Boise State is finally potty trained

Mommy wow, these Broncos are big kids now!

OK, OK, Boise State has already been to -- and won -- a BCS bowl game. And Fresno State still hasn't. But Boise State backed in that year with a wussified schedule while Fresno State was sticking to its "anyone, anywhere, anytime" mantra it has never wavered from.

But this past Saturday, Boise State made history by beating a BCS-conference team on the road (Oregon) for the first time ever. Winning at Autzen Stadium isn't easy...even if Oregon was using it's fifth-string quarterback. So the Broncos should be congratulated.

But come on...what's up with this sudden Boise State lovefest in the national media? They jump from unranked to No. 19 and No. 20 in the two major polls, leapfroging Fresno State? Why, because they beat an Oregon team that is notorious for crumbling when its starting QB gets injured (the Ducks blew BCS bowl hopes at Arizona last year for cryin' out loud...Arizona!).

Suddenly, Fresno State is an afterthought after losing by 3 points to the now No. 8/No. 9 Wisconsin Badgers. People, it seems, just expect the 'Dogs to win every big-time non-conference game nowadays while Boise State hides behind its Smurf turf playing the Idaho States of the world.

If -- and this is a huge if right now -- Fresno State wins the rest of its games, and Boise State the rest of its games up to the finale, then can anyone with a conscience honestly rank the Broncos ahead of the Bulldogs when one played three BCS-conf. teams and the other just one?

Apparently, ESPN's Graham Watson and Mark Schizzlegizzlebah (better check that spelling) are already officially off the Fresno State bandwagon and aboard Boise State's. Here's what Schlabach most recently wrote:

4. Don't forget about Boise State.
If a Mountain West team doesn't finish unbeaten, the Broncos might be the team from a non-BCS conference that crashes the BCS party. Boise State is the class of the WAC after upsetting Oregon 37-32 on the road Saturday. Quarterback Kellen Moore is playing well, and tailback Ian Johnson is still running on the blue artificial turf. The Broncos might be 11-0 heading into a Nov. 28 home game against No. 25 Fresno State.

So let's see here, Boise State beat one BCS-conf. team on the road (for the first time ever might I reiterate) and Fresno State has also beaten one (and will go for No. 2 at UCLA on Saturday). Sounds like the 'Dogs have just as good a case right now to me. And that Ian Johnson character he's hyping up...well he hasn't rushed for 100 yards yet this year and averaged a measley 2.1 yards per carry against Oregon.

Oh, and Watson...you really think there are SEVEN non-BCS-conference teams better than Fresno State? Really? Talk about a dip in credibility...

Grading the No. 25 'Dogs (2-1) at Toledo (1-2)

Quarterbacks: B
Brandstater got stronger as the game wore on, completing his final 10 passes and was 22 of 28 with 4 passing TDs and 1 rushing.

Running Backs: B-
Overtime dominance bumps them up; Harding emerges with 31-yard TD run, but also fumbled, as did Miller.

Receivers: A-
Came through with limited downfield opportunities coaches allowed them; Ajirotutu established himself as go-to guy and Moore finally made some plays. Pascoe and Kinter big as well with TDs. West was a blocking beast.

Offensive Line: C
Cunningham still seems to be hurting team with lack of quickness and team is allowing tons of pressure on Brandstater; allowed a couple more passes to be batted early.

Defensive Line: D+
Pass rush almost non-existent, though Harrell came up with huge pressure on final play. Allowed a plethora of rushing yards with no containment by the ends. Not have injured Monga and Banks was almost the downbringing.

Linebackers: C
Plummer's and Herron's tackling was pathetic, though Herron jumped in front of final pass to clinch win. Jacobs is quickly becoming one of the best in school history against the run, still has work to do in passing game.

Defensive Backs: B+
Missed some tackles, but Harris had big hit and Jorde had 11 tackles. Haynes hardly played.

Special Teams: C+
No excuse for Baxter not having team better prepared (in position to retrieve 10-yard kick) for tricky onside kick. Also allowed fake punt early. Moore improved on his pointing to the ball on punt returns but is still doing absolutely zero back there. Jefferson burst into kick return form. Goessling rebounded nicely and would have likely made 58-yard game-winning attempt from the other hash.