What the Mountain West Must Do Out of Conference

The area that the Mountain West is short of in its quest for inclusion as an "Automatic Qualifer Conference"--average computer rating can be easily fixed.  I said this over and over in the WAC that it is more important to get a win--any win than it is to lose to a Top 10 team.  If your present team has no chance of beating a team (and the losing teams do not), that team shouldn't be on your schedule.  Most of the teams in the WAC  refused to adopt this scheduling philosophy and that is why Boise State had to leave the conference.

I understand fully about balancing the athletic budget and if you're not getting good home attendance, you need that million-dollar payout with a Texas, Oklahoma, etc.  It seems to me that the MWC teams have far greater attendance than the WAC so that shouldn't be an issue.  In any case, I am not talking about the budget issues, the scheduling changes are necessary if the conference is serious about attaining BCS status.

Again, a win over Idaho or Arkansas State will get more benefit in the computers than a loss to Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Oregon, or whoever is highly rated.  A lot of people are of the misunderstanding that scheduling those teams is going to improve your computer rating--not so, not if you lose to them.  So purely from a BCS standpoint, it is much better for the conference's lower teams in any given year (and right now that would be Wyoming, UNLV and New Mexico) to schedule only the lower-level teams of the WAC, MAC, USA and Sun Belt.  Once the wins start coming, then the schedule can be upgraded but get the wins first.  That not only helps the conference, but helps build the program and generates fan excitement.  Games against FCS teams are worthless--some computers don't even count them, and the ones that do give you next to nothing for a win and penalize you a lot for a loss.

So you can already see from the future schedules listed below that some MWC teams have scheduled far too tough, and losing any of those games will hurt the conference.  I have shown the future schedules and the estimated impact on the team's computer rating if the favored team wins those games.  I have also shown what the schedule needs to be in order for the MWC to attain permanent BCS status and the computer ratings under that scenario.  It should be obvious (again leaving all budget issues separate) that the latter route is the way to go.



Future MWC Out-of-Conference Schedules:
Air Force2011:
South Dakota             0
Tennessee State       0
at Navy                      +2.664
at Notre Dame         -(2.975)
Army                           +1.713

Analysis:  As said above, South Dakota and Tennessee State add absolutely nothing, dollars or BCS points, so they shouldn't be scheduled by anyone wanting to get automatic inclusion into the BCS.  I realize that Air Force is locked into games with Army and Navy, however Notre Dame shouldn't be scheduled because Air Force cannot beat them and as you can see, they loss 3 points in the computers by playing them.  South Dakota, Tennessee State and Notre Dame should be replaced with the best three teams that Air Force can reasonably beat--Examples are Illinois, Miami of Florida, Penn State, Baylor, UConn, BYU, Miami of Ohio, Boston College, Oregon State, Kansas State, Arizona State, Iowa State, Temple, Northwestern, Clemson, Toledo, Colorado, California, Texas, Louisville, Tennessee.  I know Air Force can find three of those to play.

Net Gain (Loss) =    1.4020

2012:
Idaho State                   0
at Michigan                   +2.787
Navy                              +2.664
Army                              +1.713

Net Gain (Loss) =        7.1640

Analysis:  Idaho State is as said a no-no.  Michigan and Navy are perfect and Army is a team Air Force has to play.  Overall, the type of schedule that can get the MWC an automatic BCS berth.  But for an even better chance, drop Idaho State and add one of the teams above.  San Jose State and New Mexico State would be better than Idaho State.

2013:
Colgate                             0
at Navy                             +2.664
Army                                 +1.713
Notre Dame                   -(2.975)

Net Gain (Loss) =           1.4020

Analysis:  Again, they have an FCS team--gotta' get away from that.  And Notre Dame should be replaced by one of the suggested teams.  The MWC will never get meet the second criterion if their teams gain a grand total of one point each on the season.  Won't happen.


Boise State2011:
at Georgia                           .8
at Toledo                             .812
Tulsa                                   1.917
Nevada                                2.544
at Fresno State                  1.180

Net Gain (Loss) =             7.2530

This overall is a good schedule.  No FCS teams.  Georgia and Toledo don't add as much as other teams but I also understand few teams will play the Broncos so again, overall a good schedule.  Boise State would be favored to add 7 points to their computer rating OOC.  If every MWC team did that, they would top the Big East.

2012:
at Michigan State               3.892
Miami of Ohio                     1.267
BYU                                      1.212

Net Gain (Loss) =              6.3710 (Incomplete)

Depending on the schedule with Hawai'i, Boise State could add a game here.  Overall, 6 points gained from 3 OOC games is very good.  They should try to schedule more teams like Michigan State if possible.  Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama and Wisconsin are suggestions.

2013:
at Washington                     1.648
at BYU                                   1.212

Net Gain (Loss) =                2.860 (Incomplete)

Boise State can add at least one game here and it has to be at home, thus limiting their possibilities.  Washington is probably good but they need to schedule tougher teams than BYU.

2014:
at Mississippi                        .226
BYU                                        1.212

Net Gain (Loss) =                1.438 (Incomplete)

Mississippi has to get a lot better for this game to help much.  And again, drop BYU.


Colorado State2011:
Northern Colorado                 0
Colorado                                -2.084
at Utah State                           3.636
San Jose State                       2.290

Net Gain (Loss) =                   3.8420

Not a bad schedule.  Utah State and San Jose State are exactly the teams that the Rams should be scheduling right now.  Try to get some wins and get that rating up there.  As you can see, the game with Colorado gets you nothing but reduced computer points.  Wait to play them until your teams consistently win 9-10 games.  And definitely drop Northern Colorado.

2012:
at Colorado                            -2.084
North Dakota State                  0
at San Jose State                   2.290
vs. Utah State                          3.636

Net gain (Loss) =                   3.8420

The temptation is to add those FCS teams but when you're all about getting your computer rating up, it's a killer.  So drop ND State and Colorado and add teams like New Mexico State and Washington State.  UTEP, Kent State, Rice, Tulane and UAB are other possibilities.

2013:
Colorado                                 -2.084
at Tulsa                                    -1.108
Cal Poly                                      0
UTEP                                         3.546

Net Gain (Loss) =                      .3540

Very poor schedule.  Again, to top the Big East you need big gains, not .35 points per team.  That's a non-factor.  As you can see, UTEP is a team that gives Colorado State an excellent chance to move up in the ratings because they have a very good chance of winning.  


Fresno State2011:
California                                    2.656
at Nebraska                              -(2.029)
North Dakota                                 0
Mississippi                                  1.962
Boise State                                 (-1.174)

Net Gain (Loss)                          1.4150

Fresno State traditionally schedules too tough and this is the case.  Cal at home is winnable so that's very doable.  They aren't going to beat Nebraska in the foreseeable future so drop them and North Dakota.  Fresno and Boise State shouldn't have scheduled each other in 2011--better for them both to schedule games they can win than to schedule a game where there is a guaranteed loser.  Ole Miss is a perfect game for Fresno.  Overall, not a good schedule for the Mountain West to improve.  Here are some better suggestions than Nebraska and North Dakota--Oregon State, Kansas State, Arizona State, Iowa State, Clemson, now Colorado is a great team for Fresno to schedule, others are UCLA, UTEP and Washington State.

2012:
Colorado                                       2.6880

Net Gain (Loss)                            2.6880 (Incomplete)

And here Fresno has Colorado--a perfect game.  If they add 2 more like that, they move up nearly 8 points in the computers.

2013:
Rutgers                                          1.655
Cal Poly                                            0
at Colorado                                    2.6880

Net Gain (Loss)                             4.3430

Rutgers is another good team to schedule.  If they can add another add one of the suggested teams above and it won't be bad.


Hawai'i2011:
Colorado                                          1.928
at Washington                                -(3.157)
at UNLV                                              .678
UC Davis                                             0
Tulane                                                 .800
BYU                                                     1.377

Net Gain (Loss)                                1.6260

Analysis:  Very bad schedule.  Colorado is a good team and BYU isn't bad.  They won't beat Washington in Seattle but they do get a return visit that they can win so that's not bad.  Again, they shouldn't have scheduled UNLV since they will be conference mates but that was probably already set up.  UC Davis is worthless and Tulane isn't up to Hawai'i's caliber--they can do better.  Notre Dame, Texas, Iowa, Washington, Navy, Arizona, Penn State, Baylor and Oregon State would all add huge points to Hawai'i because they are very solid teams that Hawai'i can beat.  Colorado, California and Washington State are other games that should be willing to go to Hawai'i.

2012:
at USC                                              -(2.824)
at BYU                                                 1.377
Lamar                                                    0
South Alabama                                    0

Net Gain (Loss)                                (-1.447)

Analysis:  Very poor schedule.  USC is OK because they get a return visit and can win in Honolulu.  Two FCS teams?  Replace those three teams with three of the suggested ones.

2013:
USC                                                       2.823
at Oregon State                                   2.317
BYU                                                       1.377
at Navy                                                  2.711
Army                                                      1.658

Net Gain (Loss)                                 10.886

Analysis:  See the difference from 2012 to 2013?  This is probably about as good as you can get.  Adding nearly 11 points for the MWC would be huge and all of those are winnable games.  Super schedule.

2014:
Washington                                          2.809
Oregon State                                        2.317
at Colorado                                           1.928

Net Gain (Loss)                                    7.054

Analysis:  Another solid schedule.  All three of those are exactly who Hawai'i should be scheduling right now.


Nevada2011:
at Oregon                                             -(3.318)
at Texas Tech                                        2.014
Boise State                                           -(2.378)
UNLV                                                    - (.183)
New Mexico                                          -(.774)

Net Gain (Loss)                                   -(4.639)

Analysis:  Very poor schedule.  Nevada has zero chance of beating Oregon in Eugene, especially with Kaepernick graduating--what were they thinking?  All that does is lose your team a game and three computer points.  Boise State, UNLV and New Mexico are future conference mates so not only does it not get the conference anywhere, but it loses you points as well.  Texas Tech is the only good scheduling move, the others are horrible.  Replace the four mentioned with teams like Utah, Iowa, USC, Washington, Navy, Arizona, Baylor, BYU and Oregon State.

2012:
at Washington                                        1.879 

Net Gain                                                   1.879 (Incomplete)

Analysis:  And there you see Washington, a good team to add.  Add 2-3 from the ones above and they've got a schedule that can benefit the conference.

2013:
at UCLA                                                      .669
Oregon                                                     -(3.318)

Net Loss                                                  -(2.6490) (Incomplete)

Analysis:  Again, they have zero chance of beating Oregon.  Don't dream so big that you lose the progress you've made.  UCLA is a good team to add.  Washington State is another.  Southern Mississippi, Houston and some of the other top teams from the "non-BCS" conferences are good as well for Nevada.

2014:
at Arizona                                                    1.7410

Net Gain                                                      1.7410 (Incomplete)

Analysis:  Arizona is a good move because Nevada has a good chance of winning that one.  Add 2 of the others and they'll contribute to the MWC gaining admission.


New Mexico2011:
at Nevada                                                       .887
at Arkansas                                                    .917
Texas Tech                                                   -(.226)
Sam Houston State                                          0
New Mexico State                                         3.243

Net Gain:                                                        4.8210

Analysis:  When you have struggled, you don't look for bodybag games; you look for teams you can beat to get your fan base energized.  Texas Tech is a pretty good add--they likely won't win but it doesn't hurt them much.  New Mexico State is a perfect game.  Arkansas is a solid enough team where it will add a bit but they can do much better.  When you're #114, you add other teams that are in the 100's, such as Tulane, Washington State, Central Michigan, Ball State, Louisiana-Lafayette, San Jose State, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan.  Those aren't going to make headlines, but what they will do is give your team a chance to win games, an infinitely better strategy than playing the best teams in the world.

2012:
at UTEP                                                         -(2.092)
at Texas                                                         -(1.315)
Texas Tech                                                   -(.226)
at New Mexico State                                   -(2.981)

Net Loss:                                                     -(6.6140)

Analysis:  Horrible schedule.  They could possibly beat New Mexico State, so that could turn positive.  But definitely not Texas and Texas Tech in the same year--what did they have, delusions of grandeur?  Texas Tech perhaps but not Texas and not UTEP.  Get the games you can win and be reasonable about assessing your chances.


San Diego State2011:
Cal Poly                                                                0
at Army                                                            1.987
Washington State                                           .083
at Michigan                                                      2.972
Fresno State                                                    2.752

Net Gain:                                                         7.7940

Analysis:  A solid schedule overall.  Michigan and Army are perfect games.  Again, the Fresno game will hurt one or the other.  They could have either Washington State or Cal Poly but not both.  Add New Mexico State, San Jose State or Utah State if they want a solid home win but don't put a FCS on the schedule.  Other than that, great job.

2012:
at Cincinnati                                                   1.711
Army                                                                 1.987
North Dakota                                                      0
San Jose State                                                 .202

Net Gain:                                                          3.9000

Analysis:  Here, they have both ND and San Jose State.  One is OK but definitely not 2--they add a grand total of 2/10th's of a point for two games when they could do much better.  Cincinnati and Army are great games.  Other possibilities are:  Washington, Navy, Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, BYU and Oregon State.

2013:
at Utah State                                                     1.412
San Jose State                                                   .202
Oregon State                                                     2.613

Net Gain:                                                            4.2270

Analysis:  Here's a pretty good schedule, although I wouldn't schedule both Utah State and San Jose State in the same year when the teams above could give them far more mileage.


UNLV2011:
at Wisconsin                                                        (.142)
at Washington State                                         -(3.137)
Hawai'i                                                                -(.735)
at Nevada                                                             .197

Net Loss:                                                           -(3.8170)

Analysis:  Very bad schedule, and not just because Nevada and Hawai'i are future conference mates.  They won't beat  Wisconsin.  They are similar to New Mexico--schedule teams like Central Michigan, UAB, Rice, San Jose State, Utah State and New Mexico State.


2012:
Minnesota                                                          -(2.753)
Washington State                                              3.282
at Utah State                                                      -(2.437)
Florida Atlantic                                                     2.974

Net Gain:                                                               1.066 

Analysis:  Another poor schedule that won't help either UNLV or the MWC.  Washington State can be beaten at home so that was a decent team to add in a return visit.  UNLV with all that Las Vegas has to offer shouldn't have to do a 1 and 1 with Utah State and a loss there would kill the MWC.  Minnesota is far too good a team to go to.  If they must have a bodybag game, they should have aimed higher such as Oregon, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, etc.  Losses to those teams wouldn't hurt their rating as much as Minnesota will.  Florida Atlantic on the schedule--absolutely perfect for this time in UNLV football.  Win that and others like the ones I suggested and they'll make progress for the football program and for the Mountain West.

2013:
at Minnesota                                                       -(2.753)
Arizona                                                                 -(1.147)
Western Illinois                                                        0
at Utah State                                                      -(2.437)

Net Loss:                                                             -(6.337)

Analysis:  Another poor schedule.  Arizona is a possibility but Western Illinois offers them nothing.  There are plenty of FBS teams that UNLV can get to come to Las Vegas and beat.


Wyoming 
2011:          
Weber State                                                               0
Texas State                                                                0 
at Bowling Green                                                  2.146
Nebraska                                                               -(.554)
at Utah State                                                         -(2.820)

Net Loss:                                                               -(1.228)

Analysis:  Get rid of Weber State and Texas State; the Mountain West is too good of a conference for those games.  Nebraska is not winnable, but again if they have to have a bodybag game to balance the budget, Nebraska is probably as good as any.  Bowling Green is a perfect game for Wyoming--Utah State is too good to travel to.  Add the teams I suggested for New Mexico and UNLV.

2012:             
at Texas                                                                  -(2.076)   
Toledo                                                                     -(1.977)
Cal Poly                                                                        0
at Idaho                                                                  -(2.511)                                                                   
Southern Utah                                                            0

Net Loss:                                                                -(6.564)

Analysis:  Another horrible schedule.  They won't beat Texas, Toledo or Idaho, not at this juncture.  And Cal Poly and Southern Utah get them nowhere.

2013:                                              
Utah State                                                                -(2.820)
at Oregon                                                                     .579

Net Gain:                                                                   -(2.2300)

Analysis:  Wyoming has at least one game to add here and I hope it is someone like New Mexico State, San Jose State or Washington State, someone like that.   Unless things change in a hurry, Wyoming won't beat Utah State and Oregon is just a payday although if you're going to have one, that's a good team to schedule.

Chaz Anderson Becomes Fourth Bronco Recruit

I was hoping for this one.  Chaz Anderson has committed to Boise State, being the fourth member of the Class of 2012 to commit before the school year.


Anderson needs Bronco conditioning coach Tim Socha to take him under his wing; he's 6-0, 175, but if that can be accomplished he'll do fine.  He excels at backpedaling, is quick, and can recover quickly as well.  Anderson is the cousin of current Bronco cornerback Bryan Douglas.  He chose Boise State over interest from USC and UCLA.


He joins quarterback Nick Patti, cornerback Marcus Rios and wide receiver Shane Rhodes in the 2012 Class thus far.  Those are two outstanding corners--can you imagine those two locking down both sides?  Awesome news for Bronco fans!

Athlon Chooses Top Ten Boise State Football Players of All-Time

Boise State fans will tell you that ranking Bronco players is like ranking kids.  They all have their good points and bad points, but you love them all.

I'll be on KTIK-Radio in Boise this afternoon (around 4:20) discussing Athlon's selections and including some players that also need to be included in the discussion.

http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/slideshows/top-ten-greatest-boise-state-broncos#1

Three Broncos on Sporting News All-America Team

The preseason All-America lists continue to roll in.  The Sporting News has theirs out, and three Broncos are on it.  Tackle Nate Potter and defensive tackle Billy Winn both made the first team while quarterback Kellen Moore was a second-team selection.  Of course, the ones that count are the postseason teams.

Kickoff Set for Boise State-Nevada

One of the most anticipated college football games of the season is the rematch of Boise State vs. Nevada in Bronco Stadium this fall.  We now know the kickoff time--it will be 12:30 p.m. October 1.

Boise State Defensive Line Called the "Best in the Nation" by Athlon Sports

The annual preseason magazine has done its research and today released their rankings for the upcoming football season.  Among the highlights for Boise State, the Bronco defensive line was ranked #1 in the nation, Boise State quarterbacks are #2 and the Boise State offensive line was ranked #5.  The Boise State football team also was ranked #5 in the preseason Athlon rankings of college football teams.

This Week's SFL Schedule

In case you missed it, since the summer is an off-time for Boise State news, I decided to create my own.  There's an online simulation site in which you can match teams from the past against each other.  Out of curiosity, I decided to join their site and play football teams from Boise State against each other to see what the software determined to be the strongest team.  The downside is that it only goes back to 2001.  However, those teams represent the top period in Boise State football.


I set up a 12-game season and while I was at it, I also took the National Champions from the last 10 years and placed them in what I called the "Simulation Football League".  Each team will play all teams in their division once and have three random games against teams from the other divisions.  The site comes complete with game results and statistics.  I have simulated two weeks' worth of games thus far--you can find details below on this blog.


Many people not only in Boise but around the country felt perhaps the 2006 Boise State team was in the right location (Glendale, Arizona) but perhaps in the wrong game (the Fiesta Bowl instead of the National Championship).  Lo and behold, a matchup between that famous Bronco team and the mythical National Champion Florida team highlights this week's schedule.  That will be interesting to see the outcome.  The 2010 Boise State-2004 National Champion USC contest will also be fun to watch.  Also, we knew how good the "Leave No Doubt" team of 2002 was, but how will they fare against the Liberty Bowl team of 2004?


Here is this week's schedule:


2006 Boise State vs. 2006 Florida
2007 Boise State vs. 2009 Alabama
2008 Boise State vs. 2002 Ohio State
2010 Boise State vs. 2004 USC
2001 Boise State vs. 2003 Boise State
2002 Boise State vs. 2004 Boise State
2005 Boise State vs. 2009 Boise State
2001 Miami, FL vs. 2005 Texas
2003 LSU vs. 2010 Auburn
2007 LSU vs. 2008 Florida

Viitala and Nelson Qualify for Nationals

Two Broncos are headed to the NCAA National Track & Field Championships.


Long jumper Eetu Viitala and hammer thrower Alex Nelson both finished in the top 12 at the Western Regionals over the weekend in Eugene, Oregon to earn a ticket to the national meet in Des Moines June 8-11.  Viitala finished 11th with a jump of 24-5.75 while Nelson tossed the hammer 209-feet, 3-inches to finish eighth. 


Congratulations to these great student-athletes and best of luck in Des Moines!

Can Anyone Top Doug Scott?

No one has been able to top Doug Scott among defensive linemen at Boise State.  The future Montreal Alouettes star (pictured at left below) had 325 career tackles from 1976-1979, more than 40 ahead of Randy Trautman, while current Defensive Coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski is far ahead of any of his current players with 261.


You can view this record, as well as any others, at any time by clicking the "FB Records" tab at the top of the blog.




Top Tackles by a Defensive Lineman:

1.    Doug Scott (325) 1976-1979

2.    Randy Trautman (285) 1978-1981

3.   Pete Kwiatkowski (261) 1984-1987

4.    Erik Helgeson (223) 1987-1990

5.   Glenn Simonton (220) 1981-1984 

5.    Marcus Koch (213) 1982-1985

7.    Shawn Anderson (183) 1988-1991

8.    Chris Wing (176) 1994-1996

9.    Chris Malmgren(173) 1976-1977

10.  Chris Shepherd (172) 1990-1992, 1994

11.  Sione Fifita (171) 1993-1996

12.  Ryan Winterswyk (167) 2007-2010

13.  Louis Ray (165) 1988-1991

14.  Pete Poumele (164) 1974-1975

15.  Michel Bourgeau (152) 1980-1983

16.  Mike Greever (148) 1968, 1971-1972

17.  Mark Goodman (147) 1971-1973

18.  Lance Sellers (146) 1983-1986

19.  Rex Walters (145) 1985-1986

20.  Mike Johnson (140) 1982-1985

21.  Greg Sasser (139) 1998-2001

22.  Jon Rydman (133) 1996-1999

23.  Andrew Browning (132) 2003-2006

23.  Joe O'Brien (132) 1993-1994

25.  Todd Gilkey (128) 1988-1991

26.  Durelle Goodloe (120) 1989-1992

27.  Blessing Bird (119) 1971-1973

28.  Travis Thompson (117) 1994-1995

29.  Saia Misa, Jr. (116) 1974-1975

30.  Vince Mendiola (114) 1975-1977

31.  Doug Borah (108) 1970-1972

32.  Bobby Hammer (107) 1999-2002

33.  Mark Humphries (106) 1977-1978

34.  Alex Guerrero (105) 2002-2005

34.  Nick Schlekeway (105) 2004-2007

36.  Jeff Caves (102) 1980-1983

37.  Mike G. Williams (100) 2003-2006

38.  Dane Oldham (98) 2000-2003

38.  Billy Winn (98) 2008-current

40.  Chico Mills (96) 1973-1974

41.  Ivan Rounds (91) 1977

42.  Bobby Setzer (90) 1997-1998

42.  Greg Sabala (90) 1990-1993

44.  Pete Skow (88) 1968-1971

44.  Mike T. Williams (88) 2003-2006
46.  Ron Franklin (81) 1973-1974

47.  Shea McClellin (80) 2008-current

48.  Puni Alefaio (79) 1992-1993

49.  Chase Baker (78) 2008-2010

49.  Willie Tufono (78) 1978-1979

51.  Paul Allen (67) 2000-2003

52.  Julius Roberts (65) 2001-2004

53.  Lawrence Hines (63) 1987-1988

54.  John Rade (62) 1981-1982

55.  Rick Gore (59) 1986-1987

56.  Jeff Hunt (57) 1986-1987

Simulation Football League Statistics--Week Two

Two"weeks" of games have been played and here are the leaders in the simulation league:

                              Ian Johnson continues to set the pace in rushing

Rushing:

1.    Ian Johnson, 2006 Boise State (62-402)

2.    Clinton Portis, 2001 Miami FL (59-361)

3.    Lee Marks, 2004 Boise State (40-308)

4.    Maurice Clarett, 2002 Ohio State (44-279)

5.    Doug Martin, 2010  Boise State (41-268)

5.    Mark Ingram, 2009 Alabama (49-268)

7.    Jacob Hester, 2007 LSU (47-247)

8.    Jeremy Avery, 2009 Boise State (46-235)

9.     Brock Forsey, 2002 Boise State (57-212)

10.  Justin Vincent, 2003 LSU (32-196)

11.  Jeffery Demps, 2008 Florida (18-194)

12.   Brock Forsey, 2001 Boise State (57-187)

13.   LenDale White, 2004 USC (47-179)

14.   Michael Dyer 2010 Auburn (29-172)

15.   Vince Young, 2005 Texas (30-164)

16.   Jamaal Charles, 2005 Texas (29-162)

17.   Ian Johnson, 2005 Boise State (48-154)

                      

            Dinwiddie (2001) threw for 418 against the 2008 Broncos to make the Top 10

Passing:

1.    Kellen Moore, 2009 Boise State 57-84 for 775 yards and 7 TD's vs. 3 INT

2.    Matt Leinart, 2004 USC 47-75 for 711 yards and 5 TD’s vs. 1 INT

3.    Ryan Dinwiddie, 2003 Boise State 42-66 for 688 yards and 6 TD’s vs. 4 INT

4.    Kellen Moore, 2008 Boise State 57-87 for 677 yards and 5 TD's vs. 3 INT

5.    Kellen Moore, 2010 Boise State 49-76 for 642 yards and 4 TD's vs. 2 INT

6.    Ken Dorsey, 2001 Miami FL 46-81 for 617 and 3 TD’s vs. 1 INT

7.    Ryan Dinwiddie, 2002 Boise State 50-64 for 585 yards and 6 TD's vs.3 INT

8.    Taylor Tharp, 2007 Boise State 49-77 for 556 yards and 3 TD's vs. 2 INT

9.    Ryan Dinwiddie, 2001 Boise State 41-71 for 544 yards and 3 TD’s vs. 1 INT

10.  Chris Leak, 2006 Florida 30-52 for 498 yards and 3 TD’s vs. 6 INT

11.  Jared Zabransky, 2006 Boise State 32-48 for 483 yards and 3 TD's

12.  Matt Mauck, 2003 LSU 44-66 for 475 yards and 2 INT

13.    Matt Flynn, 2007 LSU 36-66 for 460 yards and 3 TD's vs. 2 INT

                Jeremy Childs of the 2007 Broncos continues to lead all receivers

Receiving:

1.    Jeremy Childs, 2007 Boise State (14-149)

2.    Jeremy Childs, 2008 Boise State (13-141 and 2 TD’s)

2.    Michael Clayton, 2003 LSU (13-114)

4.    Early Doucet, 2007 LSU (12-150)

5.    Titus Young, 2010 Boise State (11-209 and 1 TD)

5.    Austin Pettis, 2009 Boise State (11-187)

5.    Titus Young, 2009 Boise State (11-134 and 1 TD)

8.    Austin Pettis, 2010 Boise State (10-121)

9.    Billy Wingfield, 2002 Boise State (9-208 and 2 TD’s)

9.    Tim Gilligan, 2003 Boise State (9-173 and 2 TD’s)

9.    Ethenic Sands, 2001 Miami FL (9-159 and 2 TD’s)

9.    Michael Jenkins, 2002 Ohio State (9-133)

9.    Dominique Byrd, 2004 USC (9-86)

14.  Legedu Naanee, 2006 Boise State (8-133 and 1 TD)

15.  Julio Jones, 2009 Alabama (7-203)

15.  Skyler Green, 2003 LSU (7-153)

15.  Brock Forsey, 2001 Boise State (7-99 and 1 TD)

Interceptions:

1.  Phillip Buchanon, 2001 Miami FL (2)

1.  Gabe Franklin, 2001 Boise State (2)

1.  Gabe Franklin, 2002 Boise State (2)

1.  Matt Grootegoed, 2004 USC (2)

1.  George Iloka, 2008 Boise State (2)

1.  Kyle Wilson, 2008 Boise State (2)

Sacks:

1.     Brad Allen, 2002 Boise State (2)

2.     Collin Ashton, 2004 USC (2)

3.     Erick Jackson, 2005 Texas (2)

4.     Robert Reynolds, 2002 Ohio State (2)

5.     Maurice Sikes, 2001 Miami FL (2)

Field Goals:

1.  Mike Nugent, 2002 Ohio State (7)

2.  Kyle Brotzman, 2009 Boise State (6)

2.  Tyler Jones, 2004 Boise State (6)

2.  Todd Sievers, 2001 Miami FL (6)

5.  Colt David, 2007 LSU (5)

5.  Ryan Killeen, 2004 USC (5)

7.  Kyle Brotzman, 2008 Boise State (4)

7.  Kyle Brotzman, 2010 Boise State (4)

7.  Anthony Montgomery, 2005 Boise State (4)

7.  Anthony Montgomery, 2006 Boise State (4)

Simulation Football League Standings

Standings:

Boise State Division:

2006 Boise State 2-0  (Points:  67, Points Allowed 27)

2009 Boise State 2-0 (87-50)

2002 Boise State 1-1 (78-90)

2003 Boise State 1-1 (45-54)

2004 Boise State 1-1 (66-53)

2008 Boise State 1-1 (54-57)

2010 Boise State 1-1 (74-39)

2001 Boise State 0-2 (54-103)

2005 Boise State 0-2 (23-85)

2007 Boise State 0-2 (41-83)

Championship Division:

2001 Miami FL 2-0 (Points:  67, Points Allowed 20)

2004 USC 2-0 (71-37)

2005 Texas 2-0 (76-38)

2002 Ohio State 1-1 (35-49)

2006 Florida 1-1 (61-36)

2007 LSU 1-1 (36-56)

2008 Florida 1-1 (66-71)

2009 Alabama 1-1 (41-51)

2003 LSU 0-2 (33-59)

2010 Auburn 0-2 (23-62)

Simulation Football League Results--Week Two

2003 Boise State 38, 2008 Boise State 24
Ryan Dinwiddie was 24-30 passing for 418 yards and five scores as the 2003 Boise State team turned back the 2008 Broncos 38-24.  Dan Hawkins' Broncos surged to a 17-0 advantage in the early going and that proved to be the difference.  Dinwiddie fired TD strikes to Jerry Smith and Tim Gilligan of 33 and 32 yards, respectively, the latter coming with 11:36 remaining in the first half.  

"Dinwiddie was just too much for us," 2008 Boise State Coach Chris Petersen said.  "I guess I must have taught him too well."


Kellen Moore mounted a comeback with aerials to Jeremy Avery and Jeremy Childs for six to close the margin to 17-14 as the teams went into the locker room.  But Dinwiddie found Lawrence Bady, T.J. Acree and tight end Trent Lundin for touchdown passes in the second half to put the game out of reach.


David Mikell was the leading ground-gainer for the 2003 team with 19 carries for 64 yards.  Ian Johnson also picked up 64 yards for 18 carries for the 2008 Broncos, who won the time of possession game but could not close.  Gilligan was the star receiver with 5 receptions for 121 yards and the touchdown while Bady totaled 80 yards on 4 catches and the TD.  Childs led the 2008 Boise State team with 7 catches for 71 yards.


The 2003 Broncos evened their mark at 1-1 with the win while the '08 squad is also 1-1 after a season-opening 30-21 win over the 2007 Boise State team.




2009 Boise State 32, 2004 Boise State 27
Jeremy Avery burst around the right side for an eight-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds remaining as the 2009 Boise State team captured a thrilling 32-27 win over the 2004 Broncos.

"I was determined to score," Avery said in a raucous Bronco locker room after the game.  "The defense expected a (Kellen) Moore pass, so when I took it, I just followed Matt's (Slater) crushing block around the side and found the end zone."


The 2009 Broncos seemingly had the game well in hand with a 26-13 lead at the end of the third quarter.  But led by the relentless running of Lee Marks (19 carries for 206 yards and a touchdown), the 2004 team scored two touchdowns in the fourth, the last coming with 5:32 remaining on a 23-yard run from Jeff Carpenter.  The teams traded punts until Kellen Moore led the 2009 Boise State team on the winning drive with quick strikes, calmly taking what the 2004 Bronco defense gave him.  


Moore connected on 30-47 passes for 380 yards and two scores, as twin threats Austin Pettis (6 receptions for 109 yards) and Titus Young (6 for 80) continually got open in the 2004 Bronco secondary.  Avery finished the game with 80 yards and two TD's against the vaunted 2009 defense on 25 carries.  Kyle Brotzman also was one of the heroes with four field goals when drives stalled.


"Brotz was money for us," 2009 Bronco Coach Chris Petersen said.  "It was so important for us to come away with points when the 2004 Boise State defense stiffened in the red zone."


The 2009 Broncos moved to 2-0 on the season while the 2004 team is now 1-1.




2002 Boise State 55, 2001 Boise State 35
The Leave No Doubt Broncos crushed the 2001 Boise State team, sending the Broncos home winless in two games this season.

The 2002 Broncos piled up 188 yards on the ground in dictating the tempo and establishing control.  Bulldozing running back Brock Forsey picked up 145 yards and a TD on 31 carries.  His counterpart on the 2001 team, Brock Forsey, managed 116 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and also grabbed four passes for 75 yards and another score, but it wasn't enough.  "I've learned so much over the last season," the 2002 Forsey said.  "To have the kind of season we did last year and not make a bowl game--that hurt.  The entire team has taken it upon themselves to make us better.  You can see it--in the locker room, on the practice field, we're a different team than last year."


The amazingly accurate Ryan Dinwiddie was 22-28 for 315 yards and four touchdowns (to Billy Wingfield, Lou Fanucchi, Cole Clasen and Jay Swillie) for the victorious 2002 Boise State team.  The 2002 Bronco defense pinned their ears back and recorded five sacks on the helpless 2001 Dinwiddie.  "That line was awesome," the 2001 Dinwiddie said.  "I couldn't get in my rhythm.  Those guys were harassing me all game long, especially Brad Allen (who had two sacks)."


The game was tied five times as both potent offenses found the end zone.  But the 2002 Broncos brought it home with two touchdowns and two Nick Calaycay field goals down the stretch to win going away.


Both teams are now 1-1 on the season.




2002 Ohio State 26, 2010 Boise State 20
The 2002 National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes held on for an exciting 26-20 win over the talented 2010 Boise State team.  


The game was close throughout, as Ohio State held 10-7 and 20-7 advantages at the end of the first and second quarters, respectively.  The two teams matched field goals in the third quarter, with Kyle Brotzman booting a 37-yarder and Ohio State's Mike Nugent nailing one from 41 yards.  Boise State closed the margin to 23-13 to begin the fourth quarter on a 44-yarder from Brotzman.  But the Buckeyes kept the pressure on, driving down the field to convert on a 37-yard Nugent field goal with 5:37 left.  


Chris Petersen's team marched down the field in 43 seconds with Jeremy Avery running it in from three yards out to make it 26-20 but never were able to get the ball again.  Ohio State punished the Broncos with 285 yards rushing; Boise State simply could not stop the National Champions when it mattered the most.  Maurice Clarett did the most damage, getting 190 yards on just 20 carries.  Four field goals from Nugent were the nail in the coffin.  The speedy Titus Young was able to break free for six receptions for 137 yards for Boise State, including a 22-yard catch from Kellen Moore in the first quarter for Boise State's first touchdown.  


Both teams are now 1-1 on the season.




2001 Miami FL 31, 2003 LSU 10
Ethenic Sands caught two touchdown passes and the tandem of Clinton Portis (28 carries for167 yards and a touchdown) and Willis McGahee (9-89) took advantage of a huge disparity on the line of scrimmage as the 2001 National Champion Miami FL team throttled the 2003 National Champions from LSU 31-10.

The Hurricanes amassed 570 yards to just 369 for the Tigers, moving the ball at will.  After a Phillip Buchanon interception with 11:45 remaining in the game, Portis shot through the middle on the way to a 59-yard touchdown that put the game out of reach at 31-7.  Reliable quarterback Ken Dorsey was 23-for-37 for 309 yards and two scores for the winners, who advanced to 2-0 on the season.  LSU is 0-2.




2005 Texas 48, 2008 Florida 38
In a matchup of two teams expected to battle for postseason berths, Texas piled up 606 yards of offense in knocking off the 2008 National Champion Florida team.  


The two teams battled for 53 minutes before this one was over.  Tied at the half 17-17, Ramonce Taylor and Selvin Young each found paydirt on long runs in the third quarter to give the Longhorns the upper hand 34-24.  Michael Griffin's interception of a Tim Tebow pass on the third play of the fourth quarter was the difference in the game.  Texas capitalized on the miscue with a 34-yard pass from Vince Young to Taylor that put the Longhorns up 41-24.  


Selvin Young (14-122 and the touchdown), Jamaal Charles (18-109 and 2 TD's) and Taylor (10-97 and the score) simply could not be stopped by the Gator defense.  


Florida was able to get a score on a 46-yard run from Jeffery Demps but it was too little, too late.  Percy Harvin led the Gators with 7 carries for 136 yards, including a 77-yarder.


Texas is now 2-0 on the season while the '06 Gators slip to 1-1.




2009 Alabama 41, 2007 LSU 13
Mark Ingram scored three touchdowns, including runs of 44 and 72 yards, as the proud 2009 Alabama National Champions came back from a 27-0 shellacking at the hands of USC to blow out the 2007 LSU team 41-13.


Ingram went inside and outside to post 212 yards on the ground and outdual LSU's Jacob Hester, who had 167 yards on 22 carries.  Julio Jones also broke loose for two touchdown catches from 'Bama quarterback Greg McElroy, who finished 16-25 for 210 yards.  Matt Flynn was just 14-34 with two interceptions as LSU fell to 0-2 on the season.




2006 Boise State 26, 2010 Auburn 10
Boise State scored 23 unanswered points to put a shock into the 2010 Auburn Tigers, who were fresh from celebrating their recent National Championship.


Auburn ran out to a 13-3 lead as the Tigers were able to contain star running back Ian Johnson early.  But Boise State Coach Chris Petersen stuck to his game plan and Johnson got untracked for scoring runs of 23 and 38 yards in the third quarter to give the Broncos their first lead at 20-13.  The Boise State defense took over from there, shutting out a team for the final 43 and a half minutes that Oregon was unable to stop just four months previous.  

Johnson finished with 183 yards on 28 carries, often breaking tackles for key first downs.  "I just had confidence in my line, " IJ said.  "Those guys should be saluted--they do a terrific job up front and I just took it from there," he added.  Anthony Montgomery converted on all four field goal tries to give the 2006 Broncos their second win in as many games.  Michael Dyer finished with 125 yards for Auburn, which lost for the second time in the SFL season.




2005 USC 44, 2007 Boise State 20
Matt Leinart completed 24-for-38 passes for 395 yards and four touchdown strikes as the 2005 National Champion USC team blitzed the 2007 Broncos 44-20.

Steve Smith caught five Leinart passes for 104 yards and a score while Chris McFoy had four receptions for 79 yards and another touchdown.  USC's LenDale White and Boise State's Ian Johnson each had 23 carries for 98 yards and a TD.  But the brilliant general Leinart controlled the game, mixing the running of White and Reggie Bush with his dissection of the Boise State defense. Taylor Tharp was 21-29 for the Broncos, but took few chances deep.


The Trojans, one of the preseason favorites to capture the SFL crown, are now 2-0 while the 2007 Broncos slip to a disappointing 0-2.




2006 Florida 44, 2005 Boise State 9
Boise State should have known what type of game they were in for when Percy Harvin ran 80 yards untouched into the Bronco end zone on the second play from scrimmage.  

Harvin accumulated 191 yards of offense as the 2006 Florida team crushed Boise State 44-9.  What damage Harvin didn't do, Gator quarterback Chris Leak did the rest, going 15-25 for 300 yards against the overmatched 2007 Boise State defense.  Meanwhile, Ryan Smith hauled in three interceptions against Bronco quarterback Jared Zabransky, who had five picks on the afternoon.  "I guess he didn't see me," Smith offered.


Coach Urban Meyer's Florida team is now 1-1 on the season, while the 2005 Broncos find themselves 0-2 early.

1975 Boise State Receptions

John "Super Needle" Smith, was one of the top receivers out of the backfield Boise State has ever seen.  He topped the Broncos in catches in 1975 with 45, 11 of those going for scores.  Mike Holton and John Crabtree were the wide receivers who combined for 68 catches and 8 touchdowns.  You will find the complete 1975 Boise State receiving statistics below, and can view them at any time by clicking on the "Past FB Statistics" Tab at the top of the blog.


1975 Boise State Receiving:
John Smith 45-854 (19.0) and 11 TD's
Mike Holton 41-741 (18.1) and 5 TD's
John Crabtree 27-393 (14.6) and 3 TD's
Bob Cleveland 18-172 (9.6) and 2 TD's
Ron Emry 16-200 (12.5) and 2 TD's
Clarence Smith 16-184 (11.5) and 1 TD
Bruce Pooley 14-168 (12.0) and 1 TD
Gene Skulick 9-71 (7.4) and 2 TD's
Ray Hooft 8-68 (8.5)
Tom Sims 7-60 (8.6)