11 Things Boise State Broncos Need In Order to Attain a 2012 BCS Bid

Since the Broncos first magical BCS run during the 2006 season, Boise, ID. has been on the map in the college football world.

They then went again during the 2009 season, winning a second BCS game en route to a 14-0 record and finishing with a No. 4 ranking.

Last season, Boise was once again on the journey to another BCS appearance—until the upset by Nevada.

If you haven't seen it yet, the Broncos are ranked No. 7 in the 2011 USA Today Preseason Coaches poll.

So, they are positioned well from the start, but have no room for error being in a non-AQ conference.

Therefore, here's 11 things that'll help them return to the BCS.

Run the Table

Just like they did in 2006 and again in 2009, when Boise State went undefeated in the regular season they earned a trip to the BCS.

Even though this season will be cumulatively more difficult, being in the Mountain West is still a non-AQ conference, so going undefeated is still required.

Losing to Georgia in Week 1 would be the only acceptable loss, providing that the Bulldogs win or at least contend for the SEC title.

Otherwise, the Broncos have to finish 12-0.

Destroy Inferior Opponents

Regardless of how well Boise is playing, there's always going to be that one game that catches them off guard.

Whether it's Wyoming, New Mexico, UNLV or whomever, they have to crush all inferior opponents.

Not win by two TDs or even three.

We're talking 31-35 point victories, while not allowing anymore than 10.

Proves to the skeptics that they never play down to the level of those inferior schools.

Convincing Wins over Bigger Opponents

Head coach Chris Petersen has an opportunity in Week 1 to really send a message.

Georgia is ranked No. 22 and—much like last season—the Broncos have a ranked BCS team to begin a national title run.

Yes, Boise must win. That is clear.

However, the Bulldogs are in the SEC and during the past five seasons the SEC has been the juggernaut of college football with five straight national titles.

If the Broncos can win by two TDs, their confidence level will be higher than ever.

Then when they play other mid-major conference title contenders in Toledo (MAC), Tulsa (Conference USA), TCU (Mountain West), Nevada (WAC) and Fresno State (WAC), winning by two TDs would suffice as well.

One trap game could be at San Diego State in mid-November.

The Aztecs were 9-4 in 2010 and are looking to build on that for 2011.

A convincing win there would also prove that the Broncos mean business. 

TCU Dominates All Other Opponents

Boise is ranked eight spots ahead of the Horned Frogs, but don't think that TCU is going to just rollover.

Sure they have lost some great talent, but who hasn't each year?

For one, TCU will be looking to avenge to BCS loss to the Broncos from the 2010 Fiesta Bowl, while also to go out of the Mountain West with a bang.

That said, the Frogs should slam every other opponent, as their schedule is fairly weak.

As for the Broncos, a win over TCU combined with the Frogs finishing 11-1 would definitely help the strength of schedule.

Georgia Contends for the SEC Title

As previously mentioned, the Bulldogs would be Boise's only legit loss allowed, if they were to get in the BCS with one loss.

As long as Georgia at least contended for the SEC title.

Well, the game isn't about losing, it's about winning.

So, a win over Georgia is a must and to greatly strengthen the Broncos' schedule would be the 'Dawgs in an SEC title race.

Can you imagine if the Bulldogs were to win the SEC, but lose to Boise?

That in and of itself might sneak the Broncos into the national championship.

Tulsa Contends for the Conference USA

Last season Tulsa fell just short of a Conference USA title appearance, but still managed to finish a strong 10-3.

They even beat Notre Dame in South Bend, IN.

This season, the Golden Hurricane gets Oklahoma (away), Oklahoma State (home) and Boise State (away) all in the first month of the season.

Three preseason top ten schools in the first four weeks. Ouch.

Nonetheless, if Tulsa can manage a win over either the Sooners or Cowboys, it will vehemently assist the Broncos.

But, even just a Conference USA title would suffice.

Toledo Contends for the MAC Title

The Rockets closed out 2010 8-5 (7-1), so they definitely can be MAC title contenders.

Also, with all the discombobulation at Ohio State, Toledo has a slight crack in the window to upset the Buckeyes.

In any event, although they're only in the MAC, a convincing win over another conference title contending team makes the resume that much stronger.

Thus, more power to the residents of Boise, ID.

Nevada and Fresno State Battle for the WAC Title

Watching Nevada upset Boise last year was like watching someone who doesn't know how to swallow swords attempt sword swallowing. It was that painful.

Despite being in different conferences for one year, the Broncos have the Wolf Pack at home and are anxiously awaiting their arrival.

Don't expect Nevada to shy away, but a solid win is needed here.

As will a convincing win over Fresno State.

And, it wouldn't hurt the slightest if at least one happens to win the WAC.

Having the WAC come down between Fresno and Nevada, well, that's just ideal.

Kellen Moore Keeping Rolling

A big part of the Broncos success will rely on the shoulders of Heisman hopeful QB, Kellen Moore.

He was a finalist in 2010 and has an opportunity to win it this year. Thing is, if his play doesn't remain at a high level then the Broncos will be in big trouble.

Why?

They are talented enough to win the Mountain West if he plays average, but aren't good enough to crash the BCS unless he plays Heisman ball. Also, any serious injury would be extremely detrimental.

Here's to hoping the offensive line dominates like they have been. 

San Diego State Improves from 2010

The Aztecs do have an outside shot at competing for the Mountain West Conference title.

They're definitely going to be the third strongest team and have the potential to beat TCU and/or Boise.

However, for the Broncos sake, San Diego State repeating or improving on their 9-4 campaign from 2010 would give them that edge in strength of schedule.

Not too many people expected 9-4 from last season, so tacking on one more in the win column would be significant.

And, if they happen to beat TCU, Boise has a rather formidable opponent in mid-November.

Other Schools in the Preseason Top Ten Struggle

It always helps when those ranked as high as you don't fare so well in crunch time.

As the preseason No. 7, the Broncos are already in prime position for BCS tickets. They must finish in the BCS top 12 by season's end in order to be eligible for the party, so right now they're content.

Sitting behind them are Oklahoma State at No. 8, Texas A&M at No. 9 and Wisconsin at No. 10.

A few schools in front of them are, Stanford at No. 6, Florida State at No. 5 and LSU at No. 4.

Now, not all of these school's are going to struggle. That's a given. However, when was the last time we saw all top 10 preseason schools remain—and finish—i n the top 10 by season's end?

Someone will falter and it'll only help the Broncos—as long as they do their job.

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