Wow...

First, let me say congratulations West Virginia. After losing to Boise State last year, I figured there would be no way Oklahoma loses this year. So -- just wow...

Well, the WAC pretty much sucked in the Bowls this year. Nevada started out by getting blown out by middle-of-the-pack MWC team. Then BSU loses a close one to a middle-of-the-pack CUSA team. Fresno State brightened things up a bit by beating a middle-of-the-pack ACC team (way to go Bulldogs!). Finally, Hawaii embarrased us all by never really showing up against a very, very good Georgia team. Last year we went 3-1 in Bowls (with the 1 loss hinging on a pretty crappy call). This year; 1-3. Yucko.

On the Blue Turf Board a former, yet familiar Georgia poster made some comparisons between the 2007 Hawaii team vs. the 2005 Boise State team. In his opinion, the '05 Broncos were much further ahead than the '07 Warriors. Can't say I disagree with him. Still can't figure out why the '07 Broncos couldn't beat the Warriors - it still seems somewhat surreal.

Ryan Clady's leaving for the NFL a year early. Which leaves Boise State with only 1 offensive line starter next year returning from this year's team. Not the greatest situation, especially when we yet again have to break in a new quarterback while playing Oregon on the road early in the season. But, in Ryan's defense, why take a chance on injury next year when he is projected to go fairly early in the first round of the draft? Seems pretty much like a no-brainer to me.

Others exploring the NFL option - running back Ian Johnson and defensive back Orlando Scandrick. I doubt either are ready and would not go very high in the draft - if at all. So, at this point I'm not too concerned about them.

2007 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Well, the bowl selections are in, and the Broncos are headed back to the Islands to play the East Carolina University Pirates. It's not the first time we've played a Carolina team, but I do believe it's the first time we will play any "Pirates". My first choice would have been the Las Vegas Bowl against BYU (even though I shudder when thinking about putting up with some of those Zoobie fans for a month), but the Pac-10 miraculously provided a bowl eligible UCLA team.

Hawaii got their wish, and are matched up against a tough Georgia team in the BCS Sugar Bowl. I wish them well.

Fresno is returning to the Blue to play a so-so Georgia Tech team in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl. That game (which I will be attending - Go Bulldogs!) could prove interesting. I'm not dissing GT (much), but going into a bowl with an interim coach against a team that almost all of the crowd will be cheering for might be a bit much. If Fresno brings the team that dismantled Kansas State, then GT will have a long day. If Fresno brings the team that barely beat Utah State, then it might go the other way. In the end, though, I think Fresno will win.

Nevada, being just barely bowl eligible (by creaming LaTech last weekend - go figure) is relegated to the New Mexico Bowl again New Mexico. If you go strictly by their performances against common opponents, you have to give a slight edge to New Mexico. Nevada, however, is an enigma. You just never know which Wolf Pack team is showing up to play.

Spoiled brats?

Since this is my blog (my forum), I can express any opinion I want. And my current opinion is that many Bronco fans have become spoiled brats. The dismay and bitching I've read in numerous posts today is absolutely mind-boggling.

Look, people. Facing a decent ECU team at a neutral site vs. facing a so-so BCS team at home is pretty much a wash. I figure we would have been heavy favorites against GT in the H-Bowl, and all we'd hear about for the next several weeks is how we can only beat BCS teams at home. At least beating ECU at a neutral site will not have those negative connotations, even though we will be favored there as well. Beating GT at home would, for the most part, just be considered "par for the course".

Plus, the Hawaii Bowl should provide better overall national exposure.

So, quit whining.