Boise State Broncos in BCS Bowl Bind

It is difficult to imagine one of the most successful collegiate football teams in America today upon completing an undefeated 12-0 season, being held back from major playoff competition in a BCS Bowl game.

As shocking as it may seem for the Boise State Bronco's it is a stark reality. The Bronco's are by all intent and purpose holding on by the slimmest of hairs regarding whether they will be invited to play in this years BCS Bowl games.

It is still possible but only if somebody up there is willing to admit that this years Bronco football team has paid its dues and they are truly worth the price of admission for a BCS Bowl invitation.

The Bronco's set out at the beginning with one goal, that being to "win back the WAC title." In doing so, the Bronco's accomplished what few thought imaginable in a so called rebuilding year, even some of their most loyal die hard fans. But win it back they did. The Bronco's controlled the outcome of every game they played with hard fought defensive play and a well-organized offense.

For Coach Pete each game brought victory but also many challenges. For example finding the right mix on the front offensive line was a constant task and due to inconsistency the running game was affected. Furthermore penalties was also a battle to overcome, but overcome they were, and to add, the running game is at most present Bowl ready.

Brian Murphy sports writer for the Idaho Statesman has been grading this years Bronco team after every game. On senior day the Bronco's earned their first A's across the board as they perfected the art of "team play." This final victory was a work of art and truly showcased who the Bronco's are and positioned themselves as a team to be reckoned with. Yet it may be that the Bronco's will have to wait another year to be once again at the mercy of those who sit in control of BCS Bowl games.

It is true that rumors have BSU potentially playing in the Fiesta Bowl against rival non-BCS Utah. However, the scouts for the Fiesta Bowl who had the pleasure of watching BSU take apart Fresno State 61 to 10 did not seem to be saying that.

In fact of all the BCS Bowl scouts who were present (and all Bowls had representatives) at Boise's final game the one who seemed most interested and offered the kindest words was the rep from the Orange Bowl. This person truly was impressed it wasn't just what he said it was how he said it. The words exciting and worthy were but a couple of words the Orange Bowl rep used to describe BSU. No doubt he will go back with a solid report but his hands are tied.

The Orange Bowl is expected to sit Cincinnati (the Big East conference champ against the winner of Virginia Tech and Boston College (the Atlantic Coast conference champ). Neither of those teams is ranked ahead of Boise State (not even close). However, the qualifier for that argument is already utilized as the BCS only allows one non-BCS team to crash their select format and this year due to strength of schedule that honor falls to Utah.

Still, this is the 75th anniversary of the Orange Bowl and a battle between Cincinnati and the ACC is hardly a super match and should hurt badly the Orange Bowl ratings. As before mentioned, the slimmest of hairs by which Boise State is holding on is whether or not the Orange Bowl will open their hearts and their door to BSU.

It just may be that the Orange Bowl committee will set a new standard this year and pave the way for the Bronco's to display their goods for all to see. Ian Johnson said, "We didn't set out for BCS, our deal was to finish every game, play as hard as we can and win the WAC championship and good things will happen to us" indeed should the Orange Bowl offer BSU that would be a good thing not just for BSU but for all peoples who truly love collegiate football.