Boise State comes to the Valley in '09

The Game:  Boise State Broncos at Fresno State Bulldogs

The Location:  Bulldog Stadium, Fresno, California

The Date:  Friday, September 18, 2009 at 9:00 PM  (national television coverage on ESPN)

 FSU vs. USC in '05:  The game that won Reggie Bush a Heisman he'll have to give back someday....

Why to Watch:  Remember when Fresno State was the next big thing in college football.  They took Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart to the max in 2005, and became the nation's darlings.  But since then it's been Boise State that has captured the nation's hearts.  Starting with it's 2006-07 Fiesta Bowl victory, followed by Ian Johnson's proposal to his girlfriend on national TV, BSU became the new "it" team as far as non-BCS conference teams have gone.  This year Boise State and Fresno State both have the talent to be the BCS buster, and this game will go a long way towards determining which of these teams has a shot at a big payday come next January.

For previews of each team and predictions, read on after the jump.....

History:  Fresno State and Boise State has become the game to determine the WAC championship for the most part, and Boise State tops the series thus far.  BSU holds a 7-4 record in the 11 meetings between the teams, and the Broncos have won 7 of the last 8 against the Bulldogs.  The only victory:  a 27-7 Fresno victory in November of 2005.  Fresno State is 3-3 all-time against Boise State at home.

The Breakdown:  My colleague Anshey here at ProtectRturf has already covered Boise in depth (Oregon Ducks at Boise State Broncos), and here's what he had to say: 

The Broncos are an offensive football team.  They've made their living being offensive innovators, and Chris Peterson is no slouch, having compiled a 35-4 overall record as head man at BSU.  While the Broncos lose all everything RB Ian Johnson, as well as WR Jeremy Childs, they return outstanding QB Kellen Moore.  Moore had almost 3,500 yards passing in '08, and 25 TDs.  They've got an up and coming WR in Austin Pettis, who was their 3rd option in '08.  With the top two WR's gone, and a big game to start the season in Bronco Stadium, listen for Pettis' name all game long.  Moore will be throwing to him early and often.  WR Titus Young, an explosive deep threat for the Broncos, should also be in the mix often in this game.  Boise State returns 6 on offense, and 5 on defense in 2009.

But don't sleep on the Broncos defense either.  The Broncos will rely mostly on a 4-2-5 defensive alignment that will maximize their defensive back usage as they return four starters from last season.  Cornerback Kyle Wilson passed on the NFL for another year in college, and is one of the surest tacklers in the game.  Prepare to hear his name and number a lot on Saturdays this year (and probably on Sundays next year).  Kyle Brotzman is an absolute stud on special teams and will provide BSU with an advantage over almost every team in the kicking/punting department.

"WHOSE NEXT?!?!"

Fresno State under head coach Pat Hill has always claimed to "play any team, any time, anywhere", and that's no different this year.  Along with the conference game against Boise, FSU will play at Wisconsin, at Cincinnati, and at Illinois.  That's a pretty daunting task, but with a few breaks, and wins against those teams, there will be no argument against FSU in a BCS bowl game, if not the National Championship.  But let's not "crown their asses" just yet.  Fresno loses star quarterback Tom Brandstater to the NFL, and has an open QB competition going on to see who his successor will be.  Early reports look like Ryan Colburn or Derrick Carr (yes, David Carr's brother), will have the inside track on the job, which will be made easier by the return of WR's that can stretch the field in WR Seyi Ajirotutu and Chastin West.  Fresno State has one of the best groups of RB's in the nation, and will rely on a committee (ala USC) between Ryan Mathews, Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding.  The defense is the spot that needs some improvement though.  The defense recorded a measly 18 sacks last season, and ranked 108th in the nation in tackles for loss.  That won't get the job done against a Boise State team that loves to spread you out, and run it down your throat....and then will take advantage and take it deep.  For Fresno to win, they'll need to get consistent pressure on Kellen Moore and take him out of his comfort zone.  Expect a loud, boisterous crowd that will add to the razzing of Moore.

Interesting/Fun Facts:  When you think of elite programs, you usually jump immediately to USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Ohio State.  Well, make sure that you put Boise on that list.  BSU has the nation's best home field advantage over the last decade (64-2), the nation's highest winning percentage, 3 unbeaten seasons, a BCS bowl win, the nation's highest scoring average, AND is boasts the 8th highest winning % of any college football program.  EVER.  Just make sure that you mention BSU next time you and your friends discuss the best teams in college football.

The Prediction:  For argument's sake I'd love to pick against Chris Peterson and the Broncos, but I just can't.  The offense is just too good, and the defense will force 2-3 interceptions from Fresno (no matter who the QB is).  Boise expects an undefeated season, and anything less will be a disappointment.  They should have a win under their belts already against Oregon, and should have the talking heads around the country abuzz with BCS buster talk. Give me the Broncos in a close one at half, that gets away from the Bulldogs late.

Boise State Broncos 34  Fresno State 21

Look out for game #17 tomorrow......

The Top 25 Games, so far:

#19: Penn State @ Michigan State

20. 9/7 - Cincinnati @ Rutgers
21. 9/3 - Oregon @ Boise State
22. 9/19 - Cincy @ Oregon State
23. 11/21 - OSU @ Michigan
24. 10/17 - USC @ ND
25. 12/12 - Army vs Navy