Boise State Handles Nevada but TCU Hurts the Broncos' Chances for BCS Glory

The Boise State Broncos took care of business today against Nevada, winning 30-10 in a game that really wasn't that close.

This was in spite of the fact that Kellen Moore did not have his best day.  In fact, it was probably his worst game statistically that I can remember in his historic career at BSU.

Trying to be objective as possible, I think some of Moore's struggles might have been because of the time of day.  Of course, you probably won't hear excuses from Moore, Coach Petersen or any of the other players or coaches. 

However, if you were at the game, you know that when Moore was leading the offense toward the south end zone, the sun was right in the face of the usually accurate QB.  Both of his interceptions and most of his miscues were going that direction.

Of course, the first interception had a lot to do with him being body slammed to the ground as he threw the ball.  In any case, if it was the glare of the sun causing some of Moore's troubles today, I guess we finally found his weakness.

It could also be that he just had a bad game.  Those do happen, and this is the first one I recall in Moore's time at Boise State.  Not only that, but it doesn't help when your usually trustworthy receivers drop six balls that should have been caught.

On a positive note, the running game came up big when it needed to.  Doug Martin had a good day on the ground, carrying 21 times for 126 yards and two touchdowns.  He would have had a great game if his 92-yard touchdown run late in the game had not been called back because of a phantom holding call.

The Broncos now move to 4-0 and are one step closer to a BCS bowl game.  

Speaking of the BCS, the chances of Boise State playing for it all took a bit of a hit today.

TCU lost a heart breaker at home against the SMU Mustangs—you know, the team I keep suggesting to add to the Mountain West Conference.

June Jones is doing something special down there in Texas with his SMU football team.  Remember June Jones?  Former coach of the Hawaii teams that used to give BSU fits?

So, what does the TCU loss do to BSU's chances to play for a national championship?  It could be significant.  However, if Air Force keeps winning, it might be a moot point.  The strength of schedule for Boise State would have been helped to play TCU as a ranked team, but of course, that only helps if BSU wins that game.

Air Force continued its winning ways this week with a 35-34 overtime win over Navy.  If the Falcons win at Notre Dame next week and take care of business at home against San Diego State the following week, the Air Force football team may be ranked when they face BSU on October 22.

This would help BSU's chances, but once again—only if they win the game.  

It will be interesting to see how it all pans out.  It's part of what makes this game called college football such a wonderful obsession.