I’ve run into that obnoxious fan more times than Boise State has lost a game in the past 10 years.
The truth is, I don’t particularly like Boise State. I usually cheer against them. Loved watching Nevada win. The blue turf bothers me as much as anything else. I have no particular affinity for the state of Idaho, either. Heck, I rarely eat potatoes.
But once again, Boise State should be as good as almost any other team in the country. They’re loaded with talent and experience. They don’t beat themselves. And aside from a kicker having a Dave Chappelle-size meltdown against Nevada, Boise was perfect last year. And that includes a week 1 win over ACC Champion, Virginia Tech.
The Broncos (now a member of the non-AQ Mountain West Conference) start with Georgia this year – another major conference big-time team. They’ll meet in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, which makes this a virtual home game for Georgia. Boise opened as a 3 point favorite but the line has been pushed up slightly to 3 ½ then back down to 3 and I expect to see a 2.5 on this game before kickoff.
The public has been trending to Georgia, but consider fading this public favorite. Over the past couple years, Georgia has been nowhere near Boise’s level of play. The Bulldogs lost to Dan Hawkins’ Colorado last year and Lane Kiffin’s Tennessee squad two years ago. By 26. Things have gotten so bad in Athens, the rumor is if the Bulldogs don’t win the SEC East, Mark Richt is out. In other words, this is not a program that wins as consistently as, say, Virginia Tech.
The bright spot for Georgia is their shining star – Aaron Murray. Last year Murray started as a redshirt freshman, took his beatings, and finished the season as one of the SEC’s top signal callers. But offensively, after Murray, the good news isn’t that good. Last year’s running back, Washaun Ealey, has been dismissed from the team. And A.J. Green – the only Georgia receiver to make a significant impact last year – has graduated. Does anyone remember how badly Georgia’s offense sputtered at the beginning of last year when Green was suspended? Though he did play in the Colorado game …
While Georgia has arguably the best quarterback in the SEC, he won’t be the best quarterback on the field against Boise State. Kellen Moore has earned that distinction. The senior, Heisman Trophy finalist is back for another year. Murray might end up being a better professional quarterback, but as far as the college game goes, the buck stops with the Bronco.
The team from the Northwest isn’t searching for an answer at running back, either. All-WAC Doug Martin is back, along with two all-conference linemen. The defense brings back 4 all-conference performers.
Can’t you just hear people saying, “Yeah, but it’s the WAC”?
I can.
Believe it or not, my first thought after seeing the opening line was that I’d probably play Georgia. I like their athletic advantage. They’re playing in their backyard, while Boise is traveling cross-country.
But the Broncos are incredible against the spread, and keep in mind that Georgia plays South Carolina the week after; Boise has a bye week. Then I thought, is there ANY good reason to think Georgia will beat Boise State, or even stay within a field goal? This is the team that finished last year 6-7 overall, ending with a 10-6 loss to Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl. For me, the answer is no.
Maybe Georgia will whip Boise, make me eat my words, and give the BCS a big break. And maybe I’ll like that blue turf some day. Lay the points.
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