2010 College Football Preview: Non-BCS Teams

When big conferences pillage each other for teams, the non-BCS conferences become victims themselves. And that is what happened in this off season. Boise State will move to the Mountain West along with Nevada and Fresno State. Utah is moving to the Pac-10. BYU was going to go independent in football with the rest of their teams moving to the WAC, but apparently that won't happen now.

All of this is a year away though so let's concentrate on this season. There are three Non-BCS teams that could contend for a BCS game bid or even the National Championship. Boise State is the team that could contend for a national championship. The Broncos return the majority of their starters on both offense and defense. They actually start the year in the top 5 so they won't have to fight their way up the rankings and fall short of the title game. This year though everything sets up perfectly for Boise State. They have to get past their early non-conference games though.

That's the problem for Boise State this season. They start the year in Washington D.C. for a de facto home game against Virginia Tech. I don't like this game at all for the Broncos. They have to travel across the country to play an always tough team in weather they're not used to. The Broncos are used to playing in cool weather. It will be hot and humid in D.C. for their game. It will be the toughest test the Broncos have ever faced, including their game against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

I didn't even talk about Boise State's game against Oregon State. Thankfully for them that game will be at home. They still have to stop Jacquizz Rodgers though. I doubt Boise State wins both of these games. If they do though, they should receive considerable attention for a national title appearance.

TCU and Utah should also be really good this season. TCU returns the majority of their offense, including quarterback Andy Daulton but have to replace the majority of their defense. Utah also has to replace the majority of their defense. Both of these teams should be really good, but not in Boise State's class this year.



Team That Will Surprise, San Diego State: Brady Hoke almost lead Ball State to a BCS game two years ago. He left and joined San Diego State a team that hasn't been to a bowl game in 11 years. The Aztecs return veteran offensive players lead by quarterback Ryan Lindley and receiver Vincent Brown. The Aztecs should be even better this season.

Team That Will Disappoint, Nevada: The Wolf Pack always seem like they're on the verge of running the tables like Boise State, but somehow come up short. This year should be no different. Nevada returns the majority of their starters but face a tough non-conference schedule. They play Colorado State, BYU, and Cal in non-conference games. They also have to play at Fresno State and Idaho. Too many tough opponents for Nevada to expect them do have any more than seven victories.

Player of the Year, Kellen Moore, Boise State: The junior has lost only one game in his career at Boise State. He threw 36 more touchdowns than interceptions last year and still has room to grow. With the majority of the offensive starters returning, Moore will be a Heisman candidate this season.

Game of the Year, Boise State at Virginia Tech, September 6th: Monday Night Football starts a week early this season. The ACC favorite versus a National Title favorite is exactly the way to start the season. Whichever team wins, they'll be in line for a bid in the national title game.