When the Boise State Broncos take the field on Monday night against Virginia Tech they'll of course be playing to win -- that much is obvious.
But when you think about it there's a lot more at stake.
If the Broncos win they'll be on the path toward a shot at a BCS National Title game appearance. Not a for sure National Title shot, but they'll keep the opportunity alive.
Boise State is also playing for all the non-automatic qualifying BCS schools in the nation. If they can buck the trend that has so strongly been set that the non-AQs don't belong it will be a bold statement. It could open a lot of doors for schools that play in conferences like the WAC, MWC, MAC, Sun Belt, and where ever else.
Unfortunately the quest for the Broncos won't end if they do in fact beat the Hokies on Monday. They'll HAVE to run the table again and be perfect.
Going unbeaten will be more difficult this year than in the past because they have to beat Virginia Tech and Oregon State. Most years they just have the one big game. Oregon State isn't going to be an easy opponent. They took TCU well into the fourth quarter on Saturday and if a few more bounces went their way the Beavers could have won.
We haven't even talked about injuries. If the Broncos have a key injury to say Kellen Moore, or any other key players, the season could very well end because of that.
So the season won't be all downhill or anti-climactic if the Broncos win on Monday. Every game will be tough that follows. There are so many wild cards. Injuries, weather, what other teams win or lose.
Even if the Broncos win on Monday and everyday there-after this season that doesn't gauruntee them anything. If say an Oklahoma and Alabama or Texas and Ohio State go unbeaten, the Broncos will be on the outside looking in again at that National Title game and the questions will all start over again. Are the Broncos worthy of a National Title shot?
Nonetheless, each and every week, the Broncos will be playing for themselves and every other 'little guy' who hasn't gotten the respect, but still, they'll just be in the conversation.
It would be great to prove to the establishment that not only Boise State belongs, but every school should have an opportunity to play for a National Championship every season no matter what conference they are in.
On Sunday morning, Viewpoint talked a lot about the BCS and how it's an unfair system. Justin Corr also did a story using some of those interviews to break down how some of the Idaho congressional delegation feels about the BCS.
So when the Broncos take the field on Monday just remember, this game could prove pivotal in the whole BCS conversation for many years to come. This one game could be the turning point one way or the other for the non-AQ schools argument to have a seat at the table.
It all starts Monday night!
