Boise State vs Virginia Tech

GAME RECAP

Boise State went up early 17-0, only having to find themselves play comeback kid with less than two minutes remaining.  Boise scored a touchdown with just over a minute left to go up by 3.

So what does this game prove and what does it not prove?

This game proves that Boise can play with anybody, anywhere, and at anytime.  I know, I know "but you don't play in a real conference."  This is true, and this is also something that we can  not help.  One thing on that note though, if we did play in a better conference we would also have a better conference budget, a better conference recruiting capability, and a better conference market, so be careful what you wish for.  (BSU spent just over 7 million on football last year. Ohio state? over 40 million. I'm just saying)

This game proves that Tyrod Taylor is a one man football show.  That guy made me squirm the whole night long.  I believe Taylor will lead the Hokies as a very dominant team this season.

This game proves that Boise has a good rush defense (minus on Taylor), and a not so good secondary (where's the defense guys!)

This game does not prove the BSU deserves to be in the national championship, it is only one out of many.  But, it does prove that they deserve to be in the national championship talk if they continue to go undefeated.

This game proves that Kellen Moore can lead a come from behind victory. He has never really been in that situation before, it was nice to see him handle the situation nicely.

Both teams played excellently and this game definitely lived up to the hype. Congrats to the Bronco's and the Hokies (who handled the loss better than Oregon did last year). I sincerely wish both teams the best of luck. 

Pre Game Thoughts

Today is the day of the big game. I wish both teams the best of luck. I hope it is a well played game, a clean game, and a fun game.

The Boise State vs. Virginia Tech game looks to be a good game for both teams.  This will be a battle between number 5 (Boise) and number 6 (Va. Tech), according to the coaches poll.The game will be featured on September 6, Labor Day at FedEx field in Maryland. This will be yet another "prove it" game for Boise State, to show that they can play with the big boys.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech finished 10-3 last season and ranked as high as #4 during the course of that season. Some preseason rankings have the Hokies at #4. Regardless, this looks to be an offensive battle as both BSU and VT are ranked in the top 5 for offenses.

The Hokies return 12 starters, 8 on offense and 4 on defense. The biggest loss on offense for the Va. Tech is their left side of the O-line. The good news for the Hokies is that they have running back Ryan Williams back this season. Williams ran for 1,655 yards last season. There will be no doubt that Tech will get some yardage on the ground against the Broncos.

The question mark for the Hokies on offense is QB Tyrod Taylor. Taylor had moments of excellence during last season, but mostly showed that he is not capable of passing efficiently. Taylor completed only 60% of his passes last season, and threw for only 13 touchdowns. Only time will tell if his offseason training has given rise to better throwing abilities.

It will be hard for Virginia Tech to replace a defense that lost 7 starters, but coach Frank Beamer is known for his defensive units. The Hokies aren't necessarily rebuilding there defense so much as they are replacing their defense. Look for Steven Friday, Rashad Carmichael, and Barquell Rivers to lead this defense. I don't believe that the Hokies will have a hard time fielding a new defense.

How do the Hokies defeat the Bronco's? Boise State has had remarkably effective games at shutting down star running backs (last years games against University of Oregon and TCU come to mind), but then they have also had games allowing WAC running backs go over two hundred yards. Which Bronco defense shows up? That would be my first test if I were the Hokies. Then the Hokies can test Boise's replacement for Kyle Wilson through the air.

The Broncos return 20 of 22 starters on a unit that went undefeated last season. Boise State took down eventual Pac 10 champs Oregon, and MWC champs TCU last year. More importantly Boise has a QB who has been listed to several pre-season watch lists for this upcoming season. Kellen Moore was the nations second most efficient passer last season behind Florida's Tim Tebow. Moore threw only 3 INT's last year. Boise returns a defense that shut down the offensive machines in UO and TCU.

The key weakness for Boise in this match up is that they are essentially playing an away game against the Hokies. The Broncos will be lucky to have 10% of the crowd cheering for them. They also have to face a defense that is better than any other that they will see during the course of the year (yes even though Tech has to rebuild).

How do the Broncos win? The Broncos have got to score often. Which considering that the Hokies are replacing their defense, they should have a good opportunity to exploit the first game jitters of new players. Boise needs to control the ball because the Hokies have a great offense as well.

The Boise State vs Virginia Tech game looks to be an epic matchup. Either team could go to the national championship if they go undefeated through their respective seasons. I predict the Broncos will win out a close came. Coach Peterson of the Bronco's is notorious for winning that which he has months to prepare for.

Prediction: BSU 35 Va Tech 28