Dubbed by Erik Kuselias as one of the most important games in college football history, Boise State will travel across the country to take on Virginia Tech at FedEx Field. For those who don't know, FedEx Field is where the Redskins play their home games. For those who still haven't figured it out, FedEx Field is a stone's throw away from Virginia Tech's campus. And compared to Boise State's campus, Virginia Tech might as well have been sleeping on the 50 yard line for the past week.
But ignoring the obvious home field advantage that the Hokies have, many have pinpointed this game as the next important entry in the long list of college football lore that dates back to pre-WWII before the United States was even considered the world's most formidable super power.
The reason being Boise State's status as a mid-major, overachieving program desperately trying to make a name for itself on the national scene.
Did I say desperately? I meant "aggresively."
Or did I?
Over the years, Boise State has pounded their conference as if they were an opening day game for a college football super power like Texas or Ohio State. They've gone on impressive win streaks and often gone unchallenged in their conference play taking home small time trophies and headed into January with a real shot to impress the nation's voters.
They've beaten an Oklahoma team in the Fiesta Bowl. They've beaten an unbeaten TCU in the same venue, which has led to a momentous 14 game win streak that travels with them to the other side of the Mississippi.
But who among us truly believes Boise State, this year, is the #3 team in the country?
From what I've heard and read amongst the official college football gurus, Boise State has finally been given - awarded - presented the opportunity to compete for a national championship.
But why?
For going undefeated last year? For having an impressive program that dominates a Northwest conference?
Because we all know it's not due to NFL talent on the roster. Or impressive wins against BCS opponents in high profile games at an away stadium.
So what is it? A political correct reward to the little guy for putting up a good fight over the years?
That sounds more like it to me.
If Boise State was playing Alabama in Atlanta; Texas in Dallas; Ohio State in Cleveland; or Florida in Tampa, the odds would be heavily against the Broncos. The Gameday analysts would pat Boise State on the back and say "no chance" and give the nod to the perennial power house teams to cake walk to victory.
But a perfect storm has arisen for Boise State. They open against Virginia Tech - not exactly anyone's traditional power team of old. Not exactly the team that has black and white footage of Rose Bowl victories or audio clips of coaches with recognizable hats giving legendary speeches to war veterans trying to defeat an arch rival.
So what we have is the proverbial media overhype. A college football game on Monday night with an average team travelling to the backyard of a team that's honestly pretty damn good.
The world will be watching to see if the words of Erik Kuselias prove true - if this truly is the turning point of college football. If a new Bear Bryant is born in Chris Peterson. If a new face, mascot, and city is represented in the national championship game. If somehow, the little guy can overcome the well oiled machine that cranks out typical, traditional victors in the world of college football.
Unfortunately for Boise State (and the media), they're going up against a well coached and highly talented Hokie team that, if you ask me, will win by at least 20 points.
So much for influencing college football lore.
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