College football big whigs may no longer be able to ignore Boise State.
The “little team that could” has already accomplished a great deal in recent years and if 2010 preseason predictions are right, the Broncos are primed to kick the door down on the college football elitists.
Probably all that stands in the way of Boise State playing for the national championship this upcoming season is a week one matchup with Virginia Tech. If the Broncos get by that game (a prediction from your First & Ten columnist says they will) then it should be clear sailing to another undefeated season.
Slowly, methodically, Boise State has continued to gain additional respect each season. The win in a BCS Bowl against Oklahoma a few seasons ago certainly helped. (That ending is still the greatest I have seen.)
Of course, things can be a little more difficult when you are expected to do big things. Boise State is ranked as high as No. 2 in some preseason polls and others have the Broncos at No. 3.
Wouldn’t it be something to see Chris Peterson’s team face mighty Alabama for the national crown in January? Granted, without a playoff system, it would still be a mythical national title but it certainly would be a huge step in credibility for big-time college football, which certainly could use a dose of it.
Boise has been a party crasher for the BCS for several years now. Playing for the national title or — gasp — winning it, would be the equivilate of not only knocking on the door but kicking it in.
•Also on the college football front, I had the chance to catch the “A Cut Above” documentary on Duke coach David Cutcliffe and must say I emerged from the viewing with even more respect for the man.
The program detailed Cutcliffe’s success as coach, but also looked into his role off the field as a family man and community leader. Cutcliffe and his wife adopted a classmate of their son’s after his mother passed away from cancer. Many speak about helping and willing to do whatever it takes, but this action shows Cutcliffe, as well as his entire family, live what they preach.
Cutcliffe also reportedly turned down a chance to return to Tennessee as head coach in recent months because, among other reasons, he wouldn’t be allowed to bring his entire coaching staff. Cutcliffe’s loyalty to his assistants (and to his current school) is also something to be admired. When he wouldn’t cut some of them loose from Ole Miss, he was fired despite having five winning seasons in six years.
In a game of corruptness, college football needs more people like David Cutcliffe. It’s just hard to cheer against him.
•It’ll be great to have coaching legend Bill Curry back in the game this fall as Georgia State begins its program.
The Panthers, who will play their home games at the Georgia Dome, have a Hall of Famer leading them and one who is building the program the right way.
You’ve been away for too long Coach Curry. Welcome back. Here’s to more success on the football field.
Chris Bridges is the sports editor of the Barrow Journal. Send comments about this column to cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
