College Football Rankings: 5 Reasons Boise State Should Be No. 1

Like it or not, Boise State is now college football’s No. 1 team.

Or, at least, it should be.

I would like to see someone present a logical argument against the Broncos, something the robotic, blue-blood political machine that is the BCS certainly cannot do.

Given the current BCS system, I simply cannot make a more legitimate argument for any other school—BCS automatic qualifier or not—to be ranked ahead of the blue and orange from Idaho.

So here are the top five reasons why Boise State should take over the No. 1 spot.

Boise State Is Talent-Laden

Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images

BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos looks for a receiver against the Oregon State Beaversat Bronco Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

Sure, there are teams loaded with the nation's 4- and 5-star recruits coming out of high school.

However, you may be surprised at just how talented a squad Boise State has assembled this season.

Award Watch lists:

Jeremy Avery, Sr. RB – Doak Walker Award   

Kyle Brotzman, Sr. PK – Lou Groza Award

Jeron Johnson, Sr. DB – Lott Trophy,Jim Thorpe Award

Doug Martin, Jr. RB – Paul Hornung Award

Kellen Moore, Jr. QB – Davey O'Brien Award,Manning Award,Walter Camp Award,Maxwell Award

Austin Pettis, Sr. WR – Biletnikoff Award

Nate Potter, Jr. OL – Rotary Lombardi Award,Outland Trophy

Ryan Winterswyk, Sr. DE – Rotary Lombardi Award,Bronko Nagurski Award,Chuck Bednarik Award

Titus Young, Sr. WR – Biletnikoff Award.

On top of that, the list of preseason All-Americans on this team is impressive, with Jeron Johnson, Kellen Moore, Austin Pettis, Billy Winn, Ryan Winterswyk and Titus Young.

A History of Winning

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: The Boise State Broncos celebrate after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 17-10 during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 4, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Since 1999, the Broncos are 6-4 in bowl games, playing in one every year except 2001.

This streak includes victories over current BCS automatic qualifiers Louisville (Big East), Iowa State and Oklahoma (Big 12). 

Further, though not invited to the dance very often, Boise State has made the most if its opportunities.

They are 2-0 in BCS game appearances, with victories over Oklahoma and TCU in the 2007 and 2010 BCS Fiesta Bowls, respectively.

Leading By Example

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Boise State Broncos celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 17-10 during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 4, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo b

Since taking over as the Broncos' head coach in 2005, Chris Petersen has a remarkable 55-4 record.

That is a winning percentage of 93.2 percent! 

His teams have gone 9-4 (7-1 Western Athletic Conference), 13-0 (8-0), 12-1 (8-0) and 14-0 (8-0), with last year's squad becoming only the third team in the history of major college football to go 14-0.

Don't look now, but Boise State currently owns the nation's longest active win streak at 20, with no signs of letting up soon.

Fundamentally Making Their Point

Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images

BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 25: Tight end Joe Halahuni #87 of the Oregon State Beavers is tackled by safety Jeron Johnson #23 of the Boise State Broncos at Bronco Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

In reality, as you're reading this, the Oregon Ducks will be sitting atop the BCS standings.

People are quick to point out that Boise never plays quality opponents.

However, over the past year, the Broncos have defeated No. 19 Oregon State (on the road); beat No. 7 Virginia Tech in Landover, Maryland (a virtual home game for the Hokies); and thoroughly dominated the same Oregon team last fall in Boise.

As fans, we tend to base our opinions of teams' relative worth on head-to-head match-ups. And Boise St. clearly wins that battle.

Considering the current mess that decides college football's national champion, I can't think of a team, having been tried and tested, more deserving of a No. 1 ranking than Boise State.

No More Excuses

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Michael Ames #54 of the Boise State Broncos kisses a cheerleader after the Broncos 17-10 victory against the TCU Horned Frogs during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 4, 2010 in Glendale,

So, Boise State has built a winning tradition, playing anyone who cares to take the challenge, and has won—a lot.

Boise has played the Oregon States, played the VA Techs and played the Oregons of the world.

And Boise State has, thus far, emerged victorious.

So, what else do the Broncos need to do to gain your confidence?

What else are they going to have to prove to you?

No more excuses.