Boise State Vs. Va Tech Monday Night
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Leave a Comment
After years of trying to prove it belongs among the elite programs in the nation, Boise State's new goal is to justify its lofty status.
The third-ranked Broncos aren't wasting much time doing that, either.
Boise State begins its quest for a national championship as it faces No. 10 Virginia Tech for the first time at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., on Monday night.
Over the last decade, the Broncos have gone from feel-good underdogs to one of the premier teams in the country. They received a first-place vote while getting their highest preseason ranking after going 14-0 and beating then-No. 3 TCU 17-10 in the Fiesta Bowl last season.
Boise State finished the season at No. 4 in the AP poll, and coach Chris Petersen isn't concerned with proving critics wrong any more.
"Let's prove everyone right," the Broncos' fifth-year coach said.
Boise State is again considered a Bowl Championship Series contender, and it plans to maintain that status with its move to the Mountain West Conference next year. This will be the last season for the Broncos in the Western Athletic Conference, which they've dominated with a 49-4 record while winning three conference titles in four years under Petersen.
The Broncos have won two BCS bowls in that stretch, and are now looking to take the final step and claim a spot in the national championship game.
"It could happen," said quarterback Kellen Moore, considered a Heisman Trophy candidate. "Every year there are different variables. Two years ago we were undefeated but there were a handful of undefeated teams. Sometimes you lose out on those things.
"You play well, in the end you're going to be doing something good."
Returning all but one starter is a major reason expectations are so high. The offense is intact after tying Houston with 42.2 points per game to lead the nation last year.
In two seasons, Moore is 26-1 and has thrown for 7,022 yards with 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His 39 touchdowns to three interceptions last year was the best ratio in NCAA history.
Wide receives Austin Pettis and Titus Young combined for 142 catches and 24 touchdowns, while running back Jeremy Avery rushed for 1,151 yards and six scores.
Boise State is also sound defensively, leading the WAC by holding opponents to an average of 17.1 points.
Just how good the Broncos are in 2010 will be tested immediately by Virginia Tech, which routinely boasts one of the best defenses in the country.
The Hokies ranked ninth in average points allowed (15.6) and 11th in pass defense, giving up 167.1 yards per game with nine TDs.
The unit, however, is a major question mark after losing seven starters from a 10-3 season capped by a 37-14 win over Tennessee in the Chik-fil-A Bowl.
"We're playing against an offense that, I believe, is running on all cylinders and I'm excited about that because it's been awhile since we had an offense like that," defensive coordinator Bud Foster said.
As opposed to relying heavily on its defense, Virginia Tech is expected to boast a dynamic offense centered around quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who had 2,311 passing yards and 370 rushing in his first full season as starter.
The senior was key to the offense averaging 31.8 points to rank second in the ACC last year.
"I feel the same way with him out there as I did when Michael Vick was out there," coach Frank Beamer said, speaking of the dual-threat quarterback who led the Hokies to the 1999 national championship game against Florida State. "Any play has a chance of going a long ways."
Virginia Tech's offensive success will also hinge on running backs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. Williams ran for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns, breaking the Atlantic Coast Conference freshman yardage record Evans set in 2008 (1,265) before missing last season with an ACL tear.
"Having these two backs behind me, that's going to take a lot of pressure off my legs and open up lanes for the passing area," Taylor said. "They're going to stack the box knowing that we have a great rushing game and that's going to open things for me and my receivers."
Taylor has his top three targets back in wide receivers Jarrett Boykin, Danny Coale and Dyrell Roberts, who combined for 92 catches and 10 touchdowns.
"They're the show right now," cornerback Rashad Carmichael said of the offense, "but we have a lot of pride and a lot of tradition, so we're going to do what we do on that side of the ball." - ESPN
My Pick: VA Tech over Boise State 34-24
Boise State will be able to score on VA Tech's young defense, but Tech's backfield will prove to be way too much for Boise to be able to handle.
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article. I
like to write a little comment to support you.
Here is my web site : canada goose jacket sale
This is a topic that's close to my heart... Best wishes! Exactly where are your contact details though?
Feel free to surf my web site ; seoresearchproject.com
I used to be suggested this blog through my cousin.
I'm no longer certain whether or not this submit is written through him as no one else know such precise about my problem. You're amazing!
Thank you!
My site; ロレックスコピー
I used to be recommended this website via
my cousin. I'm not certain whether or not this post is written via him as nobody else realize such specific about my difficulty. You're
wonderful! Thank you!
my web site: www.coachhandbagsoutletshop2013.com
Hello there! I could have sworn I've been to this site before but after browsing through a few of the articles I realized it's new to me.
Anyways, I'm definitely happy I stumbled upon it and I'll be
bookmarking it and checking back often!
my blog :: シャネル バッグ
obviously like your website however you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to inform the truth then again I will definitely come
back again.
My homepage オークリー サングラス
Today, shopping cheap nike shoes online could be very beneficial, helping you save
time and funding. Which shoe scores larger
for best sustain and comfort. Historically, you understand several such issues attributable to Nike.
SB Dunk invariably makes use premium leather, this is hard to help you match by fake pictures.
http://graphic-design-wiki.com/index.php/User:
DanielleD
You're able to resist change, but only temporarily. Consumers can be used for games serve on as in form as for prevalent wear. Those were the Nike jordans shoes that developed it all. There's a reason why a lot of of these comedy tees are welcomed in movies nowadays.
http://bettinggorilla.com/bet/nike-air-max-lebron-vii-your-presentation-helper-or-destructor
My weblog: nike air max classic
As a result, my family and i can have just enough energy to go ahead and on climbing mountain.
But it can perhaps even be very advantageous and exciting.
You can either have the established template designed golf shoe i.
e. The iPod has changed our lifestyle in a plethora of possibilities.
http://www.napalm-clan.com/forum/profile.php?
mode=viewprofile&u=28104
Its rubber outsole also presents the utmost quantity of halage and durability.
This job all depends on top of personal opinion. nike Zoom Kobe boys basketball shoe is in fact a excellent checking shoe.
Jessica Simpson, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, just to name a minimum.
http://www.johnpsabotaauctioneer.com/~jps1019/auctions/modules.
php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=BrandonPo
Review my web page; nike air max white
It capabilities a rubber outsole for grip and durability.
Change becomes lively and exciting, in addition
to you learn that will help actually welcome it then.
In its cheap price, it defies i would say the expectation of searching or feeling low priced.
It is you shouldn't of the an element that determines tips on how valuable it is simply. http://www.chaptersworld.com/members/profile/14116/Enriqueta
Look into my site: air max cheap
Greater all, pick that shoe that will help keep your
feet functional. Person involved about campaign must choose to be
very clear more or less these issues. Co-branding is a very often practised in
means and apparel discipline. Moreover, you will most likely make excellent
profit levels from selling these kind of people yourself.
http://poznane.pl/community/pg/profile/KelseyPri
Feel free to surf to my blog post nike air max cheap
Carat- This is their medium the diamonds are weighed. Now, most athletes
prefer nike shoes, regarding their great
standard. Wearing nike, if at all possible become the center of focus of
the eyes. Utilizing my review on the Kindle Fire, I would personally happily recommend machine to anyone.
http://www.nostalgicos.net/groups/features-your-loved-one-resisted-addiction-proper-treatment-in-the-past/
my site :: nike air max 95
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if
you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Feel free to visit my website christian louboutin shoes
Howdy! I know this is somewhat off-topic but I needed to ask.
Does running a well-established blog like yours take a
massive amount work? I am brand new to running a blog however I
do write in my diary everyday. I'd like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!
Here is my weblog: cheap christian louboutin
What's Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other customers like its helped me. Good job.
Also visit my site: Cheap Nike Air Max