Category Archives: Beyond the Blue

Remembering Football is Just a Game, for Titus Young This is Life

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Courtesy: http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/

At this point the story is old news re-hashed over and over, for all of Bronco Nation to hear. The sad decline of one of the highest profile, perhaps most talented players to come out of Boise State. Titus Young – or Titus Young Sr. as he liked to be called after his son was born – has been arrested 3 times, and now finds himself in a sad decline for all the public to witness. For many fans, our first reaction is to attack/view this from the fan perspective. Look at the talent he had, the potential, and the career he has thrown away. For us, the fan, football is game, and Titus is one our favorite players. For Titus and his family though, this is Titus’ health, future, and life, and  for his young son, this is his father. This is no longer about a game, this about so much more than that. Reported on ESPN.com Titus Young’s father came out said publicly that Titus suffers from mental health issues. He has been in out of treatment, and right now needs help. I write this post, as simply a reminder for myself and hopefully for others as well, that though we love the game of football and we admire the players on the field, once they step off that blue turf, off that grass field these are individuals just like you and me. Every player has his demons, his struggles, his up and downs. The only difference however is when I or most of the public for that matter make a mistake the whole world looks the other way. When Titus Young struggles the whole world looks and starts to judge. Titus Young is 23 years old, a father, brother, and son. Yeah he may have played football for your favorite team, and maybe you are upset at everything that has happened from the fan perspective. But think of it from the perspective of your family, your friends, and quickly you start to realize: football is just a game, and this is a man’s life. As former teammates and football alumni continue to tweet, #PrayForTitus & #SupportTitus, I encourage Bronco Nation and Detroit fans to not only do the same, but simply look at it like you would if it were somebody in your life. That way, we can all hope for the best for Titus, and we can all cheer on his recovery.

Follow Me on Twitter: @HeathBTN

Boise State: Defensive Back University (Next Up Jamar Taylor)

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DBULogo

Fan’s often try to claim they produce the best quarterbacks, linebackers, or even coaches. But perhaps it is time the nation pays attention to Boise State when it comes to producing defensive backs. For the longest time Boise State has been looked at as the “overachiever”, the “underdog”, and the team that simply “coaches em’ up”. Though this may be true, the fact of the matter is, Boise State also recruits some extremely talented and athletic players, especially when you look at the safety and cornerback positions that continues to send players to the NFL. Boise State is always fighting to make its claim as one of the “big boys” of college football. Now though, Boise State is also starting to make its claim as “DBU” AKA Defensive Back University.

In 2001 Shaunard Harts might have started it all.  Drafted in the 7th round of the NFL Draft, Shaunard went on to play 4 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, collecting 166 tackles, forcing five fumbles, intercepting two passes, and even getting himself a couple of sacks. Harts was the guy who went out and showed the NFL that those boys from Boise State can play ball. And play ball they have. Following Shaunard, Boise State has placed another seven defensive backs in the NFL. This incredible list includes a first round draft choice in Kyle Wilson, and a 2x all-pro, pro-bowler in Quintin Mikell. Boise State has also produced a 2nd round draft choice in Gerald Alexander, two 5th round draft choices in George Iloka and Orlando Scandrick, and two undrafted free agents whom have had major impacts on their respective teams, Jeron Johnson, and Chris Carr. Looking at this, it is hard to not say Boise State doesn’t have the right to make the claim at the title “DBU”.

This leads us to the next man from Boise State who will surely join the men listed above in their move from Boise State to the NFL – Jamar Taylor.  According to nfldraftscout.com, Jamar is a projected 2nd round pick. But if history tells us anything about Boise State football players making the transition to the NFL that number very well could rise by the time Jamar is finished with the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. Jamar already runs a reported 4.33 40 yard dash and has a ton of game film showing he has elite cover skills. All he needs to do now is continue to show the world what us Bronco fans already know – that if you have him on your team, one side of the field is taken care of. Once this happens Jamar will certainly be the ninth Bronco in the modern era to enter the NFL from the Boise State secondary. By doing this, he might also be the piece that finally solidifies what fans and players have said now for a while:  Boise State is in fact Defensive Back University.

 

Tell me what you think below, and follow me on Twitter:

@HeathBTN/ @TheBTN

 

 

Blue Turf Nation Gives Thanks

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Thanksgiving is here, and we all have things in our lives to be thankful for.  But let’s be honest:  you don’t read Blue Turf Nation to hear about our families, personal lives, and how proud we are of our kids/dogs/fish.  You want to hear about the Broncos.  So with that being said, we figured some of our BTN contributors could tell you what they are thankful for with regards to Boise State.

Mike Singer (@fins_pride)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Make sure you give thanks to what you have by going crazy on Black Friday and spending money on stuff you don’t need! In all seriousness, there are a few things I’m super thankful for as a Boise State Broncos fan.

1.  Chris Petersen – Pete.. The guy has been so great. After BSU has had a few dream seasons, Coach Petersen has kept BSU as the top non-AQ team out there. Boise State fans couldn’t be more thankful to have a coach as great as him.

2.  The Blue – I think we all need a second to take a step back and think about how awesome our field is. No other FBS team has anything like we have with The Blue. Be thankful for our great stadium (even if we’ve lost on it twice the past two seasons).

3.  Jay Ajayi - We lost Doug Martin. We’re about to lose DJ Harper, but next season, our starting back is going to be incredible. He’ll (hopefully) have three starting seasons as the Boise State tailback and should have big statistics. If Boise State is to be successful in what ever conference we fall in, it will start with Ajayi and the run game.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Noel Hollenbeck (@The_REAL_N_WORD)

I am thankful for 1989. That’s the year I became a member of Bronco Nation. Except it wasn’t a Nation yet. I don’t even know if it was a territory. It was an undiscovered wilderness to most people – a small 1-AA school with a decade-old National Championship and crazy blue carpet. As I experienced my first college football game on a cold October night up in one of the 120ish sections, I didn’t know I was part of a new nation. I know now. I’m thankful for 1989.

Nate Bair (@Nate_Bair)

The Top Ten Reasons I am thankful for Boise State Bronco Football

10. We are leaving the Mountain West to go to the Big East. Wait! Are we? Yes, we are!

9. I can go to any store in town and buy something with BSU on it. Thank you, Arby’s.

8. I can wear camo to the stadium and no one will ask any questions.

7. I can always count on cussing out Mark May every Saturday night.

6. I know that Coach Pete will always be my coach. Or will he? –Please stay, Coach Pete.

5. I know that even in the worst-case scenario, I’ll get to make a trip to Vegas every December.

4. I get to remind every Duck, Beaver, Hokie, Bulldog, and Sooner fan the score the last time we played them.

3. I get to watch former Broncos every Sunday, even if they don’t like the nicknames they got here in Idaho –“Muscle Hamster” forever.

2. I know that our turf will always stay blue, even if Craig Thompson doesn’t like it.

1. No matter how much I fail in life, at least I will never have to be a VANDAL!

Brad McMurdie (@bluenorangeguru)

1.  I am thankful for a team that knows how to win.  As Bronco fans we are very spoiled in having a team that we expect to go undefeated every single year. We see no reason for a drop in talent or an increase in losses just because of whomever graduates. We have grown accustomed to winning a lot and with each loss that happens, although rare, we feel as thought the sky is crashing down. This winning tradition is something that only the vandal’s dream about and Coach Akey will never experience.

2.  I am thankful for our amazing city of Boise and their love for our beloved Boise State Broncos. Each game day the city is covered in orange and blue even down to the smallest child. The city has embraced a team that has truly grown from Cinderella story to football powerhouse. We are lucky to be able to drive down the road and at any point yell “Boise” and rest assured someone will respond with “State.” Some cities support their teams, but each game day  feels as though a holiday is going on. That alone is something that keeps me thinking that I NEVER want to leave this beautiful city.

Heath Dreger (@HeathBTN)

I am thankful for the way Boise State has always kept it exciting. From trick plays, to big games. Boise State has a way of making football just better. I am thankful for the blue turf, because now when I travel and I say I am from Boise, Idaho people know something about it other than we just have potatoes. I am thankful for all the Boise State players who have gone onto the NFL. Because now when my Cowboys aren’t playing I can still find something interesting about the other NFL games I didn’t care about before. And lastly, I am thankful for the fact Boise State has beaten Idaho to the point where we don’t have to play them anymore. Because lets face it, its nice not having to listen to Vandal fans pretend they are relevant that one game a year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Derek Castle (@Keleka24)

With apologies to Crash Davis, this is what I am thankful for:

I am thankful for Chris Petersen, Dan Hawkins, Dirk Koetter, Pokey Allen and Lyle Smith.  I am thankful for memories: Riddler, Statue left, Circus, Ian Johnsons’s proposal, Tostitos and sombreros in Reno, Gerald Alexanders beheading, beating BYU in a snow storm, Fresno in sideways hail, and Marshall in three feet of snow, Al Borges hanging from a goal post, and Pokey Allen hanging out at Busters.  I am thankful for crisp fall mornings, ice-cold beer, spicy chorizos, hot chili, and tailgating with my friends and family.  And I am thankful I live in a world where underdogs still win, small schools still compete, integrity matters, and grass is blue.  I am thankful I am a Boise State Bronco.

From all of us here at Blue Turf Nation, thank you for being a loyal reader/follower!   Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Blue, Orange, and Black

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December 31, 2002 was a cold day in Boise, but burned bright with a memory Bronco Nation would not soon forget. That day will forever be remembered as not only the first victory that Boise State would enjoy over a BCS opponent, but also the last time our beloved Broncos would don a uniform without that iconic Nike Swoosh. The Boise State Broncos finished off the Iowa State Cyclones 34-16. It was the first time that the Broncos had ever finished the season in the top 25, and Nike took notice.

Since then Boise State has taken on many different looks throughout the last 10 seasons with Nike as its sponsor. In 2009 Nike unveiled a new Boise State uniform that first introduced a grey number to accent the traditional blue and orange. This was a move that would eventually lead to grey being an even more dominant color in future Bronco jersey schemes. Bronco fans are creatures of habit, and as with any major change, there were a fair number of those who opposed the break from tradition.

September 6, 2010, Boise State graced FedEx Field with an even newer uniform combination as they battled BCS powerhouse, Virginia Tech to a 34-31 victory. The jerseys were comprised of a grey top with blue and orange accents and solid blue pants. After that victory the Broncos returned to their normal look and continued throughout the season in traditional uniforms.

As the November 19th game against Fresno State approached, rumors had swirled that the Broncos would put aside the blue on blue home uniforms for the first time in a very long time. On that cold, wet evening the rumors became reality, and the Broncos came charging out of the tunnel wearing an all orange uniform for the first time ever. The crowd erupted at the first sight of the all orange uniforms, and thousands witnessed history being written as the Boise State Broncos continued their fight toward national respect and relevance while beating Fresno State 51-0.

Leading up to the 2011 season, Boise State was once again chosen by Nike to grace the gridiron with a new set of Pro Combat jerseys. The broncos quietly came out of the Georgia Dome tunnel donned in all white. The Broncos battled in these storm trooper-esque uniforms to a 35-21 victory.  This instantly became the favorite scheme ever for Bronco fans across the nation.

During this homecoming game, the Broncos will be taking on a new look as history is once again rewritten. Images of a matte black helmet have been floating around the social media blogosphere for months on end. The Broncos will make their way out of the tunnel versus UNLV wearing all black.  Ever since the first Pro Combat uniforms were worn, fans everywhere have hoped that Bronco Stadium would one day see a black-out. As this new uniform is introduced for the first time, the Broncos hope to continue their new uniform win-streak with a victory over the UNLV Running Rebels. When Boise State takes the field this Homecoming game, don’t forget your blackout gear Bronco Nation, and spend some time thinking of what Nike may design next.

What is your favorite uniform combination for Boise State?

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Stereotyping college football fan bases

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Associated Press

In today’s world it is wrong to stereotype people. Well this may be true, but we here at the Blue Turf Nation play by different rules, maybe because half the world doesn’t know where Idaho even is. Today we will stereotype the average fan for schools that BSU has played in recent years.

 

1. Nevada fans aka (the one game wonder fan)

Crowd at any Nevada game not against Boise State

In Reno Nevada there isn’t much to do besides gamble away your weekly check at the local casino and wait for the Boise game to come around every year, thus the “one game wonder” fan. While traveling through Nevada you have a better chance of seeing Mitt Romney at brothel a than seeing someone wearing Wolf Pack gear.  When it comes time for the BSU game they try to fill their little po-dunk stadium by offering buffets after the game for the 55 and older crowd, and when it comes to showing class before and after games Nevada fans are about as classy as Howard Stern.

 

2. Utah fans aka (the at least will beat BYU fan)

We beat BYU! Success!

Fans down in SLC have had a lot to be happy for the last couple of years. First they got out of a home and home series with Boise State, second they left the MWC the same year Boise State joined, and finally they don’t have to kiss the pinkie of Your Hairness Craig Thompson (MWC commish) anymore. Then the PAC 12 happened. Ute fans are so proud of that PAC 12 logo they asked NASA if the Rover could throw a few stickers around on Mars for them. Utah doesn’t care even if they lose to Southern Utah Christian College.  As long as they beat BYU every year it was “great” season.

 

3. BYU fans aka (Why am I cheering??? fan)

BYU band members show their excitement

Welcome to Happy Valley! Land of all-inter mural team members and the “poof”. One thing you have got to give up to these people are the way they are loyal to the sports teams. Go anywhere in Utah and there will be a middle-aged woman making jello and a man sitting in the lazy boy telling Bronco Mendenhall to go for it when it is 4th and 26. BYU games are the one time where you would see a family of 18 taking up an entire row with fiancées, babies, and women quilting, and when the stadium goes loud they all stand up and try to figure out, “why am I cheering?”

4. Boise State Fans aka (BCS or Bust fan)

Last, but not least, Bronco Nation. We as Bronco Nation pride ourselves for thinking we know more than other fan bases.  Maybe it’s because if we listen to Coach Pete enough we all think we are football geniuses. After last week’s not so impressing win against BYU we have heard some pretty outrageous comments coming from some BSU bandwagoners wearing their Fiesta bowl hats. The true fans know that we won’t win every game and we won’t be in the National Title hunt every year. Here at Blue Turf Nation we think we should just shut up and show up for our Broncos no matter what.

There are many different opinions out there about fan bases with all of their stereotypes. Have you had experiences with any of these types of fans at games? How do you think Bronco Nation is seen around the nation? Are we the smartest, best looking fan base in the country? How should one treat a Boise State bandwagoner? Drop a note and maybe a story or two about your dealings with fans around the country.

 

2012 Boise State Bobbleheads

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As I have been reviewing our site stats, I have noticed that many people are being directed to The Blue Turf Nation through search engines looking for Bobble-heads.  Well you ask and we deliver!  Here is some information on the 2012 Boise State Bobble-heads from Jackson’s food stores:

If you don’t have it already, the George Iloka Bobble-head came out September 14th.  Tyler Shoemaker will be released September 28th while Billy Winn will be unleashed on Bronco Nation October 12th.  Doug Martin will be plowing through the beef jerky and 92 ounce sodas at every Jackson’s store on October 19th, and get your lawn chairs, sleeping bags and riot gear ready to camp out for the Kellen Moore Bobble-head on October 26th.

If you are wondering if the store near you has what you want, Jackson’s has provided a nice little spreadsheet to see who has what (not sure how the Meridian store got to -7 but I am pretty sure someone is getting fired!).

Oh, and if you have some extra M-80′s left over from the 4th you can always make a run to the border and pick up this guy to blow up:

Bobble-heads are limited to two per customer and will set you back $7 or $5 if you feel like shoving a couple of Blue Bunny ice cream sandwiches down your throat.

The Blue Turf Nation is considering buying one of each to give away to our loyal followers.  What say you , readers?

Bronco Nation NOW: Home of the Bronco Nation Podcast

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The more things change the more they stay the same. The Bronco Nation Podcast is back full time on Bronco Nation NOW! For the past two season the BNP has been housed at Blue Turf Nation.

I wanted to thank Cliff Marks and gang for letting the show hang out on their site. Cliff let me know last week the he was moving away from working on the site full time to pursue his passion in Photography. If you haven’t seen his photos please do so at CliffMarksJr.com. Between work and photography Cliff has certainly had his hands full. I appreciate the need to give up on the blog and go after a different passion.

As for the Bronco Nation NOW Version 2.0 I have reloaded the servers and completed a quick design to get me through this season. The main URL http://bronconationnow.com will land you on the News portion of the site. I have loaded up many different sources from around the valley for your reading pleasure.

To get to the Opinion part of the site go to http://bronconationnow.com/category/blog. Webcasts can be found at http://bronconationpodcast.com. Even easier simply click on the link to each tab. You can also listen to the BNP on Stitcher via your, iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and WebOS device by following this link.

I have also started a Facebook Fan Page @ http://facebook.com/BroncoNationNow Please “like us” there. The twitter handle is as always @theBNPodcast.

If should you want to become a contributer to the site I am happy to have the help.  Please contact me.  Thanks for your support and most importantly GO BRONCOS!!!

 

 

Tailgating for Dummies- a Q & A

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Game week for our first home game is here, Bronco Fans, and unless you have gotten some tailgating practice in this off-season (Blue & Orange game, fall scrimmage) you may have some  pre-tailgate jitters.  Don’t worry!  I am here to help, Bronco Nation!  I have all of your answers regarding where to tailgate, what to eat, tailgate etiquette, and even some ”guidelines” from Boise State.

 

Q:  Where do I park?

A:  If you don’t know that by now be prepared to get up at 5am and play parallel parking chicken with other cars/trucks/school busses/ 70 foot motor homes on University drive, where parking is first come first serve.  All stadium lots are reserved, as are Bronco Circle, the Denver lot, and the Manitou lot.  You can pay to park on campus at the Administration building, and both the Lincoln and Brady garages.  If you plan on tailgating in a garage you may as well just stay home, however. That’s just stupid. Here is the BAA map.  Be careful if you park in the Lincoln garage as it looks like it is either filled with water or blue snakes!

Q:  Ok, I have a parking spot!  How early before the game should I get there?

A: Most tailgating “experts” recommend arriving no later than six hours before game time.  This give you plenty of time to set up, prepare your feast, eat, discuss other intriguing games of the day, such as if LSU can score 100 on Idaho, drink, eat, play games, wander around the parking lot to see what others are eating/drinking, listen to the pre-game show, eat, drink some more, wander around the parking lot to see if you can get free beverages, pack up the tailgate, find your tickets, and OH CRAP I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU HAD THE TICKETS?!

Q:  What do I eat?

A:  Umm what DON’T you eat?  For afternoon games it is common to prepare a breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns etc. and then have a “light lunch” before going in. We like to plan a menu for each week, and many tailgaters like having a theme for their tailgates, such as “every kind of dead animal we can grill” theme.  Whatever you do, DO NOT BRING FAST FOOD to a tailgate party.  You may as well stay home.  Or tailgate in a parking garage.

Q: What do you consider a “light” lunch?

A:  Bratwurst, chili, chips & dip, cheeseburgers, wings, baked potatoes, a cake decorated like a football field (blue frosting, of course!), chorizos, and BBQ sandwiches

Q:  What do I wash all that food down with?

A:  Okay, here’s where it gets tricky my friends.  For those of you so inclined, beer is the correct answer here.  However, on Boise State’s campus and surrounding areas, you can’t, at any time look as if you are drinking beer.  You must find ways to conceal your beer of choice.  If you are lucky enough to tailgate in the reserved areas of Bronco Stadium, a solo cup should be enough to conceal your beverage, as the “authorities” will look the other way.  If you are outside of these areas it’s time to get creative.  If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages for your festivities, drink away!  In public!  Right out of the can!  Whatever your choice is, bring plenty of it.  You don’t want to be that guy that runs out of beverages at a tailgate party.

Q:  Wait, beer with eggs?

A:  Yes.  These six weeks of fall when we have home games are the only times it is socially acceptable to have beer with breakfast.  Take advantage of it!

Q:  What do I wear?

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No!

A:  First, be sure to check the weather.  You don’t want to be wearing jeans when it is 95 degrees, or shorts when it’s 45.  You also might want to check what color your section is assigned for the particular game you are attending.  Obviously blue or orange is accepted no matter what.  And the same rule that applies to eggs and beer applies to grown men wearing jerseys.  This is the only time of the year it is socially acceptable, so throw on your old #41!  Make sure you have a hat and sunglasses, and whatever you do, unless you are attending a University of Florida game, NO JORTS ALLOWED!

Q:  I have received numerous emails, letters, and pamphlets from Boise State stating “Drinking games involving alcohol are prohibited”.  What are they talking about?

A: I am assuming they are referring to the ever popular and soon to be Olympic sport of Beer Pong.

Q:  Is trying to drink as much Natty Light as possible before the game/halftime/when your wife isn’t looking considered a “drinking game”?

A:  No.  These fall more in the “personal challenge” category.

Q:  The pamphlet also says, “any activity which promotes alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited”.  So, are they cancelling football season?

A: Sigh…

Q: Any other tips?

A:  Have fun, be responsible, pace yourself and stay hydrated.  Welcome anyone and everyone who stops by, regardless of team affiliation, and offer them food and drink.  Tailgating is one of those things that makes college football awesome.  Enjoy it.  Go Broncos!