Coach Patton continues to work magic. With practically an entire new team, Boise State has had to basically rebuild. Yet Boise State downed Pacific yesterday 5-2 to open their season.
Patton is redshirting James Meredith to prepare for the future and get his class breakdown the way he wants it. That means some younger talent will get valuable experience this year, and the Broncos will be all the better for it when Meredith rejoins the lineup next year.
The real test will be today against #26 Washington. That match is underway in Seattle.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Boise State Wins Seven Events at Bronco Invitational
The young Boise State Jackson Nampa
Three Bronco juniors remain unbeaten on the season. Eetu Viitala had a lifetime best of 25-4 in the long jump, bettering his previous high by eight inches. Viitala was just ¾ of an inch short of an all-time #3 jump in school history. Mele Vaisima won the weight throw (61-4.25) for her third consecutive victory of the young season. Trevor Kraychir, the reigning Western Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week, heaved the weight 64-7 to win his third straight title as well. Jeff Daw, Karrie Butler, Rolando Trammel and Paul Robertson are also 3-0 with a victory in the 4 x 400-meter relay (3:15.77).
Redshirt sophomore Chase Sexton captured the shot put title with a throw of 53-8.50, junior Brian Pierre ran a great mile (4:15.25) and sophomore Jeff Daw broke the tape in the 400 with a career best of 48.01.
Winning the WAC and doing well in the NCAA Nationals, however, requires more than individual efforts and event titles. It is the points a team gets from other contributors that separates the teams with a few good individuals from those that get to take the hardware home. We’ll watch that on this blog and chart their progress. Yesterday, Alyssa Osai and Nadine Russell had career-bests of 54-10.75 and 53-4.25, respectively, in the weight throw to provide backup for Viitala and finish second and third. Alex Nelson finished second to Kraychir in the men’s throw with a 59-10.25 effort.
The well-balanced Bronco quartet could pay dividends in the WAC Championships next month. Coach J.W. Hardy’s group went 1-2-3-4 led by Daw. Manoah Wesson ran a career-best 48.17 to take second, Karrie Butler finished in 48.82, also a career best, and Paul Robertson was timed in 49.23. Eric Capelle was just edged at the finish in the 60-meter dash (6.96) while freshman Justin Maines sported a lifetime best of 8.27 in the 60-meter hurdles to take second. Promising sophomore Destiny Gammage was second in the 200-hurdles (25.01) while senior BreAnna Craig took second in the pole vault (12-5.50).
Daniel Thompson still has work to do to join the top WAC pole vaulters, but he cleared a career-best 15-11 to take third yesterday. Mathew Moyer ran third in the 800 with his lifetime best of 1:55.01. Racquel Jones is another key to the Broncos’ hopes in the conference championships; she was able to take third in the long jump (18-2.25).
Boise State Jackson Nampa 11:30 a.m. Friday with action getting underway Saturday at 9 a.m.
Three Bronco juniors remain unbeaten on the season. Eetu Viitala had a lifetime best of 25-4 in the long jump, bettering his previous high by eight inches. Viitala was just ¾ of an inch short of an all-time #3 jump in school history. Mele Vaisima won the weight throw (61-4.25) for her third consecutive victory of the young season. Trevor Kraychir, the reigning Western Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week, heaved the weight 64-7 to win his third straight title as well. Jeff Daw, Karrie Butler, Rolando Trammel and Paul Robertson are also 3-0 with a victory in the 4 x 400-meter relay (3:15.77).
Redshirt sophomore Chase Sexton captured the shot put title with a throw of 53-8.50, junior Brian Pierre ran a great mile (4:15.25) and sophomore Jeff Daw broke the tape in the 400 with a career best of 48.01.
Winning the WAC and doing well in the NCAA Nationals, however, requires more than individual efforts and event titles. It is the points a team gets from other contributors that separates the teams with a few good individuals from those that get to take the hardware home. We’ll watch that on this blog and chart their progress. Yesterday, Alyssa Osai and Nadine Russell had career-bests of 54-10.75 and 53-4.25, respectively, in the weight throw to provide backup for Viitala and finish second and third. Alex Nelson finished second to Kraychir in the men’s throw with a 59-10.25 effort.
The well-balanced Bronco quartet could pay dividends in the WAC Championships next month. Coach J.W. Hardy’s group went 1-2-3-4 led by Daw. Manoah Wesson ran a career-best 48.17 to take second, Karrie Butler finished in 48.82, also a career best, and Paul Robertson was timed in 49.23. Eric Capelle was just edged at the finish in the 60-meter dash (6.96) while freshman Justin Maines sported a lifetime best of 8.27 in the 60-meter hurdles to take second. Promising sophomore Destiny Gammage was second in the 200-hurdles (25.01) while senior BreAnna Craig took second in the pole vault (12-5.50).
Daniel Thompson still has work to do to join the top WAC pole vaulters, but he cleared a career-best 15-11 to take third yesterday. Mathew Moyer ran third in the 800 with his lifetime best of 1:55.01. Racquel Jones is another key to the Broncos’ hopes in the conference championships; she was able to take third in the long jump (18-2.25).
The Conspiracy of the Idiocy of America
People from outside the Boise State circle claim there is no conspiracy against Boise State. Maybe not in the Watergate tradition, but it is more like the collective conspiracy of the idiocy in this country.
The mindset of our country is screwed up. We are blessed to be able to speak our opinions and we should all be thankful for that. What we are not thankful for are when idiots get paid to be television announcers. Case in point--yesterday in the East-West Shrine Game on the NFL Network, Mike Mayock said the following:
"You look at the Boise State kids individually and you think, how in the world did Boise State win so many games?"
and
"None of these four Boise State players are great athletes. But they're well-coached and they know what to do."
Really?
Mayock wouldn't know a great athlete if he came out of nowhere and knocked him back 10 yards on his can. Too bad it didn't happen.
I know the above comments are so ludicrous that any knowledgeable football fan sees right through them, but it still should be ripped apart. Ryan Winterswyk was a three-time All-WAC player and is fourth in Boise State history in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss. He was a menacing force in opposing backfields, impossible to deny over the course of any game against any team in the land. I guarantee you that I and most of this blog's readers could be coached by the great Boise State staff and not come up with those numbers. By the way, in the Shrine Game, Winterswyk, despite being held most of the game, was the West's leading tackler with 7.
Jeron Johnson was one of the fiercest hitters in college football over the last four years. JJ has a motor that won't quit, has tremendous instincts and knows how to finish a play. He may have been well taught at Boise State, but you have to have tremendous athleticism to be in position and then make the kind of plays he has made. Johnson finished his career as one of the top tacklers in school history. Johnson had three tackles yesterday.
Brandyn Thompson finished his Boise State career with 13 interceptions, including a pick six early in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl that helped Boise State beat #3 TCU. Thompson wasn't merely in position to make that interception as his coaches taught, he made the play and sprinted into the end zone untouched. It takes a tremendous athlete to make that kind of play, which Thompson of course is. Thompson had four tackles in the Shrine Game.
Mayock obviously hasn't watched Winston Venable either. He made highlight reel play after highlight reel play in his two years at Boise State. His outstanding play at the nickelback position allowed Doug Martin to switch to tailback and help the Broncos there. It wasn't outstanding coaching that allowed Martin to move from defense to offense. It was an outstanding athlete (Venable) who also has an amazing motor and great football ability. Only a fool like Mayock would be unable to recognize this.
Oh and by the way, Venable made four tackles yesterday, one for loss, and had an interception that he returned through the East team for 24 yards to the East eight-yard line. I suppose when Coach Petersen talked to Venable he said, "If you get an interception, Winston, cut to your left a bit, then to your right. There should then be a bit of an opening. There will be a couple of guys straight ahead but you can just break through their tackles. Cut again to the right, plow ahead, and it will get you 24 yards." Wow that would be amazing coaching if he did everything from memory of what he was taught and nothing at all by instinct or...umm...dare I say it...by athleticism. Har-de-har-har.
No, there may not be a Watergate-type conspiracy against Boise State. Rather, the Broncos are the victim of just plain dumb people that happen to be in positions of influence in college football. They have preconceived biases and spout uninformed nonsense to the masses.
That is where the conspiracy lies.
The mindset of our country is screwed up. We are blessed to be able to speak our opinions and we should all be thankful for that. What we are not thankful for are when idiots get paid to be television announcers. Case in point--yesterday in the East-West Shrine Game on the NFL Network, Mike Mayock said the following:
"You look at the Boise State kids individually and you think, how in the world did Boise State win so many games?"
and
"None of these four Boise State players are great athletes. But they're well-coached and they know what to do."
Really?
Mayock wouldn't know a great athlete if he came out of nowhere and knocked him back 10 yards on his can. Too bad it didn't happen.
I know the above comments are so ludicrous that any knowledgeable football fan sees right through them, but it still should be ripped apart. Ryan Winterswyk was a three-time All-WAC player and is fourth in Boise State history in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss. He was a menacing force in opposing backfields, impossible to deny over the course of any game against any team in the land. I guarantee you that I and most of this blog's readers could be coached by the great Boise State staff and not come up with those numbers. By the way, in the Shrine Game, Winterswyk, despite being held most of the game, was the West's leading tackler with 7.
Jeron Johnson was one of the fiercest hitters in college football over the last four years. JJ has a motor that won't quit, has tremendous instincts and knows how to finish a play. He may have been well taught at Boise State, but you have to have tremendous athleticism to be in position and then make the kind of plays he has made. Johnson finished his career as one of the top tacklers in school history. Johnson had three tackles yesterday.
Brandyn Thompson finished his Boise State career with 13 interceptions, including a pick six early in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl that helped Boise State beat #3 TCU. Thompson wasn't merely in position to make that interception as his coaches taught, he made the play and sprinted into the end zone untouched. It takes a tremendous athlete to make that kind of play, which Thompson of course is. Thompson had four tackles in the Shrine Game.
Mayock obviously hasn't watched Winston Venable either. He made highlight reel play after highlight reel play in his two years at Boise State. His outstanding play at the nickelback position allowed Doug Martin to switch to tailback and help the Broncos there. It wasn't outstanding coaching that allowed Martin to move from defense to offense. It was an outstanding athlete (Venable) who also has an amazing motor and great football ability. Only a fool like Mayock would be unable to recognize this.
Oh and by the way, Venable made four tackles yesterday, one for loss, and had an interception that he returned through the East team for 24 yards to the East eight-yard line. I suppose when Coach Petersen talked to Venable he said, "If you get an interception, Winston, cut to your left a bit, then to your right. There should then be a bit of an opening. There will be a couple of guys straight ahead but you can just break through their tackles. Cut again to the right, plow ahead, and it will get you 24 yards." Wow that would be amazing coaching if he did everything from memory of what he was taught and nothing at all by instinct or...umm...dare I say it...by athleticism. Har-de-har-har.
No, there may not be a Watergate-type conspiracy against Boise State. Rather, the Broncos are the victim of just plain dumb people that happen to be in positions of influence in college football. They have preconceived biases and spout uninformed nonsense to the masses.
That is where the conspiracy lies.
Broncos One Win Away From Being Premier Swim Team in the Northwest
With a convincing 160-83 win over Idaho yesterday, the Boise State swim team is on the verge of accomplishing something Coach Kristin Hill has publicly stated is a goal of hers. Coach Hill's Broncos have now beaten every Division I swimming team in the Northwest except Oregon State.
And guess what? Next up on the Boise State schedule is none other than those very Beavers. Now normally, you would say that beavers are much more natural swimmers than broncos, but you never know. These Broncos are different and I wouldn't count Hill's team out.
And guess what? Next up on the Boise State schedule is none other than those very Beavers. Now normally, you would say that beavers are much more natural swimmers than broncos, but you never know. These Broncos are different and I wouldn't count Hill's team out.
Broncos Score Another Road Win
You get the feeling that Bronco senior La'Shard Anderson wants to go out a winner.
Several times this year, Anderson has carried the Broncos to wins. He did it again last night, scoring 12 of the final 16 points to help Boise State come back to take a 70-67 win at Idaho. Anderson netted 21 points and has five rebounds, seven assists and three steals in a complete effort. Paul Noonan, Daequon Montreal and freshman Ryan Watkins also hit in double figures.
Speaking of Noonan, the young man has to find a way to get to the free throw line. He is money, but averages less than two attempts per game. When you have a guy that can consistently go to the line and rack up points for you, you want that guy at the line 8-10 times a game, not 2. Noonan is hitting 84% of his free throw attempts in his career, which would break Chris Childs' all-time record. But Noonan doesn't have enough attempts. That's a tragedy.
If Boise State is to get to 20 wins, they can take a major step next week. The Broncos face New Mexico State and Louisiana Tech on the road. Coach Leon Rice's team notched their third consecutive road win last night and seem to play better away from home. If the Broncos can get a split next week and somehow turn those big crowds into an advantage at home, they'll get to 20.
Several times this year, Anderson has carried the Broncos to wins. He did it again last night, scoring 12 of the final 16 points to help Boise State come back to take a 70-67 win at Idaho. Anderson netted 21 points and has five rebounds, seven assists and three steals in a complete effort. Paul Noonan, Daequon Montreal and freshman Ryan Watkins also hit in double figures.
Speaking of Noonan, the young man has to find a way to get to the free throw line. He is money, but averages less than two attempts per game. When you have a guy that can consistently go to the line and rack up points for you, you want that guy at the line 8-10 times a game, not 2. Noonan is hitting 84% of his free throw attempts in his career, which would break Chris Childs' all-time record. But Noonan doesn't have enough attempts. That's a tragedy.
If Boise State is to get to 20 wins, they can take a major step next week. The Broncos face New Mexico State and Louisiana Tech on the road. Coach Leon Rice's team notched their third consecutive road win last night and seem to play better away from home. If the Broncos can get a split next week and somehow turn those big crowds into an advantage at home, they'll get to 20.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Bronco Swimmers Top Washington State
I'll say it. The Boise State swimming team has reloaded.
The defending Western Athletic Conference champions lost several stars to graduation, but seem just as strong this season in the early going. The Broncos went into Pullman and came away a 143-119 winner in the Washington State water.
Boise State got a 1-2-3 sweep in the 1000-yard freestyle to get started and never looked back. Who achieved this for Kristin Hill's team? A sophomore (Jennifer Cahill, with the win) and two freshmen (Rachel Heaney and Brooke Balogh). Another sophomore, Christine Raininger, won the 400 individual medley. Where does Hill get these gals? It really speaks volumes about her ability to come in, start a brand new program from scratch, and recruit top student-athletes to Boise State. The Broncos have begun to turn heads in the sport, getting votes earlier this year in the national rankings.
Good that Amber Boucher has two more years. The junior who helped the Broncos win the WAC last year won two individual events and helped win both relays. Boucher's 100 butterfly time was 54.88 to set a Pullman pool record. Boucher now has every one of the top 10 times in Boise State history! Stephanie North also won in the 100 and 200 free races and anchored both relay teams.
The Broncos took on Idaho this morning in Moscow. Results are not yet available.
The defending Western Athletic Conference champions lost several stars to graduation, but seem just as strong this season in the early going. The Broncos went into Pullman and came away a 143-119 winner in the Washington State water.
Boise State got a 1-2-3 sweep in the 1000-yard freestyle to get started and never looked back. Who achieved this for Kristin Hill's team? A sophomore (Jennifer Cahill, with the win) and two freshmen (Rachel Heaney and Brooke Balogh). Another sophomore, Christine Raininger, won the 400 individual medley. Where does Hill get these gals? It really speaks volumes about her ability to come in, start a brand new program from scratch, and recruit top student-athletes to Boise State. The Broncos have begun to turn heads in the sport, getting votes earlier this year in the national rankings.
Good that Amber Boucher has two more years. The junior who helped the Broncos win the WAC last year won two individual events and helped win both relays. Boucher's 100 butterfly time was 54.88 to set a Pullman pool record. Boucher now has every one of the top 10 times in Boise State history! Stephanie North also won in the 100 and 200 free races and anchored both relay teams.
The Broncos took on Idaho this morning in Moscow. Results are not yet available.
Boise State Falls Short at #11 Alabama
It was a great experience, traveling to SEC country for the first time. But for the well-seasoned Boise State gymnastics team, this wasn't about the experience. They wanted a win. The Broncos fell 1.325 points short.
BoiseState fell by less than 1.4 points (196.325 to 195.000) to four-time national champion Alabama Tuscaloosa Boise State
That is how longBoise State Boise State Corvallis , Oregon Oregon State
ThatBoise State Boise State Alabama
Again, the difference between the two teams was minute, but that is what decides gymnastics duals and ultimately, which teams get to go to nationals. Can coaches Tina Bird and Neil Resnick find 1.4 more points up and down the lineup?
Amy Glass was sensational forBoise State Boise State Alabama
"Amy is such a rock for our team," said Bird. "Her cool demeanor at meets really calms the team and makes us feel like we can do anything."
Redmon(9.875) finished in tie for the bars title withAlabama Boise State Alabama Boise State
Since this is one of the Broncos’ top events, it would seem that part of the 1.4 points could be made up here with more team balance. To achieveAlabama
On the uneven bars, Potvin-Green impressed with a 9.825 to join Glass with that score. Senior Lindsay Kazandjian produced a 9.8 to give the Broncos four gymnasts at 9.8 or better. Hopefully, friendly competition amongst the four to get the high score in each future meet will make all four of them better. Katie Tuller had the final score with a 9.7.
The Broncos have traditionally been superb on floor but were thumped by over 7/10th’s of a point on this night. Black was the top finisher after Glass with a 9.775. Kelsey Lang was eighth with a 9.725 and Kazandjian (9.675) took ninth. Both of those two can do much better, so the Broncos can easily find 3-4/tenths on the floor.
Boise State
The Crimson Tide's Diandra Milliner won the vault title with a 9.925 score, while Sledge and Stack-Eaton shared the bars title withBoise State
Boise State Tuscaloosa Arizona Tucson
Boise
That is how long
That
Again, the difference between the two teams was minute, but that is what decides gymnastics duals and ultimately, which teams get to go to nationals. Can coaches Tina Bird and Neil Resnick find 1.4 more points up and down the lineup?
Amy Glass was sensational for
"Amy is such a rock for our team," said Bird. "Her cool demeanor at meets really calms the team and makes us feel like we can do anything."
Redmon(9.875) finished in tie for the bars title with
Since this is one of the Broncos’ top events, it would seem that part of the 1.4 points could be made up here with more team balance. To achieve
On the uneven bars, Potvin-Green impressed with a 9.825 to join Glass with that score. Senior Lindsay Kazandjian produced a 9.8 to give the Broncos four gymnasts at 9.8 or better. Hopefully, friendly competition amongst the four to get the high score in each future meet will make all four of them better. Katie Tuller had the final score with a 9.7.
The Broncos have traditionally been superb on floor but were thumped by over 7/10th’s of a point on this night. Black was the top finisher after Glass with a 9.775. Kelsey Lang was eighth with a 9.725 and Kazandjian (9.675) took ninth. Both of those two can do much better, so the Broncos can easily find 3-4/tenths on the floor.
The Crimson Tide's Diandra Milliner won the vault title with a 9.925 score, while Sledge and Stack-Eaton shared the bars title with
Friday, January 21, 2011
LOI Details Announced
Bronco fans can go check out what could be Boise State's finest football recruiting class on LOI Day, Wednesday, February 2. The official party with the coaches is set for the Stueckle Center in Bronco Stadium beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be obtained at http://www.idahotickets.com/. Get them now!
KTIK's Jeff Caves will once again host the LOI Day celebration that has become a tradition with Bronco fans. I believe Jeff has been doing that for 13 years now and he does an excellent job interviewing the new recruits and interacting with the fans. The KTIK show will again be at Buffalo Wild Wings on Eagle Road. This year, in addition to the usual great show, KTIK will be broadcasting Coach Chris Petersen's live news conference announcing the new Boise State recruits at 1:30 p.m.
The schedules give Bronco fans a chance to attend both ceremonies. They both are excellent and not to be missed!
KTIK's Jeff Caves will once again host the LOI Day celebration that has become a tradition with Bronco fans. I believe Jeff has been doing that for 13 years now and he does an excellent job interviewing the new recruits and interacting with the fans. The KTIK show will again be at Buffalo Wild Wings on Eagle Road. This year, in addition to the usual great show, KTIK will be broadcasting Coach Chris Petersen's live news conference announcing the new Boise State recruits at 1:30 p.m.
The schedules give Bronco fans a chance to attend both ceremonies. They both are excellent and not to be missed!
Teams Keep Running Away From Boise State
The college football nation is beginning to see how schools react when they are faced with playing Boise State. Bronco Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier has maintained for years that teams dodge Boise State and the evidence backs him up.
Last year, Boise State announced that it was making a long-desired move to the Mountain West Conference. Simply put, the school could not achieve its goals in the Western Athletic Conference, and a conference schedule that included Utah, BYU, TCU, Air Force, San Diego State and others would finally give the football team the strength of schedule it desired. In fact, it appeared to all that the Mountain West lineup would surely be given automatic qualification into a BCS (Bowl Championship Series) Bowl. That schedule, plus an upgraded out-of-conference schedule, would be able to finally land the Broncos in the BCS Championship game.
However, within days of news that Boise State was joining the Mountain West, Utah announced it would leave the Mountain West. A few weeks later, BYU announced that it too would leave the Mountain West. But not before trying to sabotage Boise State's move by attempting a power play that the Cougars thought would make the Broncos come crawling back to the WAC. That plan went awry and was publicly exposed, much to the embarrassment of BYU and fellow conspirator Utah State. After their idea backfired, BYU announced it would leave the MWC and be an independent. A few short months later, the third of the big three in the Mountain West, TCU, announced that it too was leaving.
Note that none of these three bolted before it was announced that Boise State would be joining the conference effective next year. They bolted after the announcement--big difference. If they really wanted to leave the Mountain West, they could have done so at any time, but did not decide to shop their wares until they learned Boise State would be joining them. This is eerily similar to what Tulsa, Rice, SMU and UTEP did soon after Boise State joined the WAC, when those four took off for Conference USA.
Even after Utah announced the decision to leave the Mountain West, they still had a standing three-game series with Boise State in football. The Broncos had beaten Utah 36-3 in the first game of the scheduled four-game series. Utah canceled the remaining three games of the schedule rather than play #8 Boise State. The thought of playing the Broncos was so concerning to Utah that they paid $350,000 just to get out of the series.
Now we hear word that Nevada is going to cancel its 2011 game with Boise State. The game would have been penciled in anyway if Boise State were still in the WAC. To make the transition to the Mountain West easy for both schools, they agreed to keep the game in 2011, with Boise State traveling to Reno when both schools were in the Mountain West. Now, Nevada is apparently going to cancel their game with Boise State next year. Why is that?
Combine all these eerie cancellations with the fact that in the past 16 months, Bleymaier has signed deals to play Virginia Tech, Georgia, Mississippi, Michigan State, Washington State and Washington, and it should be clear to even opposing fans that Bleymaier is indeed doing his level best to get Boise State's schedule upgraded. When they made the move to the Mountain West, it was with the understanding that the top three teams would stay and that the conference would be an Automatic Qualifier. And there can be no question that the out-of-conference schedule has gotten stronger by leaps and bounds, despite very few of those games mentioned above being in Bronco Stadium.
Which school is trying their damndest to get tougher games and which schools are walking away from them?
I will hear no more arguments against Boise State's strength of schedule. You cannot on one hand watch high-quality teams back out of games against Boise State and then criticize Boise State because they don't have a tough schedule. Any system (computer or otherwise) which attempts to downgrade the Broncos because of their schedule is a sham. They would be penalizing a school because other schools don't want to play them. This is wrong and flies in the face of basic fairness. This isn't professional sports, but college, where the student-athlete is supposed to matter. Penalizing one student because other teams run away from his team is not the proper course of action.
Last year, Boise State announced that it was making a long-desired move to the Mountain West Conference. Simply put, the school could not achieve its goals in the Western Athletic Conference, and a conference schedule that included Utah, BYU, TCU, Air Force, San Diego State and others would finally give the football team the strength of schedule it desired. In fact, it appeared to all that the Mountain West lineup would surely be given automatic qualification into a BCS (Bowl Championship Series) Bowl. That schedule, plus an upgraded out-of-conference schedule, would be able to finally land the Broncos in the BCS Championship game.
However, within days of news that Boise State was joining the Mountain West, Utah announced it would leave the Mountain West. A few weeks later, BYU announced that it too would leave the Mountain West. But not before trying to sabotage Boise State's move by attempting a power play that the Cougars thought would make the Broncos come crawling back to the WAC. That plan went awry and was publicly exposed, much to the embarrassment of BYU and fellow conspirator Utah State. After their idea backfired, BYU announced it would leave the MWC and be an independent. A few short months later, the third of the big three in the Mountain West, TCU, announced that it too was leaving.
Note that none of these three bolted before it was announced that Boise State would be joining the conference effective next year. They bolted after the announcement--big difference. If they really wanted to leave the Mountain West, they could have done so at any time, but did not decide to shop their wares until they learned Boise State would be joining them. This is eerily similar to what Tulsa, Rice, SMU and UTEP did soon after Boise State joined the WAC, when those four took off for Conference USA.
Even after Utah announced the decision to leave the Mountain West, they still had a standing three-game series with Boise State in football. The Broncos had beaten Utah 36-3 in the first game of the scheduled four-game series. Utah canceled the remaining three games of the schedule rather than play #8 Boise State. The thought of playing the Broncos was so concerning to Utah that they paid $350,000 just to get out of the series.
Now we hear word that Nevada is going to cancel its 2011 game with Boise State. The game would have been penciled in anyway if Boise State were still in the WAC. To make the transition to the Mountain West easy for both schools, they agreed to keep the game in 2011, with Boise State traveling to Reno when both schools were in the Mountain West. Now, Nevada is apparently going to cancel their game with Boise State next year. Why is that?
Combine all these eerie cancellations with the fact that in the past 16 months, Bleymaier has signed deals to play Virginia Tech, Georgia, Mississippi, Michigan State, Washington State and Washington, and it should be clear to even opposing fans that Bleymaier is indeed doing his level best to get Boise State's schedule upgraded. When they made the move to the Mountain West, it was with the understanding that the top three teams would stay and that the conference would be an Automatic Qualifier. And there can be no question that the out-of-conference schedule has gotten stronger by leaps and bounds, despite very few of those games mentioned above being in Bronco Stadium.
Which school is trying their damndest to get tougher games and which schools are walking away from them?
I will hear no more arguments against Boise State's strength of schedule. You cannot on one hand watch high-quality teams back out of games against Boise State and then criticize Boise State because they don't have a tough schedule. Any system (computer or otherwise) which attempts to downgrade the Broncos because of their schedule is a sham. They would be penalizing a school because other schools don't want to play them. This is wrong and flies in the face of basic fairness. This isn't professional sports, but college, where the student-athlete is supposed to matter. Penalizing one student because other teams run away from his team is not the proper course of action.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Hall, Colledge, Wilson Aim for Super Bowl
Boise State will have three former greats in this weekend's NFC and AFC Championship games. Fullback Korey Hall and lineman Daryn Colledge lead Green Bay against Atlanta while reserve rookie safety Kyle Wilson hopes to help the New York Jets against Pittsburgh.
The 2010 Super Bowl came and went without any Boise State players, which has been unusual in recent years. Hopefully, one, two or three players will get in this year.
The 2010 Super Bowl came and went without any Boise State players, which has been unusual in recent years. Hopefully, one, two or three players will get in this year.
Seventh Heaven
For the Broncos to truly get respect, however, they will need to stay consistent for at least another decade. Given that they land near the top in about every other category, if the Broncos can reach the Top 10 in this list, most will feel at that time that they belong. There will of course be a scattering of skeptics. But you can't please everyone...
Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State and Miami of Florida each achieved the feat 17 straight seasons, with the Wolverines winning seven or more from 1968 to 1983, the Fighting Irish recording the feat in the years 1964-1980, the Nittany Lions putting together seasons of seven or more wins from 1967 to 1983 and the Hurricanes doing it from 1980 to 1996.
Yale dominated football in the 19th century and the first part of the 20th century, winning seven or more games for 28 straight seasons (1882-1909). Princeton strung 27 such years together (1881-1907) and
The top streaks in the history of college football are featured below.
Consecutive Seasons of Seven or More Wins:
1.
2.
3. Yale…28 (1882-1909)
4.
5. Harvard…25 (1886-1910)
5.
7.
7.
9.
10. Virginia Tech…18 (1993-2010)
11.
11. Notre Dame…17 (1964-1980)
11.
14.
14.
16.
17.
18.
18.
18. Georgia Tech…13 (1997-2009)
18.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22. Notre Dame…12 (1938-1949)
22.
22.
Bronco Gymnasts Go After #11 Alabama
The Boise State gymnasts suffered a huge setback last week when they lost to Washington for the first time in school history. The Lady Broncos are still #15 this week and will test themselves on the road against #11 Alabama.
While the rankings are based on scores and not wins, every time Boise State loses a meet, they will fall in the rankings relative to the team they lost to. If the Broncos are ever going to reach the national championships, they need to prove to themselves more than anyone else that they can beat teams like Alabama.
My niece was a world-class gymnast, so I would like nothing better than for the Broncos to do well. I've been trying in vain to get her to come up to Boise, first on the gymnastics team and now as a coach someday! If Boise State were to climb to another level, it would improve my chances!
I'll be talking more about the meet with Alabama leading up to the meet. Boise State needs a win like this to make a statement.
While the rankings are based on scores and not wins, every time Boise State loses a meet, they will fall in the rankings relative to the team they lost to. If the Broncos are ever going to reach the national championships, they need to prove to themselves more than anyone else that they can beat teams like Alabama.
My niece was a world-class gymnast, so I would like nothing better than for the Broncos to do well. I've been trying in vain to get her to come up to Boise, first on the gymnastics team and now as a coach someday! If Boise State were to climb to another level, it would improve my chances!
I'll be talking more about the meet with Alabama leading up to the meet. Boise State needs a win like this to make a statement.
Make Plans Now for LOI Day!
I have received word that tickets for the annual Boise State LOI (Letter of Intent) Day celebration will go on sale in the next couple of days. Details are still being firmed up, but once again the official party will be at the Stueckle Center in Bronco Stadium.
LOI Day is the day set aside when high school football recruits can officially sign their letter of intents indicating their choice where they want to attend school for the next four-five years. The upcoming 2011 Boise State class appears to be the best one they have ever had. That sounds like a broken record is being played for several years in a row, but such is the nature of Boise State football over the last 6-7 years.
The original LOI Party was drummed up by KTIK and features a good show with Jeff Caves hosting. Last year, the show was at Buffalo Wild Wings on Eagle Road. Those details are also still being worked out.
Once I have further information, I will post it on the blog.
LOI Day is the day set aside when high school football recruits can officially sign their letter of intents indicating their choice where they want to attend school for the next four-five years. The upcoming 2011 Boise State class appears to be the best one they have ever had. That sounds like a broken record is being played for several years in a row, but such is the nature of Boise State football over the last 6-7 years.
The original LOI Party was drummed up by KTIK and features a good show with Jeff Caves hosting. Last year, the show was at Buffalo Wild Wings on Eagle Road. Those details are also still being worked out.
Once I have further information, I will post it on the blog.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Boise State 2nd Vs. Elite Teams In Last Five Years
Despite Boise State
They say that Boise State Boise State
Nevertheless, to go along with the argument, Boise State
There are many ways to measure the “power” in a powerhouse college football team. One of the best is to look at how they did against other powers. For this study, we will look at the 35 college football teams that have finished in the Top 15 in the USA Today rankings in at least once in the last four years. We will go over their schedules with a fine-toothed comb and evaluate how each of the 35 did against other Top 15 teams. We will call those games “power games”. Let us see exactly how Boise State has done in power games, compare the number of power games that the Broncos have played vs. those that other Top 15 teams have played, and see how the teams do out of conference.
Coach Chris Petersen’s team wins when they play elite competition. The Broncos are 5-2, the second-best mark in the nation over four years. USC’s 7-3 record tops everyone, although it is less sparkling than last year with losses to Stanford and Oregon West Virginia (3-2) and Auburn
Playing power teams within your own conference is one thing. Those are games that essentially are “scheduled for you”. Despite the Automatic Qualifying Conferences saying Boise State could not win week in and week out in a conference like theirs, notice that not one of these conferences has invited supposed weakling Boise State into their conference so they could beat up on them!
So since the other power teams have neither beaten Boise State
Since Boise State
Although all of the teams listed in the rankings have finished one or multiple years in the final USA Today Coaches’ Poll Top 15, it is noteworthy that several have less than sterling records against other power teams. These teams, in fact, do not win “week in and week out”.
In conclusion, Boise State
Here is how the power teams of the last five years stack up. (Teams with winning records are ranked by winning percentage; teams with losing records are ranked first by number of Top 15 wins and then by least number of losses.)
Best Five-Year Record:
1. USC 7-3
2. Boise State
3. West Virginia
4. Auburn 7-6
5. Florida
6. Texas
6. Ohio State
8. Oklahoma
9. Alabama
10. LSU 6-11
11. Georgia
12. Iowa 4-7
13. Stanford 3-5
14. TCU 3-6
15. Oregon
15. Texas
17. Arkansas
18. Boston College
19. Georgia Tech 2-7
19. Missouri
19. Virginia Tech 2-7
22. California
22. Cincinnati
22. Utah
25. Wisconsin 2-9
26. Michigan
27. Mississippi
27. Tennessee
29. Louisville
29. Nevada
29. Pittsburgh
29. Rutgers 1-4
33. Kansas
34. Michigan State
35. Penn State
36. Nebraska
37. BYU 0-5
38. Arizona State
39. Oklahoma State
Power Schedule:
1. Florida
2. USC 7-3
3. LSU 6-11
4. Alabama
5. Oklahoma
6. Texas
7. Georgia
8. Ohio State
9. Boise State
10. Iowa 4-7
11. Arkansas
12. Oregon
13. Texas
14. Auburn 3-6
14. TCU 3-6
16. Stanford 3-5
17. West Virginia
18. Tennessee
18. Mississippi
20. Michigan
21. Wisconsin 2-9
22. Cincinnati
22. Utah
22. California
25. Georgia Tech 2-7
25. Missouri
25. Virginia Tech 2-7
28. Boston College
29. Nebraska
30. Penn State
31. Michigan State
32. Kansas
33. Louisville
33. Nevada
33. Pittsburgh
33. Rutgers 1-4
37. Oklahoma State
38. Arizona State
39. BYU 0-5
Monday, January 17, 2011
Boise State 5th Team To Win 10 Games In 8 Of 9 Years
The only year in which
USC won 10 or more games every year from 2002-2008 but could not put together a streak of eight out of nine.
Virginia Tech,
Boise State Sets Another Modern Record
Of all the history made by Boise
Princeton Pennsylvania Michigan
One of the more interesting factoids about Boise Boise State
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What Boise State Accomplished in 2010
Boise State's football team once again shattered records and made history this past year.
Boise State became:
Boise State became:
..the fourth team in college football history to have a winning seasons percentage above 86% (the others are Michigan, Ohio State and Alabama.)
..the modern record holder and the first collegiate team in 107 years to win seven consecutive games in nine consecutive seasons. ( Boise State currently shares the modern record of eight straight seasons with Michigan .)
.
.
..the third team in history to win 59 straight regular season home games ( Princeton won 75 in a row and Alabama won 58 in a row.)
..the third team since 1908 and the 10th in college football history to accumulate a home record of 73-2 or better.
..the third team since 1900 to have a 10-year home record of 62-1 or better ( Alabama (33-0) and Nebraska (64-1) are the others.)
..the fifth team in the modern era and 11th in history to win ten or more games in eight out of nine years.
..the seventh school since 1920 and the 10th school in college football history to win 10 or more games in 9 of 11 years.
..the 7th team since 1898 and the 10th team in college football history to win nine or more games in nine consecutive seasons.
..the 8th team since 1920 and the 12th in history to win nine or more games in 10 out of 11 years.
..the 12th team since 1920 and the 16th team all-time to win eight or more games in 11 consecutive seasons.
..the 22nd team since 1920 to win seven or more games in 12 consecutive seasons.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
What's In A Rank?
If you followed last week's NCAA Division I Track & Field rankings, you noticed that the Arizona men were ranked #28 and the Arizona women #14. You also would have seen the Boise State men at #100 in those rankings, with the Bronco women all the way back at #128.
I mention that because we got to see those talented Wildcats compete at the Blue & Orange Invitational at Jackson's Track today in Nampa. Boise State was hosting the event in the Broncos' home opener of the indoor track season.
Wildcats in a breeze, right? Wrong.
Despite the disparity in rankings, the two teams were even steven. Boise State and Arizona both won 12 events in the competition.
Makes you wonder if they do the track rankings the same way they do the BCS rankings! Congratulations, Broncos, in proving you are the equal of Arizona.
I mention that because we got to see those talented Wildcats compete at the Blue & Orange Invitational at Jackson's Track today in Nampa. Boise State was hosting the event in the Broncos' home opener of the indoor track season.
Wildcats in a breeze, right? Wrong.
Despite the disparity in rankings, the two teams were even steven. Boise State and Arizona both won 12 events in the competition.
Makes you wonder if they do the track rankings the same way they do the BCS rankings! Congratulations, Broncos, in proving you are the equal of Arizona.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Looking at the Future OOC Schedules
Yesterday, it was announced that Boise State and Washington will play a home-and-home football series with the Broncos going to Seattle in 2013 and UW coming to Bronco Stadium in 2015. Next year was messed up when we had to add Nevada and Fresno State to keep continuity with those teams going to the MWC in 2012.
For Boise State to have a legitimate chance to be in the MNC, they have to have a minimum of two AQ schools (more likely three) and at least one ranked non-AQ on their schedule. Notice that the Broncos had that in 2010 and even had they gone unbeaten, they would not have finished in the top two. This should open eyes as to what kind of OOC schedule they need. If you're going to play teams as bad as Oregon State, Toledo and Wyoming out of conference, it's not going to work. For things to fall into place, the second AQ whould have needed to be someone similar to Georgia for 2011, and Wyoming would have to have been traded for Utah.
Preferably though, there should be three AQ's and a ranked non-AQ out of conference. If the Broncos are to get the respect they desire, then, it is a must to add an AQ to 2012 since they only have one at this time. Boise State needs two AQ's in 2013 since they only have Michigan State. Boise State also needs two more AQ's in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. BYU looks to be much-improved in the near time and fit the role of a ranked non-AQ nicely from 2013-2016. Boise State needs to add someone similar for 2017. Here's a look at how future Bronco schedules are set up at this time.
2011:
Sept. 3 - vs. Georgia (Georgia Dome, Atlanta)
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
Sept. 17 - at Toledo
Sept. 24 - Tulsa
Oct. 1 - Nevada
Oct. 8 - at Fresno State
2012
Aug. 31 - at Michigan State
Sept. 15 - Miami (Ohio)
Sept. 22 - BYU
2013
Sept. 7 - at Washington
Sept. 21 - at BYU
2014
Sept. 4 - Ole Miss (Georgia Dome, Atlanta)
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
Sept. 27 - BYU
2015
Sept. 12 - at BYU
Sept. 19 - Washington
2016
Sept. 10 - Washington State
Sept. 24 - at Oregon State
2017
Sept. 9 - at Washington State
For Boise State to have a legitimate chance to be in the MNC, they have to have a minimum of two AQ schools (more likely three) and at least one ranked non-AQ on their schedule. Notice that the Broncos had that in 2010 and even had they gone unbeaten, they would not have finished in the top two. This should open eyes as to what kind of OOC schedule they need. If you're going to play teams as bad as Oregon State, Toledo and Wyoming out of conference, it's not going to work. For things to fall into place, the second AQ whould have needed to be someone similar to Georgia for 2011, and Wyoming would have to have been traded for Utah.
Preferably though, there should be three AQ's and a ranked non-AQ out of conference. If the Broncos are to get the respect they desire, then, it is a must to add an AQ to 2012 since they only have one at this time. Boise State needs two AQ's in 2013 since they only have Michigan State. Boise State also needs two more AQ's in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. BYU looks to be much-improved in the near time and fit the role of a ranked non-AQ nicely from 2013-2016. Boise State needs to add someone similar for 2017. Here's a look at how future Bronco schedules are set up at this time.
2011:
Sept. 3 - vs. Georgia (Georgia Dome, Atlanta)
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
Sept. 17 - at Toledo
Sept. 24 - Tulsa
Oct. 1 - Nevada
Oct. 8 - at Fresno State
2012
Aug. 31 - at Michigan State
Sept. 15 - Miami (Ohio)
Sept. 22 - BYU
2013
Sept. 7 - at Washington
Sept. 21 - at BYU
2014
Sept. 4 - Ole Miss (Georgia Dome, Atlanta)
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
Sept. 27 - BYU
2015
Sept. 12 - at BYU
Sept. 19 - Washington
2016
Sept. 10 - Washington State
Sept. 24 - at Oregon State
2017
Sept. 9 - at Washington State
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Boise State and Washington Agree to Home and Home
Boise State and Washington will play a two-game football series beginning in 2013. Husky Stadium will be going through rennovation and the new-look stadium is set to debut with the Broncos taking on UW on September 7, 2013. Washington will come to Boise State September 19, 2015.
The Huskies are fresh from a win in the Holiday Bowl over Nebraska and finished the season 7-6. Washington knocked off Boise State in the 2007 season in Seattle.
The good thing about the 2015 date is that Boise State now can schedule a second AQ team on the road, knowing they have a talented Washington team coming to Bronco Stadium.
The Huskies are fresh from a win in the Holiday Bowl over Nebraska and finished the season 7-6. Washington knocked off Boise State in the 2007 season in Seattle.
The good thing about the 2015 date is that Boise State now can schedule a second AQ team on the road, knowing they have a talented Washington team coming to Bronco Stadium.
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