Boise State has made the goal clear; it’s BCS or bust. And who can blame them? They have a marquee game at home on national TV to sell voters on the legitimacy of their BCS campaign. After Thursday, they get to disappear for the next 3 months and rack up wins against the likes of Louisiana Tech, Idaho and – yikes – UC Davis. There’s nary a top 25 team to be found for the rest of the year. They have a potential hazard in late November against Nevada if the Wolfpack hold up to expectations but we’re not exactly talking a make-or-break game against Cal or USC here.
What it all adds up to for Boise on Thursday is a mountain-sized load of pressure settling in Treasure Valley. The Broncos have just one early September night to complete an unplayed season and everyone knows it. After all, it’s the first ranked team to play a regular season game on “The Blue.” Ever. The hype is everywhere:
- Fans have been camping out for tickets.
- It seems like there is a daily police update on how to enjoy football and avoid injuring others at the same time.
- The local media has been covering it like The Beatles just discovered the U.S.
- Lawsuits have been filed against companies daring to sell unlicensed T-shirts.
- Reportedly, press will be filing in from ESPN, Sports Illustrated, the New York Times and other national media outlets.
So, yeah, they’re going a little nuts in the land famous for potatoes.
Add to the fact that the Broncos have Oregon’s full attention (to quote Ed Dickson from The Oregonian, “Ready’s not the word.”) and I’m guessing there’s a few knees shaking under cubicles in Idaho today.
While it’s not those knees that matter at kickoff, it’s impossible for the Boise players and coaches to not be feeling the immense pressure being put on them by its fans and media. Some teams implode when the light shines too bright. Others rise up to a level of greatness they may not have otherwise achieved. Which will it be for Boise? Pressure’s on.
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The Ducks just need to focus on the task at hand and execute. I’ve got the feeling that the Ducks are all-business for this game. Not a lot of predictions and trash talk as of late. Chip is handling the media well and doing all the right respectful things re the Broncos. You are corect. The pressure is on the Broncos. Do Ducks!
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OK! Here we go. Less than 24 hours to kick off and the season is officially on. Damn it’s about time! Thank you all for the forward remarks on the outcome of this game. Now let’s play. And my condolences to the Broncos on their first loss of the season. Sorry guys but the Ducks are just too tough this year.
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Just giving up on the consecutive late hit comments?
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Damn, you got me again. I blew that.
Bullet #6: Chris Harper has transferred and Boise has realized the late hit strategy will not work.
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I am holding you to it. Nice recovery.
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