Four Down, Eight to Go! Boise State Stampeding Toward BCS Bid

The Broncos of Boise State have exceeded expectations so far in 2008. They beat a top 20 opponent in Oregon, they've wiggled their way back into the top 25, and this weekend they look to finish up their non-conference schedule with a victory against Southern Miss. 

Individually the Broncos have exceeded expectations also. Freshman QB Kellen Moore has been a revelation. He currently ranks sixth in QB rating behind the freakish statistical anomalies that are Sam Bradford, David Johnson, Colt McCoy, Chase Daniel, and Zac Robinson.

Moore has seven touchdown passes to two interceptions. He's completed over 70 percent of his passes and has displayed aplomb and poise that would make Tom Brady proud. 

The offensive line, after struggling in the first two games, has found its way, creating holes for Ian Johnson and his corps of merry halfbacks, D.J. Harper and Jeremy Avery. They have also consistently given Moore time to throw, limiting defenses to only one sack per game.

The wideouts and tight ends have been successful, getting unexpected help from freshman Tyler Shoemaker (two TD catches), Kyle Efaw (three receptions for 49 yards at Oregon), and Ian Johnson (three rec. for 106 yards vs. La. Tech), normally not a pass-catching receiver. 

However, the real standout of the season so far has been the defense. Take out the Oregon game, and the Broncos D has allowed 4.3 points per game. Take out the fourth quarter of the Oregon game, and that number rises to only 6.5 PPG. Add in the Oregon game, and the D is still only allowing 12.3 points per game, good for 12th in the nation.

They have been consistently good in the red zone, ranking 14th in red zone defense efficiency, and have created nine turnovers.

From here on out, it's true, Boise doesn't play any top-level competition. Assuming they get by Southern Miss, which I'm sure they will, Boise will host Hawaii for a shot to go to 6-0. This game scares me more now than it did at the beginning of the season, but I think the Broncos will do what it takes to move past Hawaii to get to 6-0.

Many experts circled the San Jose State game as a danger game for the Broncos. I just don't see it. The Broncos D will step up here and push the Broncos to 7-0.

Circle the next three games as wins: New Mexico State, Utah State, and Idaho. That puts Boise State at 10-0 heading to Nevada in what should prove to be a pretty good game.

I'm sure Nevada will bring out all the stops to try to stump the Big Blue. If they manage to get past the Wolf Pack, then the Broncos host Fresno State in the season finale.

I'm sure Pat Hill will have his boys riled up and ready to spoil the Broncos' BCS hopes, but I just don't think they have the talent to stay on the field for four quarters, especially against this defense.

So 12-0 they go...and hopefully into a BCS game.