Bob Behler-host of the Bob and Chris Show
It was a really good week for Boise State. The Broncos moved to 5-0 on the year and are the only team in the country to never trail in a game this season. The 49-21 win at New Mexico was a breakout game for Brett Rypien and the passing game and the defense kept the Lobos option in check, seemingly employing the same kind of philosophy they used against Washington State of keeping things in front of them.
I thought it was a matter of time for the passing game to break out. New Mexico had a lot of defenders in the box and single covered receivers down the field and Thomas Sperbeck and Cedrick Wilson made them pay with 9 catches each. Jeremy McNichols didn’t have a lot of running rooming, rushing for just 54 yards, but it looks like Boise State is going to be able to say “stop something and we’ll make you pay another way.”
The Broncos were ranked 19th heading in to the weekend, second to 6th ranked Houston of the group of five teams competing for the New Year’s Six bowl spot. To get the nod, Boise State would more than likely have to be undefeated…so let’s assume for argument the Broncos do run the table. My co-host Chris Lewis contends that a one-loss UH team with a win over Oklahoma (in the bank) and a victory over Louisville (if it came in November) would leave them with a better resume than the Broncos. I am not so sure. Washington State and Oregon State both won yesterday over Stanford and Cal and more wins from them will help the Bronco resume. BYU won yesterday and a win over those Cougars would be good, too.
But here’s the thing, it may never come down whose credentials are better. Remember one of the criteria from New Year’s 6 is you have to win your conference. If Navy wins out in the AAC (even if Houston wins the rest of their games), the Mids play for the conference title and the Cougars sit home. In fact if they end up in a two-way tie, the Mids go as well. Houston needs a three-way tie and the breakers to go their way to play in the AAC title game.
So Bronco fans – it is Anchors Aweigh!
Like anything it all starts with Boise State taking care of its business. Winning eight straight from here is a tall task. Ask Houston…a road game against a good team in less than ideal weather. Wyoming and Air Force both could be the same scenario. But at least Houston has lost one, opening the door for the Broncos to play in a major bowl once again.
