Boise State Football: Why so Many People Despise the Broncos

A day after Boise State absolutely dominated Fresno State 57-7 in Fresno, the haters are out everywhere. 

I have read so many "fan" comments today about how Boise State's days are numbered and that BSU fans should just shut up and go away.  Some people are claiming that BSU's "15 minutes of fame" are up.  Some are even claiming the Broncos won't make a BCS game this year, and next year they will fall off the face of the planet never to be seen again.  

Well, to all of those naysayers I have only one thing to say: Welcome to the club.  The club of haters. 

I have been around Bronco football for a long, long time, and one thing I know is that no matter what happens, the Broncos find a way.  Not only do they find a way to win, but they find a way to raise their game, elevate their status and win over stubborn critics. 

There is something in the water in Boise, Idaho that just makes this place a special place to play football.  Now, without boring you with all the titles and trophies Boise State has won over the decades, just know it has won a national title or played for a national title at every level since its inception, except the current Division I level.  However, the way the Broncos have played over the last decade, it looks like it is only a matter of time.   

The Broncos' historic rise cannot be matched by any other program in college football. 

They get a lot of flack for once being a junior college, a Division II school and a Division I-AA school, before finally rising to Division I in 1996.  However, I tell you that is part of what makes this program unique and impressive. 

No one on the college landscape can claim the history the Broncos can.  It is the story of the hard-working, blue-collar underdog that had to climb its way to the top.

So many current BCS automatic qualifying conference schools are more like blue bloods then they are blue collar. 

They have never had to strive to elevate their status.  Their status comes from simply being around for so long and having opportunity handed to them rather than worked for.  This has caused an attitude of entitlement and superiority.  

This is the same attitude that has rubbed off on many of the fans of these so-called "elite" schools, and it certainly rears its ugly head in the alumni, many of whom currently sit in commentator seats on various networks, programs, newspapers and websites.

In this context, the hatred of Boise State becomes understandable. 

It comes from the age-old struggle between the "haves" and the "have nots."  It is the tension between those who have had it all handed to them on a silver platter and those who have had to work hard to earn what they have.  

You can come up with any excuse you want, and believe me I have heard them all: "their ugly blue field," "they get so lucky," "they don't play anyone."  However, probably the most incorrect one I hear is "they need to pay their dues." 

You can claim all of those excuses, but the bottom line is you don't like the Broncos because they threaten your comfortable system of elitism. 

The thing about it is that Boise State is one team that has "paid its dues."  The Broncos have never had anything handed to them.  They have had to work hard and be consistent to arrive where they are today.   

If you are one of those "haters" of Boise State University and its football team, you might want to ask yourself this question: What gives you the right? 

Then again, you probably think you are entitled.