Bags are Packed

Posted: August 30, 2010 by JT Ray in Bronco Nation Podcast
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I am leaving on a jet plane to New York City, a concrete jungle where dreams are made of. I can confirm this as Kyle Wilson is living proof. If last week you were following the BTN and BNP twitter accounts (if your not, you should) you would know that Nike has invited us both to cover the unveiling of the Nike Pro Combat Series Uniforms for the 2010 College Football Season.

The event is to take place Wednesday September 1, 2010 at the Skylight West Studios in New York City. The event begins at 10AM Eastern and 8PM Mountain. That day back in Boise, the Blue and Orange Store will have the Nike Pro Combat Series gear for sale. I can also assume so will the Bronco Shop.

This is a great opportunity for both Cliff and myself. It is not too often that the Blogging world gets asked to attend event like this. It would appear the other local media types will not be attending, due to ethical issue surrounding Nike providing travel accommodations. They also chose not to attend on their own dime, due to budget constraints.

The funny thing about this event is whether the local media attends or does not attend Nike will still benefit from the coverage. I certainly will be happy to provide a prospective that Brian Murphy and other local media will lack in there coverage.

Either way the event provides fans of Boise State a chance to promote the program yet again on a national stage. I plan to take as many pictures as I can possibly take, while providing as much commentary about the event.

I am due to arrive in New York on Tuesday and will get a chance to meet up with other fellow media types from the 10 schools announced for the 2010 series. For now I am I will get back to packing my bags and will keep you updated on the events over the next 2 days. Go Broncos!!

If you wish to leave an audio comment, drop me a line at 208-991-2672 or send an email comment to questions@bronconationpodcast.com and follow the Bronco Nation Podcast on Twitter.

Nike to unveil the Pro Combat Uniforms for Boise State

Posted: August 30, 2010 by Cliff Marks Jr. in BTN News, Beyond the Blue
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Boise State joins nine other elite NCAA Football programs across the nation that will wear the Nike Pro Combat system of dress uniform design for the 2010-2011 season. Nike Designers along with representatives from each school will be on hand this Wednesday for this media event. New Your City will play host to this event and Nike will unveil the new uniforms to you via the internet as things unfold. You can watch here live as it happens. Join representatives from these elite schools athletic programs as they share each unique design.

Nike has worked diligently with each university to bring relevant of the school’s rich heritage into the futuristic elite fit uniform designs. The uniforms are engineered to bring superior protection, while utilizing advances fabrics and tooling that reduce weight. Blue Turf Nation will bring you an exclusive insight from this event. You can expect all of the details on Boise State along with many of the other universities. The list of universities involved in this years Nike Pro Combat campaign include.

  • Alabama
  • Boise State University
  • Florida
  • Miami
  • Oregon State
  • Pittsburgh
  • TCU
  • Virginia Tech
  • West Virginia

Is Boise State deserving of its Pre-Season Rankings

Posted: August 30, 2010 by JT Ray in Beyond the Blue, Bronco Nation Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (2.4MB)

It would appear that media, fans and the like are up in arms over Boise State’s Preseason Coaches and AP ranking of #5 and #3 respectively. I am of the thought, like so many, that Boise State should not be ranked this high; however my reason for saying so is much different.

Media and Fans of College Football Argument against Boise State’s Ranking

The most obvious and most often used argument against Boise State’s ranking is the schedule they play. The Broncos are, for the last season, members of the Western Athletic Conference, where they play the likes of Utah State, San Jose State and New Mexico State.

WAC teams are seen as teams BCS teams schedule at the beginning of the season as a tune up in week 1 or 2. Most often these games end up being very lopsided in favor of the BCS team. To get a sense of how these games have gone, Coach Robb Akey was quoted as saying in response to what went well against the Arizona Wildcats “the plane home didn’t crash.”

Granted it is not always gloom and doom when the WAC ventures out into non-conference BCS play. Pat Hill and the Fresno State Bulldogs often play one of the toughest schedules in the WAC and play BCS teams hard, coming away with victories. Most recently the Broncos have had success against tough BCS opponents most notably with wins versus Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and back to back victories over the University of Oregon in 2008 & 2009.

On the flip side many will argue that if you put Boise State into the SEC or Pac Ten, success would not come so easy. Granted if the 2010 version of the Boise State Broncos were playing in a BCS conference, the road would be much more difficult. However, remember if Boise State were in, say the Pac Ten, they would certainly have access to Pac Ten money and Pac-Ten talent. Boise State Football does what it does with its portion of a 28 million dollar athletic budget of an Idaho State run school. Image what Chris Petersen and company could do with a 75 million dollar athletic budget.

My argument against Boise State’s ranking

Polls in general are plagued with bias. Take Craig James’ vote. Mr. James votes seam out of place, he Texas Tech and has Miami unranked and Texas A&M at 22nd, not to mention Georgia at number 7, versus an overall ranking of 23.

Voters either don’t care or wait until the last moment. Joe Giglio, of the Raleigh News & Observer, in this year’s preseason AP poll has Boise State ranked #1. Yes, Boise State received 1 vote to be the number 1 team in all the land. However, consider on the same ballet, Giglio had Nebraska, Pittsburgh and Miami ranked 3, 4 & 5 respectively. One shouldn’t take too much stock in Mr. Giglio’s votes.

The bottom line is simple, the preseason poll means nothing. After the first month of the season Boise State could have a record of 3-0, 2-1, 1-2 or 0-3. The Broncos could be ranked lower with 3 wins or out of the top 25 with 1 loss. I have seen it happen every year and will see happen again this year, whether it is the Broncos or another team.

Where should the Broncos be ranked?

The Broncos have been very successful since joining, Division 1 football. At home on the Blue Turf of Bronco Stadium, Boise State is dominating.

The last time the Broncos lost a home game on the Blue was to the Pac Ten’s Washington State Cougars. The 2001 Cougars, under Mike Price, finished ranked in the top 10 that year and went on to play in the Rose Bowl the following year.

Since joining the Western Athletic Conference the Broncos have only 4 losses against WAC teams. The Broncos have been WAC Champions 7 out of 9 years.

The Broncos average margin of victory versus WAC opponents during the same time period is 29 points.  Under Coach Petersen the number has fallen off by 1 point, but Bronco Fans won’t hold that against him as one should expect the other WAC teams to step up some time.

The Bronco’s bowl record is 6-4 since joining Division 1 football. In the 4 losses the Broncos have lost by only a margin of 3.5 points. In every loss the Broncos had a chance pull off a win.

Here are some other items of note regarding the Broncos success. Coach Pete is also 4-1 against BCS teams. Former Broncos Ryan Clady and Kyle Wilson are both 1st round picks over the last 3 years

What does this all mean?

Consider the following; if a BCS team were to have joined the WAC in 2001 and play 9 seasons, I would argue that the same BCS team would be hard pressed to top what the Broncos have done over the same period.

Preseason rankings are also based on the respect the media and coaches have for teams. The Broncos return 21 of the 22 starters from the 2010 Fiesta Bowl Team. Given the resume of success, it would appear the Broncos ranking is based on respect, a respect often reserved for College Football’s elite and most storied programs.

Coach Pete may have summed it up best when asked if the Broncos deserved their 2010 preseason Ranking, “Instead of proving everybody wrong, now we (Boise State) want to prove everybody right.” The Boise State Broncos begin their quest to prove everybody right Sept 6, 2010. Go Broncos!!

If you wish to leave an audio comment, drop me a line at 208-991-2672 or send an email comment to questions@bronconationpodcast.com and follow the Bronco Nation Podcast on Twitter.

Opening Game

Posted: August 30, 2010 by Cliff Marks Jr. in BTN News
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Monday night is the opening game for Boise State. There are arguments for and against whether or not this is the biggest game in the history of Boise State Football. This game is played on Labor Day Monday night with national coverage on ESPN. The Broncos travel to FedEx field in Washington DC. This game has had so may different spins put on it my head is spinning with stats and information. My spin will be defense – key to a victory in this particular game. Our defense should step up the way they finished last season and that is STRONG.

The ACC and the WAC are two very different conferences and have a variety of strengths as do both of these teams. VaTech is a strong running team, Boise State is well balanced with a great Special Teams strategy. Defensive play by Boise State will require an immediate containment of the Hokies Offense much like the Oregon game last year. This will allow the offense to get grounded and relaxed as they can be prone to slower starts.

This is the first game for both programs and the play will most likely be sluggish for the first quarter on both sides of the ball as each team will look to find their groove. If Boise can keep turnovers to a minimum and contain the explosive offense of Virginia Tech then this one is going in the win column. Whether or not the offensive line can give Kellen the time needed to execute plays will be a key component of a Bronco victory.

The talk of the biggest game in the history is in question from my point of view. It is an opening game against the top ten ranked opponent and that in and of itself is critical if Boise State is to make a run at the Rose Bowl. Yes, I said Rose Bowl. I personally do not think the BCS will not allow anything more from an undefeated WAC team. I’m making plans to go to Pasedena for a New Years celebration (this topic is for an entirely different time).

Going back to 1996 Boise State is 10-4 in their opening games. The biggest loses from BCS schools are Georgia in 2005, South Carolina in 2001 and UCLA in 1999. In fact last years win over Oregon was the first against a BCS school in this time frame. Maybe a new streak can begin with a win this year. In previous years Boise has traditionally opened with a I-AA schools. The 2010 Broncos are with out a question the most talent rich teams of years past only giving up one starter and he’s now playing on Sunday.

The BNP – The Gnome

Posted: August 26, 2010 by JT Ray in Bronco Nation Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (35.3MB)

In this episode of the Bronco Nation Podcast JT, Tyler and Travis take a look at the crazy week surrounding the MWC shake up. Everything from the start to finish, if by finish you mean not finished.

The guys delve into the Pre Season Rankings. All three can agree Boise State is deserving of its ranking.

Finally we take a look at the “generic” scrimmage this past week.

On a side note I sound like I am 20 feet from the mic. I major mistake on my part and I am sorry for any audio qualities. Of course Travis and Tyler sound great and I think they are the stars of the show anyway.

The show is sponsored by The Blue and Orange Store and by the iOS App Bronco DB

If you wish to leave an audio comment, drop me a line at 208-991-2672 or send an email comment to questions@bronconationpodcast.com and follow the Bronco Nation Podcast on Twitter.

Dear Mr. Everson

Posted: August 25, 2010 by Cliff Marks Jr. in BTN News, Beyond the Blue
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My nightmare on Wall Street! I should be sleeping to be fresh for training tomorrow morning, however I tripped over the WSJ article from Darren Everson. And I’m rather upset at the approach, thought and motivation behind this article. Does WSJ need to sell something? I re-tweeted the link in the hopes of stirring the pot. Mr. Everson spoke of a “Nighmare’ and if the college football heritage full of  large stadiums and billion dollar endowment programs was ready to be uprooted by what once was a Junior College?

The blue turf represents a blue collar work ethic and a program that wins against all odds. I must say I was appalled at the thought of deserving  a championship only because of your size and stature and television revenue potential. Yes sir Boise plays in the WAC and the win. Boise State is moving to the MWC and most likely will continue to win. Yes sir Idaho is a sparsely populated state and has little if any television ratings as compared on a national stage.

Notre Dame and Michigan are suppose to win because they have a larger stadium and more money? What you don’t realize is they lack the will, heart and character of a underdog continually fighting for attention, love, affection and mostly fighting for national acceptance.  I say as Gene does lets take it outside. Lets take it on the field and settle it. Bring it on I say – Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Miami whoever you are all welcome to come play on the Blue Turf and see what we can do with 35, 500 crazed fans in the Bronco Nation.

Deserving yes. Able yes. Willing yes. Ready yes. Nightmare no! Here is the link to is WSJ article in its entirety. Please feel free to contact Mr. Everson and share your opinion.

Nike Pro Combat Uniforms for Boise State

Posted: August 25, 2010 by Cliff Marks Jr. in BTN News, Beyond the Blue
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This evening as I was studying, tweeting and eating dinner (multi-tasking) in my hotel room, I heard my HTC Hero alert me of a message. I checked on it to discover that I had received a gmail. When I opened it I could not believe what I was reading. It was a letter from Cindy a representative from Nike inviting Blue Turf Nation to NYC for an unveiling of the new Nike Combat uniforms for Boise State and several other programs. The offer was to fly a representative from BTN to New York City for the unveiling.

I noticed a twitter link for Cindy and immediately added her to the Blue Turf Nation twitter page. It was there that I saw her tweet to JT Ray the founder of Bronco Nation Podcast and a partner-author with Blue Turf Nation. I then called her and explained my situation. I am in the middle of a training session for my new job (BTN is my labor of love) and I am in North Carolina until September 3rd. I would most likely not be able to attend. I requested more information about the event so I could keep the Blue Turf Nation blog up to date with information. I then asked her if I could forward the invite to JT. I think it would be great if he could free up and attend as a representative of BTN and BNP.

I did communicate with JT via email and if he can rearrange his schedule he will attend and provide an article for both website locations. On September 1st in New Your City – Nike will unveil the new Pro Combat, a uniquely designed uniform for ten of the top college football programs. Whether or not one of us can attend we will bring you all of the information as soon as it becomes available to us. I must say I am very flattered and proud to have received the offer from Nike and I think it is a great opportunity. I thought Nike made a first class gesture by extending an invite to us. For me personally the timing does not quite work out. I look forward to bringing you more details, audio, video and commentary as I receive it from Nike. And like you I am waiting to see what they will look like.  Below is the invitation.

This is Boise State

Posted: August 25, 2010 by Cliff Marks Jr. in BTN News, Bronco Sports Video
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Coach Petersen Addresses Boise State Broncos, Inc

Posted: August 22, 2010 by JT Ray in BTN News, Beyond the Blue, Bronco Nation Podcast
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Boise State Broncos, Inc held its first annual Shareholders Party. As the invite stated, the purpose of the meeting included the following:

  • Elect two new directors
  • Review accomplishments and plans of the corporation
  • Conduct other business

The two new elected directors are Jerry Dancer and Charles Wilson, both long time benefactors. As of the night of the party, just under 2500 shares had been sold, with share sold in 48 States and in 3 countries, with Rhode Island and Vermont being the only states in which Bronco Nation hasn’t purchased stock.

The treat of the night was Coach Chris Petersen address the shareholders that were present. I took the opportunity to create a bootleg recording of that address. I have tried to clean it up as best as I can. Audio at the start is me making sure I was recording and of course at the start is had some dishes banging in the background as everyone was finishing eating.

Podcast: Play in new window
| Download (10.5MB)

What I took from the 2 hour address, was the Boise State is under financed compared to the rest of Division 1 schools. Gene Bleymier presentation mentioned that the athletic budget was around $28 Million and about $7.5 million comes from the state.

Gene ran down the plan for Dona Larson Park. The Park will host track and field as well as local high school football. The football field will seat about 5,000. The Broncos have been practicing at the field this fall.

Bronco Stock - Boise State Broncos, Inc.-350x226The focus appeared to be on getting the Basketball locker room built. Final bids are being looked at and head Coach Leon Rice is using it as part of his recruiting pitch. Other facilities needed include an aquatic center and a new gymnasium.

Information related to the Stadium expansion will come in the form of a Press Conference on Friday August 27. As Gene put it, they have a “presentation” prepared. Gene also mentioned that Bronco Stadium is the smallest of top ten teams.

There were some great stories from tonight, but my favorite was related to the amount of toilets in the Football Facility. Apparently there are 2 toilets. As Coach Pete put we need to get more toilets. Gene followed it up with a story. As he told it, Gene asked Lyle Smith, the AD at the time the current football facility was built, “why two toilets?” Lyle’s response, “we needed a spare.”

It was a good time and if you can spare $100 or more it is certainly worth holding a share or two of stock, while at the same time supporting Boise State Athletics. Go Broncos!

WOW!! New website for the Football program

Posted: August 21, 2010 by Cliff Marks Jr. in BTN News
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I must say the program has turned it up a full notch on this, with a little help of DTX Creative the Boise State Football program has put together a great fan website. I’m usually critical of web sites including this one. Nice job guys – It’s worthy of the pre-season #3 ranking as well! Boise State’s Football site has a full package of offerings for the football fan and the presentation is highlighted by the amazing photography of Greg Sims.

You will be able to find almost everything you may want with the new site. Everything except opinion and incite and fan ramblings. Thats where blogs like this one and OBGNUG step in and fill the void. There are a few links on the left side of this blog to others that share in our passion for everything Blue. I encourage you to check out the new OFFICIAL BOISE STATE FOOTBALL SITE. Go Broncos!

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