The Heisman Race

            With College Football nearing the half way point, and being roughly one week away from the first glimpse at the 2011 BCS Standings – I figured what a perfect time to check in on the Heisman race. This of course is my personal opinion on the issue; taking each player’s stats, performance in big games, and their team record into consideration. I took a look at the statistical leaders around the country in each category, and came up with this list of my 10 Heisman Trophy front runners. Obviously, their team record has a lot to do with their standing. Someone like Arizona quarterback Nick Foles, second in the nation in passing yards, would be right up there if it weren’t for his team’s 1-3 (0-2) record. I will update these standings every few weeks, as the season progresses. So take a look – agree, disagree, and enjoy:

1.      Robert Griffin III, Quarterback – #25 Baylor

·         Baylor is currently 3-1 (0-1) and ranked #25 in the AP poll, #23 in the Dirt Poll

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
93	173	82.3%	1,308	18	1	230.0

            The flashy, strong armed Baylor quarterback has risen to the top of almost every experts’ Heisman standings. Griffin has been nothing short of spectacular, over performing on a team that lacks the talent of most other players on this list. He’s thrown for more touchdowns than any other quarterback in the nation, and also boasts the highest QB rating in the country. Incredibly, before last week’s loss to Kansas State – Griffin had thrown more touchdowns than in-completions through his first 3 games.

There is unfortunately a downside, which is Baylor doesn’t seem to be a team capable of sticking around the national scene. After losing last week to Kansas State, Baylor nearly dropped out of the AP Top 25 poll; after being ranked as high at #14. Griffin’s Heisman hopes rest on his shoulders alone – if he can carry the Bears to a 9 or 10 in season – he’s got a shot.

2.      Andrew Luck, Quarterback – #7 Stanford

·         Stanford is currently 4-0 (2-0) and ranked #7 in the AP poll, #5 in the Dirt Poll

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
80	112	71.4%	1,013	11	1	178.0

            Everyone knows who is going to be the #1 pick in this April’s NFL Draft – baring a significant injury – and that’s Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. He burst onto the scene last year and would have already been in an NFL uniform, if he hadn’t decided to return to Stanford for one more season. How’s it gone thus far? Pretty darn good.

            Stanford has yet to play a real ‘tough’ opponent, though Luck looked good in a whipping of Arizona in Tucson. But my guess is that voters are waiting to see how Luck fares against #9 Oregon – a team that beat the Cardinal last year. The Pac-12 is somewhat down this season, so Luck should enjoy putting up some glossy numbers against inferior opponents. And if Stanford can get by Oregon and remain unbeaten – you might as well hand him the trophy now.

3.      Denard Robinson, Quarterback – #12 Michigan

·         Michigan is currently 5-0 (1-0) and ranked #12 in the AP poll, #9 in the Dirt Poll

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
50	91	54.9%	793	8	6	144.0

Carries	Yards	Avg.	TD
77	603	7.8	6

            The dual-threat, long haired quarterback in Ann Arbor has led Michigan to an undefeated start of the season. The main question for Robinson and his team is – can they keep it up? We all remember their fast start last season, before the eventual crumbling which led to the firing or Rich Rodriguez.

            What lands Robinson so high on the list is, clearly, his legs. But in order for him to stick around, he will have to improve his throwing. While Robinson ranked in the top 10 in the nation in rushing yards; he’s completing barely over half his passing attempts, and has thrown nearly as many interceptions as touchdowns.

            Yet in his favor is the Big 10 – which seems to be experiencing a down year. Besides for Wisconsin, every other team in the conference seems to be beatable. So if Robinson can keep the Wolverines relevant – and improve his throwing just a bit – he’s got a great chance at taking home the hardware.

4.      LaMichael James, Running Back – #9 Oregon

·         Oregon is currently 4-1 (2-0) and ranked #9 in the AP poll, #8 in the Dirt Poll

Carries	Yards	Avg.	TD
85	852	9.0	8

            After Oregon’s season opening loss to LSU in Dallas, many wrote of last season’s Doak Walker award winner and Heisman finalist, LaMichael James. Yet since that game – James has done nothing but impress.

            After three consecutive 200 yards games against Missouri State, Arizona and California (becoming the first Oregon back to ever achieve that), James now leads the nation in rushing yards, rushing yards per game, yards per carry, rushes of 20 and 50 yards, as well as total yards. Wow. The junior back has led his team back into national relevance – and the Ducks are poised to make another BCS run.

            Unfortunately for James, he got hurt in Oregon’s last game against California. What looked like a rather severe arm injury, turned out to be just a dislocation – and Oregon fans are hoping he is back sooner, rather than later. James’ return from injury and Oregon success are going to be key if he wants to return to New York City again this season. If he is able to only miss one, two at the max – games, he should be able to rebound. And of course, his performance in a November showdown against Stanford will tell the voters all they need to know.

5.      Russell Wilson, Quarterback – #4 Wisconsin

·         Wisconsin is currently 5-0 (1-0) and ranked #4 in the AP poll, #3 in the Dirt Poll

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
83	111	74.8%	1,391	13	1	216.9

One of the biggest surprises this season has been the play of Wisconsin quarterback, Russell Wilson. The transfer from North Carolina State has transformed the Badger offense into a dual threat, down field attack. For years it seems Wisconsin has been the epitome of Big 10 football; two tight ends, big lineman, and 40 carries for your big back – week in and week out. But this season, with the arm and legs of Wilson, the Badger offense has been as prolific as ever.

That showed recently when Wisconsin utterly dominated new Big 10’ee Nebraska – and things are only looking up in Madison. Wilson has only thrown one interception and ranks second in the nation in QB rating – all while completing nearly 75% of his passes.

The good news for Wisconsin is if they keep winning, Wilson’s standing won’t go anywhere. And with the Big 10 looking weaker and weaker each week, I think Wisconsin has a great shot at running the table. If the Badgers are able to remain unbeaten and in the national title hunt - a betting man should put his money on Russell Wilson attending the Heisman ceremony in December.

6.      Kellen Moore, Quarterback – #5 Boise State

·         Boise State is currently 4-0 (1-0) and ranked #5 in the AP poll, #12 in the Dirt Poll

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
102	138	73.9%	1,137	14	4	170.8

            Kellen Moore – calm, cool and consistent. Boise State was once again faced with a one game season, against Georgia, and they again came out victorious. Moore looked good in that game, and has looked great all season – propelling a Heisman finalist from a year ago back to the top of the list this season.

            His numbers are going to remain constant, touchdown pass after touchdown pass, with thousands of yards to go along with them. But, the stats have never been the problem for Moore. His Achilles heal has always been the Broncos opponents.

            Until Moore is able to shed the belief that he gains his stats against a weaker foe than others – it will be tough for him to climb in the rankings. But in the end, most expect Boise State to be undefeated when it’s all said and done, and if that’s the case; Kellen Moore will once again be in New York.

7.      Marcus Lattimore, Running Back – #18 South Carolina

·         South Carolina is currently 4-1 (2-1) and ranked #18 in the AP poll, #17 in the Dirt Poll

Carries	Yards	Avg.	TD
124	677	5.5	9

            Last season’s freshman phenom Marcus Lattimore, running back for South Carolina – has picked up right where he left off. After carrying the Game Cocks to their first SEC Title game in recent memory, Lattimore has put them on his shoulders again in route to a 4-1 start.

            He currently ranks third in the nation in rushing yards, and second in rushing touchdowns; both stats that he should continue to pile up as the season goes along. However, there are two things we need to watch.

            Can Lattimore hold up, week in and week out, while taking a beating from those tough SEC defenses? And more importantly, can South Carolina hold up through the tough SEC slate? Things were looking good for the Game Cocks until the lost last week to a below average Auburn team. Another loss like that, and no matter what kind of numbers he puts up – it will be tough for Lattimore to stay in the race.

8.      Trent Richardson, Running Back – #2 Alabama

·         Alabama is currently 5-0 (2-0) and ranked #2 in the AP poll, #2 in the Dirt Poll

Carries	Yards	Avg.	TD
96	622	6.5	10

            Everyone knew replacing NFL 1^st round draft, and former Heisman winner Mark Ingram wasn’t going to be easy – but Trent Richardson has picked up right where he left off. Carrying the Crimson Tide back to the Top 5, currently #2, Richardson leads the nation in rushing touchdowns.

            The good thing for Richardson is Alabama has an inferior offense, replacing Julio Jones on the outside has led to resurgence in their running game – and Richardson has taken advantage of it. As his carries continue to increase, so will his yards – and Trent should be one of the top statistical backs come year’s end. If Alabama continues to win – and Richardson can survive all of those tough SEC defenses – look for another possible Heisman trophy to go to Tuscaloosa.

9.      Landry Jones, Quarterback – #3 Oklahoma

·         Oklahoma is currently 4-0 (1-0) and ranked #3 in the AP poll, #4 in the Dirt Poll

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
111	155	71.6%	1,447	10	5	164.9

            Oklahoma was the unanimous preseason #1 throughout the country – and quarterback Landry Jones was a big reason why. And to this point in the season, the Sooners remain smack dab in the middle of National Title contention. Jones’ numbers haven’t been staggering – and he did struggle against Florida State (a defense our next finalist tore up) – but he’s the quarterback for one of the best teams in the country, and that’s usually enough.

            Jones has thrown the ball a lot this season, and will continue to do so as the year rolls along. He needs to improve his touchdown to interception ratio, but other than that his yards and completions should just pile up.

            However, Jones will need to make up for his lack-luster performance at Florida State, and he’ll have three more chances. The Sooners still face Oklahoma State, Texas A+M and Texas this week. Three big games – and wins for the Sooners – and Jones stock will only skyrocket upwards.

10.  Tajh Boyd, Quarterback – #8 Clemson

·         Clemson is currently 5-0 (2-0) and ranked #8 in the AP poll, #7 in the Dirt Poll

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
103	168	61.8%	1,459	14	2	159.4

            The biggest surprise thus far in college football has been the resurgence of Clemson, a team that has finally remembered how to win big games. Much of their success has been due to the play of youngster Tajh Boyd – who has looked brilliant throughout the season. After two lack luster wins of inferior opponents, Boyd and Clemson rattled off three consecutive wins over ranked teams; Auburn, Florida State and Virginia Tech.

            Is Clemson for real? Only time will tell. One thing we all need to remember is that Clemson plays in a rather weak conference; and they already knocked off the two top dogs – Florida State and Virginia Tech. Although there will be a few tough games remaining, Clemson should be favored to win every one, from here one out.

            If Boyd and the Tigers can somehow manage to run the table – expect to see the young Clemson QB in New York come December.

·         Just missed the list….

11.  Robert Woods, Wide Receiver – USC

Catches	Yards	Avg.	TD
55	747	13.6	6

12.  Darron Thomas, Quarterback – #9 Oregon

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
79	133	59.4%	1,040	15	2	159.3

13.  Ray Graham, Running Back – Pittsburg

Carries	Yards	Avg.	TD
126	734	5.8	8

14.  Keith Price, Quarterback – Washington

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
97	142	68.3%	1,209	17	4	173.7

15.  Matt Barkley, Quarterback – USC

Att.	Comp.	Comp. %	Yards	TD	INT	QB Rating
133	188	70.7	1,587	14	4	162.0

Dear Major League Baseball; Get the Rays Out of Tampa!

            "The rubber has got to hit the road at some point. We're four years into winning. We're getting to the point where we don't control our own destiny. This is untenable as a model…When I came in here in '05 and '06, I saw the stars, and I was confident that we could put a winning product on the field -- and I was told by you guys and others that all we needed was a winning team. Well, we won. We won. We won. And we won. And it didn't do it.” (http://espn.go.com/blog/tmi-mlb/post/_/id/27836/rays-attendance-leading-to-financial-issues)

            Owner Stuart Sternberg had that to say this past week, when the Rays were knocked out of the postseason after losing game 5 of the American League Divisional Series to the Texas Rangers. After reading the article (link above) I was compelled to dig a little deeper into the past four seasons for the Tampa Bay Rays. What I found, to say the least, was shocking.

            In their game 5 loss to Texas, only 28,299 fans showed up to support their club; falling roughly 7,000+ short of a sellout. To me, this is unheard of. Who struggles to sell out a playoff game; let alone a game 5, series clinching game? This is embarrassing for baseball, for Tampa, for the organization and mostly for the players. Now look, I understand that the baseball season is long; and I mean very long. So sure, I wouldn’t expect a team to sell out game 14 of 162, or even post sellout numbers throughout the season. But when it comes playoff time, and there are still empty seats at the ballpark – that’s trouble.

            Being the statistical nerd that I am, it led me to dig deeper into the story. I was curious of how their attendance numbers looked compared to the improved product that the Rays have put on the field for the past four seasons. Everyone who follows baseball knows that Rays were a dormant organization for their first decade of existence; but most expansion teams are. And given the fact that they play in the toughest division in baseball, going up against two of the top payrolls in the game (Boston and New York), much wasn’t to be expected from the Rays.

            In 2007, the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays went 66-96, finishing in last place in the American League East – and expectantly, they ended up ranked 29^th out of 30 in attendance; understandable. However, ever since then, the Rays have put a winning product on the field. They’ve had stars like David Price, Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford, B.J Upton, Desmond Jennings, James Shields and others grace their uniforms. Most teams in baseball would kill for a crop of young talent similar to that of what the Rays possess. Despite of all that, the talent, the success, and the post season appearances; attendance numbers remained stagnant. Since their dreadful 2007 season, the Rays have averaged only 1,784 more fans per game. Yikes.

            Before I embarrass Tampa even more – let me share a similar experience. I understand what it’s like to not be excited by a team, to lose faith in an organization and to generally have a negative outlook on your franchise. I am from Portland, Oregon – home of hippies, liberals, Ducks, rain and of course, the Portland Trail Blazers. From 1978 until 2002, the Blazers and the city of Portland set the professional attendance record for consecutive sellouts. If you’re counting, that’s 24 consecutive seasons and 984 consecutive games. Not too shabby eh?

Then we fell on tough times, a time known around here as the “Jail Blazers era” in which the product on the court went from talent to thugs; from good, exciting, wholesome entertainment – to, ‘what the hell are they thinking?’ From 2002 until 2007, or as I like to refer to them, the dark ages of Blazer basketball – most in the city were uninterested and unconcerned with anything that had to do with the Blazers, and I was one of them. So I understand what it’s like to not give a ‘you know what’ about your professional sports team. However, once the thugs were gone, young talent reemerged – and the team put a winning product back on the court, the Blazers have now sold out for three consecutive seasons; or 123 games. Which is what sets my city apart from the apathetic fans that grace the ‘Trop’ with their presence each year.

In 2008, the Rays went 97-65, a 33 game improvement over the season before, yet ranked 24^th in the league in attendance – filling up 52.8% of their stadium. Oh, and did I mention they won their first ever American League East title and went to the World Series that season? In 2009, the Rays went 84-78, but ranked 23^rd in the league in attendance – filling up 52.9% of their stadium. In 2010 the Rays returned to the post season, going 96-66 and again winning the American League East crown. Yet again their attendance numbers lagged, ranking 24^th in the league in attendance, only filling up 52% of their stadium on average. That brings us to this season, in which the Rays erased one of the largest September leads and won the Wild Card on the last day of the regular season – with a walk off home run in extra innings. Sounds like exciting baseball, huh? Not for Tampa fans; while their team went 91-71, they ranked 23^rd in the league in attendance – filling up 55% of their stadium.

Even more troubling is the list of teams that had better attendance numbers than Tampa this season. That list includes: the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburg Pirates, Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds. Can you guess the one thing that all those teams had in common? They all finished below .500.

What stands out mostly to me, is the success that the Rays have had compared to the rest of Major League Baseball. The Yankees and Red Sox are going to spend hundreds of millions of dollars year in and year out to win. Which is probably why we didn’t hear much from the Rays for a decade, and haven’t heard a sound from the Orioles or Blue Jays in the past 25 years. Yet, somehow someway, the Rays found a way to compete in that division.

Over the past four seasons, the Tampa Bay Rays have gone a combine 368-280. Those 368 wins, gives them the fourth most in all of baseball during that span; behind only the Yankees, Phillies and Red Sox (did I mention the Red Sox and Yankees were good?) During those four seasons, only 10 of the 30 MLB teams made multiple playoff appearances, the Rays were one of them. During that four year span, only three teams made more than two post season appearances – the Yankees, Phillies and Rays. Of the eight teams to make the playoffs this season (Yankees, Tigers, Rays, Rangers, Phillies, Brewers, Cardinals and Diamonbacks) six of them were ranked in the top 10 in attendance. The only other outside the top 10 besides the Rays were the D’backs – and losing 97 games last year probably had something to do with that.

Their attendance has caused serious financial problems for the team – which is clearly shown in their lack of revenue. This became apparent this past offseason, when they had to part ways with All-Stars Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford and Matt Garza; because they couldn’t afford to keep them around anymore. Yet despite losing three All-Stars (and how many clubs could say this), they still made it back to the post season.

Being the avid baseball fan that I am, the only thing I can hope for is that Major League Baseball takes note of these statistics. When your 4^th winningist’ franchise over the past four seasons has finished, on average, 23^rd in the league in attendance – something is wrong. It was understandable for no one to go to games when they were losing. But earth to Tampa, the Rays aren’t losing anymore. I can’t even fathom all the cities across the country that would love to put one of the best run, managed and performing baseball teams in the league in a stadium that would sell out; and Portland is only one of them. 

The Boise State Debacle: 11 Reasons why the Broncos should not be in the BCS Title Game

            For all of the anti-Boise State fans out there, last year was a blessing. While it looked like another undefeated season was inevitable for the Broncos after their opening night win over Virginia Tech; Nevada did the unthinkable and knocked them from the ranks of the unbeaten. While it would not have mattered anyways, as Boise would not have jumped Oregon or Auburn for a spot in the BCS National Championship game; at least we were spared another Boise State versus TCU BCS snoozer.

            Unfortunately for the Boise hater out there; this season seems to be setting up exactly the same way. After the Broncos beat up on the Georgia Bulldogs in their season opener in the Georgia Dome; they are now 4-0. In their inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference, the Broncos are ranked #5 in the AP Top 25 Poll; and #6 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, a third of the way through this season. So basically, here we go again. I sure hope you’re ready for the Boise State – BCS National Championship debate to rage on for the next two months? Yippee!

            In this blog I will lay out 11 reasons why Boise State should not play in this year’s National Championship game; and I will get to those reasons very soon, I promise. But before I do, there are two points that I need to make.

            First off, you have to give Boise State credit. Every year for what seems like a decade now, Boise State has been faced with a one game season and they have won. Whether it was beating solid Oregon State teams, Oregon at home and at Autzen, Virginia Tech last season and Georgia this season; they give themselves one test every year and they win. And of course, who can forget the Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl game with the statue of liberty and hook and latter. My point is; Boise State has become a formidable team that everyone in the country should recognize. While they used to win with gimmicks and trick plays, they now win with talent and size. For them to beat good team after good team to open a season is something that should be respected. Whether or not they are deserving of a BCS Title game shot? That’s a whole different debate that we’ll get to in a minute.

            The second point I want to make is the landscape around college football this season. Is there any one team that stands out and makes you say, “Wow!” While LSU has been very, very impressive with their suffocating defense, their offense is atrocious; and Alabama is the same. So my fear is that there won’t be many undefeated teams left come December. After LSU and Alabama, the other teams remaining undefeated are: Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Clemson, Texas, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Illinois and Kansas State. Do you see any of those teams remaining unbeaten? While the arguments can be made for Wisconsin, or Oklahoma – the rest of the field is extremely weak. I think this is the year we could again be faced with the ultimate question; ‘Does an undefeated Boise State team jump a one-loss BCS conference team?’ The answer my friends, is no. And here’s why:

            I now present to you the 11 reasons why Boise State should not play in this seasons BCS National Championship game; and to those of you still wondering, it’s their schedule. After Georgia – who, let’s be honest, is an above average SEC team at BEST; their schedule is filled Pasty University and their sister school Baylor School for the Blind (no offense to the blind). So sit back, relax, and enjoy a dissection of Boise State’s 2011 Football schedule.

            Here is an overall view of their schedule for the season, with a (*) by their conference games:

·         W 35-21 @ Georgia 3-2 (2-1)

·         W 40-15 @ Toledo 2-3 (1-0)

·         W 41-21 Vs Tulsa 2-3 (1-0)

·         W 30-10 Vs Nevada 1-3 (0-1)

·         @ Fresno State 2-3 (1-0)

·         @ *Colorado State 3-2 (1-0)

·         Vs *Air Force 3-1 (0-1)

·         @ *UNLV 1-3 (0-0)

·         Vs *TCU 3-2 (1-0)

·         @ *San Diego State 3-1 (0-0)

·         Vs *Wyoming 3-1 (0-0)

·         Vs *New Mexico 0-5 (0-1)

Quite a tough schedule, eh? I added up the numbers and was curious of their opponent’s records. In their 12 game schedule, the Broncos have 5 non-conference games, and 7 conference games. The overall record of all their opponents this season thus far is a stellar 26-29; their remaining opponents overall record is 18-18; their out of conference opponents record is 10-14; and their Mountain West conference opponents records overall are 16-13. Are you kidding me? While that may look bad, let’s dig a little deeper and make it look even worse.

I’ll throw the Georgia win out of my argument, because that is a solid win over a BCS conference opponent and they did it in Atlanta. Though Georgia is 3-2 on the year and their wins have come against Coastal Carolina, Ole Miss and Mississippi State – all below .500 teams.

So let’s start with Toledo, out of the powerful MAC Conference; who the Broncos beat 40-15. They are 2-3 on the season, their losses coming against Boise, Ohio State and Syracuse. Their wins? They came against New Hampshire (Chip Kelly shout out) and Temple. How about their stats – the Rockets rank 77^th in the nation in Passing Yards, 43^rd in Rushing Yards, 54^th in points for and 73^rd in points against.

Next up – Tulsa, out of the fearful Conference USA; who the Broncos beat 41-21. The Golden Hurricanes are 2-3 (1-0) on the year but have been stomped by Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Boise. In those three losses – they combined score was 147-68, ouch. Their two wins have come against Tulane and North Texas (I’m waiting for the applause….)

Their next game came against Nevada – hailing from Boise’s old stomping ground the WAC Conference; who the Broncos beat 30-10 (that’s it?) The Wolfpack are 1-3 (0-1) on the year, and have also been beat 69-20 by Oregon, and at Texas Tech. Their lone win was a dominant 17-14 shootout at San Jose State. And on average, Nevada defense is giving up a hair short of 40 points per game; impressive.

Those are wins thus far, now it’s on to their remaining schedule. This weekend, Boise will play at Fresno State. The Bulldogs are a Mountain West Conference foe, Boise’s first of the season; and they are 2-3 (0-1) so far this season. If the Broncos are looking for pointers on how to schedule their non conference games, they should take a look at Fresno. The Bulldogs have played at California, at Nebraska and against Ole Miss; while they lost all three – at least their playing some decent competition. Fresno’s wins came against North Dakota 27-22 (yikes) and at Idaho. As for their statistical rankings; they’re 61^st in Passing Yards in the nation, 65^th in Rushing Yards, 48^th in points for and 83^rd in points against. Basically, it should be a blow out for Boise. Embarrassingly, this may be one of the best shots at them stumbling this season.

After that road trip, Boise will head to Colorado State to take on the 3-2 (1-0) Rams. Their wins this season have come against New Mexico, Northern Colorado and Utah State; while they’ve lost to a dreadful Colorado squad and to San Jose State. As for their rankings, they don’t impress much. The Rams are 60^th in the nation in Passing Yards, 103^rd in Rushing Yards, 114^th in points for (scoring a whopping 16 points per game) and 104^th in points against. Chalk this one up as a Boise blow out.

The Broncos will then return home to face Air Force, who is actually a decent team. The Falcons are 3-1 (0-1) on the year; but none of their wins have been too impressive. They lost to TCU at home, and beat South Dakota, Tennessee State and Navy (like I said, not too impressive). Their overall statistical rankings aren’t as bad as some of Boise’s other opponents – but still not to stellar. Air Force currently ranks 118^th in the nation in Passing yards, 2^nd in Rushing Yards, 40^th in points for and 28^th in points against. Could be a decent game, but it is one that Boise should dominate.

Next up is a trip to Sin City and a game at UNLV. The Runnin’ Rebels are 1-3 (0-0) on the season; and things haven’t been pretty. In their losses to Wisconsin, Washington State and Southern Utah (what!?! Southern Utah?!?) they’ve been outscored 151-40; with their lone win coming against Hawaii. Their stats could possibly be worse; they rank 98^th in the nation in Passing Yards, 109^th in Rushing Yards, 110^th in points for and 116^th in points against; rough. Basically, if the Boise players can avoid partying on the strip until 8 Am the night before the game, anything less than a 40-point whipping would be disappointing.

Then comes the game everyone circled on their calendar when Boise joined the Mountain West conference; and what looked like a great game until they lost to Baylor and SMU – and it’s their game on the blue turf against TCU. The Horned Frogs have dominated the Mountain West Conference over the past few years, taking that crown from Utah; and they had a great win last year against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Too bad Boise won’t be playing last seasons’ team… TCU is 3-2 (1-0) on the season, and this likely will be the game that decides the Mountain West Champion (hopefully, at least). The Horned Frogs have been ranked in the AP Top 25 Poll through this season, which was of course before they lost at home to SMU (whoops). Not sure why they were ranked in the first play though, as they really haven’t played anyone yet. After their loss to Baylor, TCU beat Air Force, Louisiana Monroe and wait for it… Portland State. While the chances may be slim, I know this is the game all Boise haters will become TCU fans for the day – in hopes they can dash the Broncos undefeated season. But as I said, the chances are slim. If you can’t beat SMU; good luck with Boise State.

The Broncos final three game stretch of the season starts at San Diego State; where they will play a 3-1 (0-0) Aztec team. SDSU does hold a somewhat impressive win over Washington State – but their others wins have come against Cal Poly and Army; with a loss at Michigan. The Aztecs should make a bowl game, but that doesn’t mean they have much of a shot at taking down Boise.

Then there’s a game at home against the Wyoming Cowboys. The Cowboys have three wonderful wins (sense the sarcasm?) against Weber State, Texas State and Bowling Green; combined with a drubbing at the hands of Nebraska. The 3-1 Cowboys don’t stand much of a chance at winning on the blue turf; let’s just put it that way.

Last and definitely least comes New Mexico, who are the Broncos 12^th and final opponent of the season. Should they make it to 11-0, don’t be looking for an upset here. New Mexico is off to a great 0-5 start; and to be honest easily could go 0-12. Their losses, or should I say – their games this season, have come against Colorado State, Arkansas (52-3), Texas Tech (59-13), Sam Houston State and New Mexico. Simply, if they win one game this season – it’ll be a success.

So there you have it, the 11 reason why Boise State should not make it to the BCS National Championship game. They went undefeated in their one game season – and it appears, on paper at least; that the final 11 will fall right into place. Once again, we will be faced with the eternal question – should an undefeated Boise State team jump a one loss SEC, or Pac 12, or Big 10 or Big 12 opponent? The answer my friends, is no – and hopefully you understand why after having read this.

I leave you with one more parting point of wisdom; the Utah Utes. For years now, Utah has been lumped into the – are they actually good category, with the likes of Boise State, TCU and BYU. They’ve had to defend themselves in this very same argument I’m making against Boise State, that while they don’t play a tough BCS conference schedule and don’t face a solid opponent week in and week out; they’re still a tough, respectable team that could beat anybody – and compete in any conference. So what did they do about it? Why, the made the jump to a BCS conference of course! The Utes joined the Pac-10, helping make it the Pac-12 this off season – and they came in guns-a-blazing, ready to shed their ‘little brother’ persona and prove they can compete with the best; week in and week out.

So how’s that going for them? Well, they’ve played two Pac-12 conference games thus far and they’re 0-2. They lost a tough one at USC, then last weekend were embarrassed by a mediocre Washington team at home. Next up? They face #22 Arizona State; and still have tough trips to California and Arizona left on their schedule. And more importantly, they don’t even have to face the two Pac-12 juggernauts – Oregon and Stanford (lucky bastards!) What has started out 0-2 in conference play could easily turn into a 4, 5 or even 6 loss conference record and a struggle to make a bowl game. My point being – Utah bit off more than they could chew; and it’s been proven they can’t handle the rigors of playing in a BCS conference. TCU will do the same next season when they join the Big East – but come on, let’s be real; the Big East isn’t a BCS Conference (proof – Connecticut went to the Fiesta Bowl last season). So Boise State fans – before you claim you’re the real deal, that you’re team is worthy of a top 5 national ranking, that you can compete with anyone, anywhere, anytime; take a hint from Utah. It’s a little tougher than it looks.