The Nation Is Listening: Boise St. Receives Eight Number One Votes In AP Poll

Literally overnight BCS buster Boise State got the attention of the big conferences, as well as the voters for AP Poll and the coaches poll.

Before Monday nights huge victory over number 10 ranked Virginia Tech, most sports analysts could say nothing more about Boise State than that they didn't belong among the top 5 teams of the country, and certainly didn't deserve a vote for the top three.

But a funny thing what a tough victory will do for a big team from a little conference.

Tuesday mornings' polls showed an sudden interest in this little conference school and a lot more respect for what they could accomplish this season. The Broncos number one votes in the AP poll jumped from one to eight. See more on these polls here.

While the AP poll is nice, reflecting what teams members of the media feel are the best in the country. The coaches poll is where college teams' BCS hopes come either to live or to die. That poll is where the title contenders are actually decided. The Broncos jumped in that poll from sixth to third meanwhile Alabama remains first in the coaches eyes and Ohio State in second. Those were the only two teams to receive first-place votes. Seems the coaches aren't quite convinced yet.

I love what ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit said at the end of Monday night's game: "This is a very physical team... this Boise State team can play with any team in the country". Earlier in the fourth quarter when Boise State was trailing by four points with under three minutes to go he said, "in this situation, I want (Boise St quarterback) Kellen Moore with the football in his hands more than any other quarterback in college football" 

Very interesting quote and stat that I gained from the ESPN article in the link above. It comes from Brett McMurphy of AOL Fanhouse, who voted Boise State No. 1 this week in the AP poll. "[The Broncos] outgained Virginia Tech and hung 33 on the Hokies. The last two teams to score more than 30 against [defensive coordinator] Bud Foster's defense -- Alabama in 2009 and LSU in 2007 -- went on to win the national title.

Very interesting indeed.

Boise State is gaining the attention it needs if it truly wants a chance at the National Championship this year. They can't do it lackluster, they need to play the tough, physical football that Kirk Herbstreit and everyone else saw if you watched Monday's game. They must also increase the number of points they put on the board against their opponents. 33 points was a real feat against Virginia Tech, but while their schedule gets easier they need to show they consistently play above the level of competition. That will get the attention of the coaches in the coaches poll and keep them in the talks for a BCS title shot.