 on Tech in the 1st quarter, but then everything seemed right in the world when Virginia tech came back and led 30-26 with 2:09 left in the game.  Boise came through with the big touchdown drive to pull off the victory.  They were clutch when their entire season relied on it.  That's what champions do.  Do I still think they do not deserve to appear in the BCS National Championship Game?  Great Question.  The answer? It depends.

Let us look at a few possible scenarios in which Boise should or should not play for the BCS National Championship Game.

#1 Two Undefeated BCS Conference Champions

In this scenario Boise has a 0% chance of going to Glendale for the BCS Title Game.  If any two BCS conference teams are unbeaten they will play of Boise State not matter who they are, unless they are from the Big East.  Boise cannot ever be allowed to play over an undefeated champion of a major conference until they play in a major conference themselves or play four tough as hell non conference games and win them all.

#2 One Undefeated BCS Conference Champion

Now this is where it gets fun.  If we have an undefeated BCS school they get in.  Now whether or not Boise plays for the crystal depends on what schools have one loss.  If there is a one loss Big 12 or SEC school, Boise will get jilted in favor of the champion of one of those two conferences.  After all, the SEC keeps proving its superiority every year, and the Big 12's elite teams are right behind them.  I think Boise should be allowed priority over ANY 1 loss Big 10 or ACC champion.  yes, that includes Ohio State and Miami (the only two teams voters could possibly jump over 12-0 Boise from those conferences.

#3 No Undefeated BCS Conference Champions

This is a great situation for Boise.  The only possible injustice to come from this would be if the title game consisted of a 12-1 SEC team and a 12-1 Big 12 team.  In this situation, I think Boise should have priority over the Big 12 team, as they are the only unbeaten team in the land.  The only conference they shouldn't jump in any one loss scenario is the SEC.

#4 One Single Loss BCS Conference Champion

So hello to heaven on Earth for Boise State.  Sure, it's not likely, but in 2007 Ohio State was the only once beaten BCS Conference Champion.  in this case the 1 loss champ plays Boise for it all in a match-up that no one can possibly argue with.

Now that all of that is out of the way, let's discuss Boise's chances against their likely Title game opposition.  I think the worst possible opponent for the Broncos is defending champion (psst don't tell that to Nick Saban) Alabama.  The Crimson Tide's offense may be its best ever, and the defense looked as good as they could have looked in week 1 although they played San Jose State.  I think Boise would have a difficult time with the Nebraska and Florida defenses if they had to play the Huskers or Gators, but as it looks now they would have a favorable advantage with their defense if the defense can stay on the field for the entire game (unlike they did against VT due to the humidity).  Iowa, Ohio State, Texas, and Oregon are more favorable match-ups for the Broncos.  There are plenty of areas that Boise has advantages in over all four, and they defeated the Ducks to open last season.  If I were to pick one team that Boise would be most happy to face for it all I would have to go with Ducks after they shut down Oregon's offense last season.

With Boise's victory over Tech it has opened a huge debate that will rage on for the entire season (unless the Broncos choke somewhere from here to December).  it all depends on the team staying focused and what other teams do.  The Boise factor should make this one hell of an interesting season in college football.