Boise State vs Fresno State 2009

Boise State vs. Fresno State

Some feel that this is the last obstacle for Boise State, that a win here means an undefeated season.

And it might feel that way, because the conference of the WAC is not very competitive when it comes to the BCS standings. Yet in this conference you have a very good team in Boise State that demands to be recognized.

In a way, it reminds me of UNLV, back in the early 90’s and they had players like Larry Johnson, Greg Anthony and Stacy Augman playing for the Rebels, and how they came out of a very weak conference, but was as good as advertised.

Boise State reminds me much of that. But to get there, they have to get through Fresno State. On paper it looks like there is no match up, especially since Boise State knocked off Oregon to start the year, but let’s look anyway.

Fresno State finished 7-6 last year, and we can’t forget that before Boise State started making all this noise, Fresno State was doing it first…but that was eons ago. Some of the Bulldogs’ wins included Rutgers at the beginning of the year, and UCLA… kinda short list, isn’t it? Of the 7 games they won, Rutgers had a winning record as well as San Jose State…that’s it. None of their other wins were that credible.

Most of their losses came to decent teams, including a 61-10 beat down at the hands of Boise State. The amazing thing here about Fresno is that outside of that beating to Boise State and the 13-10 loss to Wisconsin, this team does score a LOT. It’s a track meet when you play them, but 3 of their losses came AT home…not very good. Add on a new quarterback and it could spell trouble, but with many offensive weapons returning, this could be a breath of fresh air. Playing at home can’t hurt either.

But Boise State just seems to be heads and shoulders above anybody else in the WAC. This team averages about 30+ a game, and as we all know, went 12-1 last year. They lose a very valuable back and a few receivers, so it will be interesting to see how they adjust. If you are going to look for any weaknesses, you may have to look for the closest games they had last year. Granted their schedule is weak, but in 2008 they beat Oregon away by 5 points. They beat Nevada away by 6 points and lost to TCU by 1 point. It just seems that the possible formula for Boise State to lose has to begin with them leaving that smurf turf.

The second key has to be to hope that Boise State already believes they are in the BCS Championship or bowl game…and they might forget about the Bulldogs. It’s going to take a mental slip of the team for Boise State to lose. I just can’t see any other way, even though the quality of players slipped this year after losing Ian Johnson, Jeremy Childs and Vinny Perretta. I didn’t say they dropped to the floor, I just said they slipped.

But when it comes down to it, Boise State has to beat Fresno State by at least 21 points to make voters believe in them. If not, they could slip a notch or two and lose respect. Boise State will have to crush every foe to even get close to HOPE for a BCS Bowl, and it begins with Fresno State. I have liked Fresno State’s guts, having the onions to challenge anybody anywhere, so they have my support (not that it weights much).

But unless Boise State slips, I can’t see them losing to Fresno State. A 61-10 beat down may not happen but winning by 21 points ought not be too hard. But IF Boise State comes in thinking they are high and mighty, don’t be too surprised if Fresno State hands them the big “L”. Boise State is now every WAC team’s championship game, and will get their very best every weekend…they better be ready.