October 8, 2009

I SSU E

14

The Independent Student Voice of Boise State Since 1933

Volume 22

First Issue

F R E E

OCTOBER 08, 2009

ARBITERONLINE.COM

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A new smoking controversy

FINISH IN

BELEGARTH

FOUR

PART II

ADVERSITY 4

PREVAILS

6

“Finish in Four” offers fast-track graduation, guidance BENJAMIN MACK Journalist

Graduating from college, it seems, is oftentimes a Herculean task, about as easy as beating the Broncos on the blue turf with a freshman quarterback or swimming in the Olympics with a broken leg. But there is help for

students who want it.

Created to combat its low four-year graduation rate, Boise State’s “Finish in Four” program began in fall 2008 to help students graduate in four years. And the university is willing to fork over the money for tuition for participants who don’t graduate in that amount of time as long as they prove they made an effort to do so.

A student promoted petition is in the works

2

GLENN LANDBERG/THE ARBITER

Dusty Aunan, 22, a psychology major, hopes to graduate in four years.

Boise State Graduation Rates

According to its Web site, the “Finish in Four” plan’s main goal “is to facilitate, through a contract between the participating student and Boise State University, a student’s goal of graduating from Boise State in four years.” To do that, students who sign an agreement with the university are paired up with an adviser who helps them decide what courses to take and meets with them regularly to check-up on their progress.

The program is highly lauded since its launch, with Boise State President Bob Kustra offering his praise in a press release.

“This program ensures student success,” Kustra said. “It is designed to give students who have the desire and motivation to complete a degree at Boise State University in four years the support they need to achieve their goal.”

According to the “Finish in Four” website operated by the university, full-time and incoming freshmen are eligible to sign up until the end of their first semester by meeting with an academic adviser. There is no cost to students to participate in the program and no penalty for students who withdraw. Participants should plan to enroll for 16 to 18 credits per semester in order to make satisfactory progress.

Not all programs participate. As of fall 2009, 41 programs were participating.

BSU’s program is the only one of its kind in Idaho. According to statistics from collegeresults.org, Boise State’s 2007, 6.2 percent, four-year graduation rate is the latest available figure.

Statistics courtesy Boise State Registrar’s office and collegeresults.org

Six-year graduation rate 26.2%

A view of the battlefield See what The Arbiter

Four-year gradutaion rate 6% Overall graduation rate 28% University of Idaho graduation rate 53%

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MAJOR: Civil Engineering AGE: 18 YEAR: Freshman

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BSU faculty senate debating decrease in credit requirement for graduation MIKE JOHNSON Journalist

The Boise State faculty senate is currently discussing the possibility of lowering the amount of credits required for graduation from 128 to 120 in several departments, according to professor Mary Stohr, senate liaison for the Academic Standards committee.

Boise State University is presently in the minority of colleges and universities in the region when it comes to graduation requirements, requiring 128 credits rather than 120.

“The additional 8-credit-hours do not pro-

vide a cost benefit to the university, they prolong the time required for students to graduate, and there is some concern that it contributes to lower graduation rates,” professor Owen McDougal, president of the faculty senate said.

The motion was introduced into the senate by provost Sona Andrews, who believes lowering the graduation requirement would not only allow students to graduate in a timelier manner, but would also require departments to rethink learning objectives.

The lowered requirement would also have the benefit of allowing faculty to teach fewer sections, freeing time for other activities like re-

search. If the minimum were lowered, it would be on a department-specific basis.

According to McDougal, while departments such as Art have already requested a lower requirement in an effort to compete with other Art programs in the region, departments such as Chemistry have a national accreditation that requires the 128 credit standard.

“The lowering of graduation credits would be program dependent and an option rather than a mandate,” McDougal said.

The Academic Standards committee is currently reviewing the motion and discussing formation of policy.

The Arbiter ! arbiteronline.com

2

OCTOBER 08, 2009

Student creates petition to overturn smoking ban Nikki Houston Journalist

As of Monday, more than 200 signatures have been collected for a petition to allow designated smoking areas on campus.

After banning smoking on campus at the beginning of the school year, Camille Nichols, a junior psychology major, has started a petition to fire back saying students not only want designated areas but with more security. Since the ban was issued for the fall of 2009, students have been asked to smoke off campus, however, campus lines are not clearly defined according to students.

Many students have gathered at the Friendship Bridge to have to smoke, not realizing BSU controls the section of the greenbelt from Capital to Broadway up to high water marker. Therefore, smoking is prohibited on this section of the Greenbelt and the Friendship bridge.

One problem with students smoking on the Bridge is disposing buttes. There isn't a designated area for smokers on the Greenbelt.

“It feels strange smoking when people are walking by when I smoke at the bridge,” said Yutaro Matsumoto, a senior accounting major.

“I try and go over the bridge toward the park when there are a lot of people in the area. I noticed that there are a lot of cigarette buttes in nik bjustrom/THE ARBITER

the area, but I carry a portable ashtray with me at all times.”

Some students argue that the bridge technically isn’t located on campus, hence smokers should be allowed to smoke along the Greenbelt and bridge.

“Not on the bridge…those cigarettes are for sure ending up in the river. I understand people wanting to smoke, but designate another spot so they don’t destroy the river.” said biology graduate student, Janet Layne. “Smokers don’t tend to be so litter conscious.”

Nichols is still working on getting the details and goals together, but in the mean time is meeting with members of the FAA and the campus policy members.

“It seems that a much better solution would have been to set up smoking areas behind buildings facing the green belt path where very little foot traffic occurs." said Brian, a senior English major.

In addition to overturning the smoking ban, Nichols wants students to be aware of safety on-campus. The petition is not only about smoking but about the general safety of students who chose to go off campus to smoke.

“It’s about finding the best new solution,” said Nichols.

BSU will offer Freedom From Smoking Seminars Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Alexander Room in the SUB. The classes will be each Wednesday through Nov. 18.

Boise State’s graduation rate one of lowest in West Benjamin Mack Journalist

Alicia Webb planned to major in music at Boise State, be graduated in four years. Yet things didn’t exactly work out that way, said the fourth-year student from Salem, Ore. “[For my] first two years, I was taking music classes and was only able to take one, maybe two other classes a semester,” Webb said. “This summer, when I went to talk to my adviser, he wasn’t able to give me any information. I talked to the communication department dean who told me that after looking at my info, he had no idea why I thought I would be able to graduate in spring 2010.”

Boise State’s six-year graduation rate stood at 26.2 percent in 2008, according to university statistics. BSU’s four-year graduation rate, according to statistics from collegeresults.org, was 6.2 percent. These numbers came despite being listed as one of the “top up-and-coming schools” in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, and a drive by the university to increase its academic profile.

The statistics were compiled after a 2002 study followed 1,655 students as they pursued bachelor’s degrees for six years. Of the group, 434 graduated within time frame.

Some students aren’t surprised by BSU’s low numbers.

“Classes aren’t offered when you need them, and the times offered and the number of classes offered don’t match up,” said Jenna Lineberger, a fifth-year student majoring in public relations.

Lineberger was previously a marketing major, but switched after four years. She hopes to graduate in spring 2010 -- after taking 21 credits that semester alone.Third-year student Joe Garner agreed with Lineberger.

“The university does not provide key classes on a consistent basis,” Garner said.

“I took audio production in the communication department to get involved with radio, and I needed advanced audio to fulfill my requirements. The class has only been offered one time in two years!”

Garner said he was lucky to get into the class, but others weren’t so fortunate -meaning they would have to wait another two years to take the class.

According to a study by the American En-

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terprise Institute for Public Policy Research published on June 3, Boise State’s graduation rate ranked among the lowest among all public universities in the West, with a 28 percent, overall graduation rate. The University of Idaho, by comparison, had a 53 percent overall graduation rate.

In his State of the University Address Aug. 19, President Bob Kustra did not mention improving the graduation rate.

As of press time, the university had not responded to an email sent to the Registrar’s Office seeking comment.

Students blame the low graduation rate on a number of causes. “(Advisers will) send you on a wild goose chase for PNs (permission numbers) and instructor approval (to take a class),” Lineberger said.

Lineberger, a former BSU cheerleader, also said some professors refuse to accommodate the schedules of student-athletes, despite a policy that stated they must.

Lineberger said she knows a lot of students who have stopped attending.

Sean Mitchell, a fourth-year business communications major, thinks the economy may be a factor in students not graduating.

He said he has been a part-time student (defined as enrolled in less than 12 credits a semester) in the past because of financial difficulties.

Even non-students are concerned about BSU’s graduation rate. Tim Hassinen, a student at Portland Community College in Portland, Ore., said he had been considering attending BSU after earning his associate degree, but changed his mind after hearing about the low graduation rate. Hassinen said he considered Western Oregon University, which had a 46 percent graduation rate.

A slew of new programs introduced by the university, which included the controversial “Finish in Four” plan which helped students graduate in four years, had not been in place long enough to have an impact on graduation rates, as studies often take years. It will not be known what impact the “Finish in Four” plan had on graduation rates until 2012 at the earliest.

Despite what many students perceive as the university’s unwillingness to assist students, Mitchell offered some advice for those trying to graduate. “A lot of people shift what they want to do,” Mitchell said. “Have a good plan and be committed to it.”

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3

OCTOBER 08, 2009

News flash: ‘Twilight’ not romantic rible prose. The whole novel reads like a self-insert fan-fiction written by a 13 yearold girl on Livejournal. Meyer’s voice is overly-florid, amateurish and redundant.

I lost half an IQ point every time I flipped a page and three points for every superfluous re-description of the perfection of Edward Cullen, the book’s male love interest.

Edwards “perfection” is just one example of Meyer’s one-dimensional characterization. The protagonist, Bella Swan, is absolutely insufferable. She is a mentally defective, personality-less, teary-eyed wreck of a human being. Bella, throughout the book, tears up at the drop of a hat, such as when her father put chains on her truck tires. Being the narrator, she spends a page telling the reader what she’s like, but her actions as a character only work to show how in love she is with Edward.

She says she’s smart and deep, and the only evidence presented is her saying that she’s read “Wuthering Heights.” That’s like saying you’re deep because you shop at Hot Topic. She also claims to be plain and pale, yet within the first two days at her new school, she has three boys tailing her. Her only characterized flaw is a level of clumsiness that could only be a symptom of a severe inner-ear disorder.

The flat characters might be a little more bearable if they were buried in some semblance of a plot, but after the cast of side characters get their line and a half of description each, the next several hundred

“

pages serve no other purpose than that of making Edward look good. The potentially exciting vampire baseball game never gets off the ground and Bella passes out before the climax. Since she’s the narrator, the reader only knows what happened because someone tells her afterward. And no, “Edward is a vampire and Bella loves him” does not count as a plot.

The worst thing about the book is not how it’s written or even what it’s written about, but rather the subtextual message.

Throughout the whole series, Bella is made powerless by Edward and the other men in her life. When she doesn’t go where Edward wants her to, he physically moves her. He monitors her every move using either his telepathy or his “vampire” powers. He watches her sleep before they even exchange words and all she worries about is if she drooled.

Later in the series, he forbids her from seeing her friends, and so cuts the fuel line in her truck to enforce his wishes. In book four, “Breaking Dawn,” Bella’s first experience with sex involves her blacking out and waking up covered in bruises.

Stephanie Meyer’s point in the books is to show how utterly dedicated Bella is to Edward. She does this by wasting ten pages of blank paper after Edward leaves in book two, as if to say that Bella is nothing without Edward. In case you hadn’t picked up on it yet, this mind set is extremely dysfunc-

Bella’s first experience with sex involves her blacking out and waking up covered in bruises.

Columnist

To a lot of people, the “Twilight” fad is old news, but there is still a distressing number of adamant fans. With the upcoming release of the movie adaptation of “New Moon,” something needs to be said, so I’m going to come right out and say it: Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” is a terrible book. I don’t dislike it because I’m male and therefore don’t “get it,” I dislike it because I can read critically, a skill which many seem to lack.

There are so, so many things wrong this book, but the most obvious is Meyer’s ter-

“

Josh Gamble

JOSH GAMBLE

tional, unhealthy and downright creepy.

However, it’s not portrayed as such, it’s portrayed as romantic. “Twilight’s” depiction of love seems to involve the woman surrendering all power and giving everything she is to the man. The point of Bella’s character is “I love you, put a baby in me,” which sets women back by about 60 years.

None of this is acknowledged in the context of the books or in interviews with the author. This wouldn’t be as big of a deal as it is if the books weren’t marketed to young teenage girls. As teenagers, most people biologically lack the ability to think or read critically, so if the book says an abusive relationship is romantic, then there’s no disputing that. After all, it was in a book.

Just because Edward does the things he does “out of love” does not mean it’s okay.

Just because Bella says he’s perfect doesn’t mean he is, and just because the novel says their relationship is wonderful and romantic doesn’t mean that it’s even close to the truth.

Young girls who read these books aren’t following this thought process, and instead internalize it as true at face value. Unless they are taught or realize otherwise, this is the kind of relationship they will try to replicate, leading to unhealthy behavior patterns and ideas about love.

Girls, if you want romance, pick up a Jane Austen, Meg Cabot or Tamora Pierce novel. They are all much more well-written with stronger heroines and more healthy relationships. If you really want vampires, check out the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris or “Undead and Unwed”

by Mary Janice Davidson. I can’t tell people not to read Stephanie Meyer’s works, but please, put some thought into what you’re reading.

Boise State evaluates credit, debit card use on campus MIKE JOHNSON Journalist

Officials at BSU are assessing the cost of campus credit and debit card use. BSU may charge a small fee when students use their cards as a payment method.

Because of the fees, BSU would be forced to no longer accept Visa, due to the company’s policies regarding the application of additional surcharges.

This would be done in an effort to reduce the cost of credit/debit card usage and to encourage the use of options like E-check on Bronco Web, which is free to students and to the university, according to associate vice president for Finance and Administration Jo Ellen DiNucci.

DeNucci said, “It is true that we are evaluating the cost of accepting credit cards,” and claimed that both credit and debit cards are “very costly.”

She also stressed that no decision has been made and could not give any likelihood there will be a decision made.

The thought of restricting payment methods to cash or E-checks seems inconvenient to some.

Student Melissa Smith said, “people just don’t carry cash all the time,” and went further to claim that BSU would lose business if they decided to eliminate card usage.

Student Rochelle Chippewa said the change would be “absolutely ridiculous,” claiming students are nickel-and-dimed enough.

“We already pay enough to go to school, along with eating on campus and paying for books,” Chippewa stated. “I would consider other schools and other options. People can’t afford other fees – we’re in a recession.”

GLENN LANDBERG/THE ARBITER

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FINISH IN FOUR

OCTOBER 08, 2009

1

BELEGARTH

ADVERSITY

PART II

PREVAILS

Belegarth Part two: The field of battle J. FREEMAN DEJONGH Journalist

M

arch into the foreign realm of Rath. It is cold. Winter winds descend from gray skies, bringing the message of a brittle battle, of a season reaching its end. Warriors clad in heavy armor and winter garb warm their fingers.

If their foam blades and wooden shields were made of steel and iron, they would shimmer with ice.

Battle season has nearly passed.

Two lines face each other from across a 40-yard gap. ”Ready!” Sir Parr Ohmsford, knight and leader of the realm, yells.

The opposing line returns the affirmation.

“Lay on!”

For the sake of superiority, victory, warriors battle with full force.

Swords sting in the cold, arrows whistle through the crisp air.

Sir Parr, Battle Christ and War are among the fearsome few who are always the last standing. Battle Christ fights with sword and board, an emblem of wings and a halo are depicted on his shield.

Sir Par, dressed in a menacing and intricately armored coat of purple, also battles with sword and board,

though when observed, it is evident that he is proficient in all weaponry.

War, leader of a San Diego-based unit, the Vargain Guard, also holds affinity for this combination.

Though he says, “When I started, I used a hammer and a mallet, mostly for intimidation.”

War describes his battle style as, “aggressive and hard.”

Sir Parr describes his as, “a traditional medieval fighting style.”

Kami, one of the few Urak-Hai present, said the Urak-Hai fighting style is, “a steam roller, we move slowly, are heavily armored and use power weapons, large swords and shields.”

Monkey, who fights only for himself, considers himself a spearman. His spear is easily six feet long and looks able to topple a horse.

“I moved with the group and

stab anyone who comes near me,” Monkey said.

Though chaotic, this battleground is not a free-for-all. There is a code of conduct outlined in, “The Book of War” which states what hit is considered a kill and where a warrior can and cannot hit.

Head shots are illegal. Some weapons take two hits to make a kill. Weapons must be safe and regularly checked. It is the duty of the Chief Marshall to check weapons and maintain battle safety.

Armor must be made of alloys specific to the time period, bronze, copper and iron. It must not have protruding edges.

Shields must be padded, as well as all striking surfaces. The book covers every aspect of Belegarth battle. Though fearsome, players believe in a safe and fair sport.

As the season is ending, battle

Sir Par hovers 1 inch above the ground whilst he battles, securing his authority as King.

Wargrimm foresees his fate before being killed by King Par.

will halt until springtime. New officials are elected for the next season. A new King and Queen will take reign.

A Duke, who acts as vice president to the King, will be elected.

As well as a scribe, who acts as secretary and treasurer, a chief marshall and a War Council representative, who communicates with the national War Council.

Whilst the winter turns, these officials will plan and maintain the sport. They will build weapons, sew garb and become familiar with their new positions.

As the weather dictates, the realm of Rath is closing its fighting season. Early next spring, along with the flowers and green grass, swordsmen will again take on their weapons and polish their skills through the summer.

Pey Eoo crosses blades with Elerossse.

Battle Christ (BC) reigns down upon his opponent.

PHOTOS BY GLENN LANDBERG/THE ARBITER

ZACH GANSCHOW Producer

Witness the carnage described from the safety of your internet! Watch Part II of the video series for live battles and an intimate look at the Rath players.

Don’t forget to view Part I first.

0:18 / 2:38

HQ

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OCTOBER 08, 2009

Red zone continues to haunt BSU TRENT LOOTENS Producer

Boise State hasn’t scored a point during the first quarter in the last two games against Bowling Green and UC Davis. Like a train, the offense takes a while to start moving, but once it gets up to speed, it’s hard to stop.

Second quarters are a much different story for the offense. Look back on the past two games, when BSU has exploded in the second quarter scoring 42 combined points - 29 of those against BGSU. The game against UC Davis left the Broncos with a bad taste in their mouth even though they were able to take a shutout into halftime up 13-0.

“Guys are taking this seriously. Even though we won that game it still felt like a loss,” senior fullback Richie Brockel said, his expression serious. “We want to come back and put things together quickly to avoid situations like that in the future.”

The situations Brockel is referring to are in the red zone.

In the past, the Broncos have been lights out inside opponents 20-yard line. This season, though, the Broncos have struggled in the red zone. Currently ranked No. 80 in the nation for red zone efficiency behind fellow Western Athletic Conference teams No. 66 Idaho, No. 18. Louisiana Tech and No. 1 Utah State, who is tied with several teams for the top spot.

Against UC Davis, the Broncos had several chances to put the game out of reach, but failed to produce when it mattered most, on the goal line.

“On the goal line we just weren’t clean enough. Davis did a good job of attacking gaps and taking some chances to help themselves,” Boise State head coach Chris Petersen said. “We didn’t have a body for a body. We did on paper, but our guys weren’t getting there.”

Not being able to produce on the goal line is a serious concern for BSU. They failed to convert on many goal line chances against Oregon that could’ve put the game

away for good and the same goes for UC Davis. Having to rely on fade routes to Austin Pettis due to the ineffectiveness of the goal line offense is not how coaches like to do things at BSU. From the first drive of the UC Davis game it was apparent the Broncos still have plenty to work on.

After moving methodically down the field on their first drive the Broncos were stuffed on UC Davis’ 1-yard line after having a first-and-goal opportunity. The turnover on downs was not the way the Broncos had drawn up the beginning of the game.

“I believe if we score on that first drive it’s a different fell for the whole rest of the game,” Petersen said.

Getting the red zone offense together before BSU’s clash with Tulsa next Wednesday night on ESPN is top priority.

Tulsa throws the ball 80 percent of the time and is capable of putting up piles of points. If the Broncos can’t match Tulsa’s offensive production it could be a long night for BSU.

The BSU offense lines up against Fresno State at Fresno during the 2009 football season.

KIRK BELL/THE ARBITER

Bronco Athletics at a glance COURTESY OF BRONCO SPORTS BOISE STATE’S THONGDACH, MEGALE PLACE SECOND Boise State’s Pichittra Thongdach and Lauren Megale earned a second-place finish in doubles at the Midland Racquet Club Collegiate Invitational with a 3-1 record. The duo, ranked No. 33 in the ITA preseason rankings, defeated opponents from Rice, Nebraska and Texas A&M before falling to TCU’s Megan Alexander and Kayla Duncan.

BRONCOS WRESTLING NO. 9 IN W.I.N. PRESEASON RANKINGS On Monday (Oct. 5) Wrestling Insider Newsmagazine announced the release of its preseason Division I Tournament Power Index (TPI) and individual rankings for 2009-10, and Boise State has started the season ranked No. 9 with five wrestlers ranked in the top-11 for their respective weight classes.

BSU'S RUIZ NAMED WAC CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Boise State’s sophomore goalkeeper Liz Ruiz made a sweep of two weekly honors this week for her performance in Boise State’s 1-0 road victory over Louisiana Tech in a torrential down pour of rain in Ruston, La., on Sunday. The Boise native (Capital High) who had been named earlier today as Boise State’s Athlete of the Week has also been named the Western Athletic Conference’s Co-Defensive Player of the Week for Sept. 28-Oct.4. Ruiz battled through the elements and a slew of shots from the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters to earn this week’s honors. Ruiz recorded her second shutout of the season to lead the Broncos to their first WAC win of the year and a road split over the weekend. Ruiz made seven saves versus La Tech with six of them coming in the second half to preserve the win for Boise State. She leads the team with 42 saves in eight games between the posts this season. The win improved her record in goal to 4-3-1 on the year and the Broncos to 6-4-4 overall and 1-1 in the WAC while handing the Lady Techsters only their second loss of the season.

TWO WEEK CALENDER FOR HOME EVENTS

10/8

10/9

10/10

10/11

Volleyball

Soccer

Men’s Tennis

Soccer

vs. New Mexico State @ 7:00 p.m.

vs. Utah State @ 4:00 p.m.

BSU Fall Classic

Men’s Tennis BSU Fall Classic

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief

Shannon Morgan editor@arbiteronline.com

Media Manager

Josh Rasmussen Online Editor

Jenn Kniss

Managing Editor

Bob Beers

Multimedia Editor

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Nik Bjurstrom Editors:

Kirk Bell Sonia Trevizo Andrew Ford Editorial Advisors:

Steve Lyon Dan Morris

Journalists:

Ben Mack Andrew Johnson Josh Gamble Margaret Reimer Ryan Johnson Steven Mercado Tony Rogers Matt Guerrero Chris Bodovinitz Mike Johnson Nikki Houston Jennifer Spencer Andrew Stevens Mitch Esplin Bryce Getusky Kim King

vs. Nevada @ 1:00 p.m

10/12

10/17

10/22

Volleyball

Swim & Dive

Volleyball

vs. Idaho @ 7:00 p.m.

Community Managers:

Iko Vannoy Brittney Johnson Jen Merrill

vs. Utah State

Men’s Tennis BSU Fall Classic

PRODUCTION

BUSINESS

Production Manager

General Manager

Production Coordinators

barendt@boisestate.edu

Jeremy A. Oliver Lindsey Ward Eli Meuler

Lead Graphic Designer

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Graphic Designers

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Marketing Director

Jennifer Orr Bookkeeper

Shae Hanah

Video Editor

Gray Battson

vs. Washington State @ 7:00 p.m.

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uest opinions of no more than 500 words may be submitted for publication on any topic.

Letters to the Editor must not exceed 300 words and must include the writer’s full name, city, state and major (if applicable). All submissions are subject to, but will not necessarily be edited. Both guest opinions and Letters to the Editor may be sent via e-mail to managingeditor@arbiteronline.com. The Arbiter cannot verify the accuracy of statements made in guest submissions. Opinions expressed by guest and staff columnists reflect the diversity of opinion in the academic community and often will be controversial, but they do not represent the institutional opinion of The Arbiter or any organization the author may be affiliated with unless it is labeled as such.

6 FINISH IN

BELEGARTH

FOUR

OCTOBER 08, 2009

1

PART 2

ADVERSITY 4

PREVAILS

Adversity coming at the right time KIRK BELL Editor

JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER

Boise State tight end Kyle Efaw runs after catching a pass from Kellen Moore during the Boise State vs. UC Davis game

Whether it was the hype of a former No. 5 ranking, effort and superior drive of the UC Davis Aggies last Saturday or even the first taste of the elements for the Boise State Broncos, one thing was clear: The now-No. 6 Broncos were not their true form for their homecoming showdown.

Now the goal of BSU head coach Chris Petersen and his staff -- with just short of a week before facing a dangerous Tulsa Hurricane (4-1) football team -- is to set the Bronco's eyes forward and continue with the week-by-week focus that has helped Petersen and company to only four losses in fewer than four seasons.

“I think that’s why, as coaches, we are always on our toes,” Petersen said. “Just trying to keep everybody mentally right, which is hard to do … I guarantee you this. It was never the case of taking (UC) Davis lightly. Not even the slightest.”

Junior linebacker Darrell Acrey exclaimed Davis’ junior quarterback Greg Denham is the best passer BSU has faced this season. He doubled the Broncos’ defensive touchdowns allowed through the air with two more Saturday, which brought the tally to four total. Though he felt the defense played well against the Aggies and allowed just 236 total offensive yards, Acrey doesn’t doubt there were distractions at game time.

“It’s good that we got that out of the way early,” Acrey heaved.

Now the Broncos (5-0) must clear a hurdle. One that has already claimed two victims in Houston (3-1) and No. 18 BYU (4-1) programs that seemed poised and extremely qualified candidates early.

“That’s the problem when you start paying attention to how it’s supposed to go or what the score should be and those types of things,” Petersen said. “That’s why I think that it’s important that we try not to focus on those things and just focus on playing our best, having fun and

not worrying about how it should be.”

Offensive team captain Richie Brockel believes it could be prescriptive to have an experience like they did against Davis.

A humbling experience prior to meeting a Tulsa team which currently holds the No.-16-best passing efficiency rating in the nation.

“I think it’s huge because…after the game we went into the locker room and it just felt like a loss,” the senior fullback/ tight end said. “I know guys are taking this seriously and I know that everybody knows if we were playing somebody else we might not have done this well or we might have lost. I think there’s going to be a little more attention to detail and a little more focus here coming into the next couple of weeks.”

The Broncos were flagged nine times against the Aggies, the most thus far through 2009. Execution issues have been, are and always will be an aspect of week-to-week operations. Being able to fill those gaps and deterring over execution when it rears its ugly head becomes the uphill battle.

“That’s just how it goes,” Petersen said.

“It’s easier said than done to talk about not worrying about making mistakes.

Just play, go have fun and take chances.

Those are things that we’re really going to try and emphasize. These are very prideful guys and they want to do things right, like we all do. That’ll be a good challenge.”

Brockel believes the players have already begun addressing the issues presented over the weekend. The Broncos can either sink or swim in a sea where many teams have floundered in the past.

“I think people are starting to build themselves back up. We’ll see how this practice goes today (Tuesday). I think there will be a lot of energy out there and I think guys are just going to try and get better and focus on us like we normally do. Like we have to do to win.”

BSU meet the Hurricanes at Tulsa, Okla., Oct. 14. The game can be seen on ESPN at 6 p.m. MT.

I think that’s why, as coaches, we are always

ON OUR TOES

Chris Petersen

to you: Time for Bronco Nation’s next level BRITTNEY JOHNSON Community Manager

In the four years I have been a student at Boise State University, I have witnessed some amazing things. I’ll never forget the electric feeling of the 2006 Oregon State game and watching Ian Johnson put his name on the map, or bringing upwards of 40,000 fans to the Fiesta Bowl and witnessing the most amazing college football game ever. I’ll never forget the 2008 Fresno State game and storming the field, and then hosting Oregon to open up the 2009 season and leaving that game the proudest I’ve been to be a Bronco since the Fiesta Bowl.

Saturday night at the UC Davis game, I was the most disappointed I have ever been about Bronco Nation. Boise State went into the game ranked fifth in the nation. If fan bases were being ranked, the Broncos would be lucky to be in the top 50 after Saturday’s showing. I have never been so disgusted in some of our fans. Kudos goes out to those who stayed until the bitter end and cheered for Boise State through thick and thin. The fans who sat silently on their hands the whole game are just the same as the empty seats around them.

The first thing that I noticed was how quiet and empty the student section was. Was this even the same student section that turned out in masses to camp out for tickets for the season opener?

One of the great things about the Blue is the hostile student section that seemed to be taking the weekend off. Long before the season started, this game day was supposed to be the Oregon game.

Would people not have turned out or left that game early because of cold weather? That is a big no. Even though it’s sometimes hard, I would love to see the student body treat every single game like the Oregon game. That is one of the things separating us from the other big programs in college football.

Not only should the student section be loud enough to cause the other team to false start, but also all of Bronco Stadium should live up to the hype saying it sounds much louder than the 34,000 who attend. Bronco Mania should not be limited to only big games. I can’t even imagine what UC Davis fans that made the trip were thinking on their way home. I’m sure some of their thoughts were along the lines of how quiet the crowd was and the fact that the number five team in the nation can’t even sell out a home game.

Lastly, for those couple hundred boos I heard directed toward Kellen Moore, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Give the kid a break. He has one loss during his career, and that one loss was a one-point-loss! If he can’t convert a third down, deal with it because he has shown in his early career that he knows how to win. It makes me

absolutely sick that some would boo him.

So here is a plea to Bronco Nation even though I know it doesn’t include a lot of you (those that stuck it out until the bitter end of the game). If our program is going to reach the heights we know it can reach, our fan base better start acting like the fan base of a top 10 program. Come early and stay late. Lose your voice in rain or shine, hot or cold; show every opponent what the Bronco’s are all about. Have the opponents and their fans leaving Boise thinking how much they wish their fans were as passionate as Bronco Nation. Leave no doubt of Bronco Nation’s support for the players and coaches. Make everyone proud to be apart of this fan base that supports it’s team through thick and thin.

I think some take it for granted how wonderful it is too be able to cheer for a team that knows one thing, winning. So to those fans that do take the Broncos for granted - Stop. We need to realize how lucky the Bronco Nation is to have players and coaches who exemplify superior play and class.

On Oct. 31 it is time to put the pathetic fan outing of last Saturday behind Bronco Nation and show why we are a big part of the most dominate program in the past decade. Show the nation what makes Boise State so special and why the blue is so tough to travel too. It’s time for the Bronco Nation to take it up a notch.

7

OCTOBER 08, 2009

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The Future

BY LINDA C. BLACK Tribune Media Services

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday (10/08/09) Magical energy attaches itself to everything you do. Writing projects move forward at light speed. Keep this age-appropriate. Try to get a lot of work done before noon. Then you can play.

To get the advantage, check the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 7 - Pay attention to even the smallest changes in peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitudes. Use that info to sell your ideas more successfully.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 6 - Words can solve problems now. Take a practical approach to a difficult situation.

Smoothe ruffled feathers later.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 5 - Take care of a difficult problem youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been avoiding.

Express emotions and gain support from a family member.

Today is a 6 - You may not hear what you want to hear, but once you think about it, you realize this is your lucky day after all.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Today is a 5 - Before you make a decision, consider what others want.

Remember, these are your friends!

Today is an 8 - No matter what you say today, nothing seems to work.

Tomorrow is another day, and things will look different.

Today is an 8 - Take heed: What other people say truly matters, even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think so. Use their words to your advantage.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Today is a 7 - Meet deadlines with an older person early in the day.

Then you have time for fun and play.

Today is a 6 - If you can get down to the practical nitty-gritty early, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll achieve great things by the afternoon.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Today is a 6 - As hard as it is, you can get your thoughts into shape.

Make sure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re your thoughts, not ones spoon-fed to you.

Today is a 5 - Your partner provides sage advice. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take it if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re smart. By dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end, you see why it was right. ___

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

(c) 2009, Tribune Media Services Inc.

Today is a 5 - An older person shares news that comes as no surprise. Take it in stride. You perk up late in the day.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

8

OCTOBER 08, 2009

Boise State fall fitness challenge HALEY ROBINSON Journalist

On your markâ&#x20AC;Ś get setâ&#x20AC;Ś go! And go! And keep going!

Just over 140 miles in 17 hours is what is required of typical Ironman competitors. This fall, however, Boise State is giving students a chance to complete this intense competition, only instead of 17 hours they will be allowed to spread it out over three weeks.

Students will be asked to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles. Individuals who participate will log their activity

and submit it to the Boise State Recreation Center upon completion. Those who are able to accomplish this impressive feat will receive a Fall 2009 Triathlon T-shirt.

Think you are up to the challenge? Students who are interested in participating can register online by Friday Oct. 9. The event will last from Monday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 25.

The Rec. Center has many activities for students to participate in year-round. They offer these programs as incentives to keep students active or help them get in shape.

Other activities students can check out this fall include Cardio for Cans and 12 Days of

Fitness.

Boise State junior Kayla Dyksterhouse is an employee at the Rec Center and avid supporter of these activities.

She believes such programs will help students find ways to exercise in a way he or she enjoys. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it gives students a good opportunity to work out,â&#x20AC;? Dyksterhouse said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gives them more of a reason to do it.â&#x20AC;?

For those ironmen and women who want to challenge themselves this month, the BSU Campus Recreation website encourages students to, â&#x20AC;&#x153;shake up your fitness routine and give it a tri!â&#x20AC;?

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