Boise’s second half surge levels Fresno state

The Boise State Broncos held a precarious 3 point lead over visiting Fresno State after one half of play needing an impressive showing as a last ditch effort to earn a spot in a BCS bowl.  They came out on fire in the second half and unleashed a spectacular offensive barrage that nearly blew their opponents off of the blue “smurf turf” en route to a 61-10 blowout that allowed the Broncos to finish their undefeated (12-0) season in impressive fashion.

The two teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter, with Fresno’s Damion Owens scoring on a 68 yard interception return to put his team up 7-0.  Broncos QB Kellen Moore quickly recovered, and tied the game three minutes later on a 9 yard TD pass to Jeremy Childs.  The second quarter was even less eventful, with two Boise FGs by Kyle Brotzman to one by Fresno’s Kevin Goessling giving the home team a 3 point lead at the break.

From that point on, it was “shock and awe” as the Broncos exploded for 48 unanswered second half points beginning with a Jeremy Avery 43 yard run just three minutes into the third quarter.  Boise then scored three more touchdowns in 3 ½ minutes—a 90 yard punt return by Kyle Wilson, a tricky reverse ending in a 35 yard TD pass from Tanyon Bissell to Julian Hawkins and another Kellen Moore TD strike.  It was more of the same in the final stanza, with Ian Johnson running for two TDs and D.J. Harper adding a third.  After the game, Broncos coach Chris Petersen made a subtle case for a BCS bid:

"I think it's an obvious statement what we'd like to do.  I'd probably say our record speaks for itself. And people have to make a decision."

The Boise State fans made the BCS a preemptive target of taunts and signs—some banners were straightforward (“Boycott the BCS”) while a more humorous one even dragged President-Elect Barack Obama into the controversy (“Obama: Bring Change Soon”).  In a typical year, the Broncos would have a good shot at a BCS “at large” bid but since Utah also finished the season undefeated—from a higher ranked conference—they only have an outside chance at appearing in one of the more prestigious bowl games.

For his part, Fresno State coach Pat Hill didn’t hesitate in giving his endorsement for Boise’s BCS aspirations:

"I've never been in a game where it got that out of control. I think they should be in a BCS bowl. I think they are a heck of a football team. They are definitely deserving of a bid."

This is Boise’s third undefeated team since 2004 and certainly the most well rounded—while previous vintage Bronco teams would have to outscore their opponents with their potent passing attack to win, the 2008 squad boasts a balance offensive game and a solid defense.  A propos of the team’s balance on offense, the Broncos finished with 494 yards of total offense on 248 yards passing and 246 yards rushing.

While Fresno State may end up in a minor bowl with their 7-5 record, Boise State clearly has bigger ambitions.  At this point, all they can do is wait until December 7th when the final BCS standings are announced and the at-large BCS bids are awarded.