Boise State and ESPN took their relationship to the next level when the worldwide leader in sports decided to send its famous college pregame show to Boise for the first time.
Now, it’s up to Bronco Nation to do its part.
To put it lightly, BSU and the City of Boise have been waiting a long time for College GameDay to descend upon Bronco Stadium. Students and fans are ecstatic to hear GameDay will be broadcast from the blue turf — BSU’s most famous asset.
There’s no doubt Bronco fans will hit this opportunity out of the park Saturday. The game is completely sold out and more than 5,000 student tickets were gone within an hour of release.
BSU fans rarely get to see a top 25 matchup at home. Compile that with GameDay, and the atmosphere will be nothing short of electric. Boise State is eager to show the nation why it belongs in the same class as other BCS schools. GameDay, along with having the game broadcast nationally on ABC, gives BSU the stage it needs to prove its case.
Expectations couldn’t be higher
Finishing three of the last four regular seasons undefeated, winning two Fiesta Bowls and starting 2010 ranked in the top five has given Boise State options it never had before.
These successes combined with their ranking, allows BSU to be in the conversation for the BCS National Championship. Of course, there are many obstacles the Broncos still have to overcome, but the possibility is very real. Losses by No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Ohio State would put BSU in a position to lobby for selection into the title game.
Four years ago, BSU and BCS National Championship were never involved in the same sentence. Now, it seems every time you turn on the television all you hear are the two together. For better or worse, BSU is in the running for the national championship.
What to watch for
Junior quarterback and Heisman Trophy hopeful Kellen Moore will lead No. 3 Boise State against No. 24 Oregon State at 6 p.m MT. Saturday night from Bronco Stadium.
The Broncos feature a potent offensive attack led by Moore and his barrage of weapons as receiver and running back. Not to mention, BSU’s defense has only given up 107 total yards rushing in two games this season.
BSU’s defense, led by senior defensive end Ryan Winterswyk, has been stellar up front and will have to contain OSU junior running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
Rodgers has averaged 103.5 yards per game in two games this season with three touchdowns. Slowing down Rodgers will be the key to the game. If Rodgers performs how he usually does in big games, OSU could steal the win from the Broncos.
This will be BSU’s first nationally broadcast game on ABC.
What this all means for BSU
Boise State feels like it has earned the opportunity to showcase its team, its fans and its blue turf on the biggest stage possible.
GameDay and ABC gave BSU the chance to prove why it belongs, for which BSU is grateful. There’s no question Bronco Nation will blow the minds of college football fans across the country Saturday.
The nation may not view the Broncos as underdogs, but anyone who belongs to BSU will tell you they still feel very much like underdogs and they’re proud of it.