Boise State may have put up 55 points on NIU but I think it was the defense that carried the day. NIU could not get anything done on offense and you have the front 7 guys to thank for that. For now.

But more on that in a second.

This was a great statement to the college football world. Even if Boise State is 8-4, they can still muster an effort to man handle a Top MAC team. When it comes time for the College Football Playoff folks to rank Group of 5 teams, I guarantee some will remember this ass kicking. It was tremendous and I firmly believe that even the first string NIU QB would have made little difference.

This group was motivated. Especially on defense.

And, I don’t mean to be Debbie Downer but you better enjoy it because I don’t think that feeling will last.

The leading tackler in the game, Tyler Gray, is gone. Kamalei Correa, the Defensive MVP of the game, will almost definitely leave early. Two of the best defensive players on the team didn’t play and their status is questionable for 2016. I would not be surprised if Tanner Vallejo did not return to the team and I don’t know about DSG. In fact, if you look at the top categories of this defense here is what Boise State is losing: 63% of the sacks, 45% of the tackles if Vallejo is gone, 50% of the interceptions and 8 defensive lineman.

WOW.

The job now is all about recruiting instant impact defensive lineman and maybe a linebacker or two. It was a bowl game win to remember but most importantly a bowl game to say good bye to most of the defense.

@jeffcaves on twitter