BCS Standings 2011: Could BCS Berth Change What Conference Boise State Jumps To?

Like TCU before them, Boise State is ready to jump ship from the Mountain West to greener conference pastures, allowing the Broncos a consistent chance at making the BCS.

Really, who could blame them?

No matter how good Boise has been or who they beat, every season is spent debating the merits of their place at the BCS table.

With another good team this season and a theoretical shot at playing in New Orleans in January depending on what shakes out the rest of the way, would Boise be inclined to stay put in the Mountain West if this was the year they became the ultimate BCS Buster?

The answer should be a resounding no.

Boise State is—and has been—one of the nation’s best teams ever since they shocked Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl in 2007, but they will never, ever get the respect or consideration they deserve as long as they are playing outside of the “Big Six.”

But, if the Broncos somehow made it to this year’s BCS title game as Mountain West champion, you could argue that they have no reason to bolt.

After all, what team wouldn't want to run through a schedule of mid-majors for a chance at being No. 1 at season’s end?

Unfortunately, in college football, perception often means more than reality.

Regardless of how good the Broncos are, nobody will ever believe it as long as they are playing west of the Big 12 and east of the Pac 12.  

In the above-mentioned scenario, Boise would still get no respect, and pundits and fans from AQ conferences across the country would never accept them as legitimate champions.

To be the best, you have to beat the best, and college football’s greatest don’t reside in the Mountain West.

For Boise to ditch the mid-major, “you don’t belong here” stigma once and for all, they need to move up to a “better conference.”

The move will give them stability, respect and, most importantly, a consistent shot at playing for the Coaches Trophy.

It is a move they can and should make as soon as possible, regardless of where they end up at the end of this season.