ARBITERONLINE.COM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2009
The rivalry renewed:
BCS Standings
Boise State and Idaho ready to rumble KIRK BELL Editor This week marks the most exciting Boise State (9-0, 4-0 Western Athletic Conference) vs. University of Idaho (7-3, 4-2 WAC) football match-up in recent history. The last time the Vandals played close to the Broncos was 2003 at Moscow, Idaho where the Vandals held the Broncos to just 24 points, losing by just two touchdowns, 24-10. The last time the Vandals beat the Broncos was 1998 at Bronco Stadium in an overtime showdown, 35-36. Vandals’ head coach Robb Akey started the week with a comment during the weekly WAC teleconference that may have given the Broncos a little more inspiration for rivalry week. “I want to be the least popular individual with all the WAC administrators after we get done on Saturday,” Akey said. “Because if we take care of business then there’s not going to be a BCS bowl for the Boise State and no BCS money coming to the conference.” Since the Vandals have found a groove and knack for the comeback, the fans – as well as the Broncos – have something more than what has shown to be a disappointing rivalry over the past few years to look forward to. “I always think it adds a little more to it when both teams are in bowl situations and are having a lot of success. It will just add to it and it will be pretty cool,” BSU sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore said. The Broncos have noticed a stronger showing of Vandal fans coming out of the woodwork with the recent success. The display of black and gold pride has become more common with their recent success. “You actually start to see more Vandals fans coming out now,” Broncos’ junior wide receiver Austin Pettis said. “I didn’t know that a lot of my friends were a little bit Vandals fans…A couple more coming out and rooting for the Vandals this weekend. We’ll see. It’s always fun when you’ve got people going against you.”
Never downplayed for the Broncos
Even with the Broncos dominating the rivalry, it is never an overlooked on the calendar. BSU athletes get up for the game every year, noticing a different feel and excitement that might not otherwise show during other opponents. “They always play us tough,” Moore said of past contests. “Now I think that everyone else
Broncos’ cornerback Kyle Wilson deflects a pass to Vandals receiver Max Komar during their 2007 meeting at Bronco Stadium. Both players will meet for the last time this weekend at Bronco Stadium for the annual in-state rivalry game will be aware that they’re going to give us their best shot. They’ll be playing well.” Moore and the rest of the BSU squad noticed in past meetings that there is a mystique about rivalry week that makes each team put its best foot forward. Broncos’ junior safety Jeron Johnson has taken notice to the recent boom from up north. “It’s always exciting when you play in a rivalry game,” Johnson said. “I don’t care if they haven’t won a game in thirty years. If they were to come in here on a rivalry day, they’re going to give us their best shot. It just adds a little bit to it that they’re way better than what I’ve seen since I’ve been here the past four years. So it’s going to be a good game.”
Broncos following the rivalry
Some of the Broncos are a little more aware due to being close to or residents of the state. Head coach Chris Petersen heard of the rivalry being just as driven – if not more so – than the annual “Civil War,” in Oregon between the Ducks and the Beavers of Oregon State during his time with the UO program. Local product from Meridian Tyler Shoemaker, BSU sophomore wide receiver,
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MCT
grew up around the rivalry. “For as long as I can remember it’s been a big game…Idaho every year is a big game,” Shoemaker said. “It’s good to have that background to see the rivalry that’s grown.” Moore was fortunate enough to have former Bronco Dan Gore as a neighbor and heard about the rivalry before coming the Boise. Prosser is just 175 miles from Moscow, making the rivalry geographically noticeable.
Looking back – scores from past games 2008 – Moscow – Broncos 45 Vandals 10 2007 – Boise – Broncos 58 Vandals 14 2006 – Moscow – Broncos 42 Vandals 26 2005 – Boise – Broncos 70 Vandals 35 2004 – Boise – Broncos 65 Vandals 7 2003 – Moscow – Broncos 24 Vandals 10 2002 – Boise – Broncos 38 Vandals 10 2001 – Pullman – Broncos 45 Vandals 13 2000 – Boise – Broncos 66 Vandals 24 1999 – Pullman – Broncos 45 Vandals 14 1998 – Boise – Broncos 35 Vandals 36 (OT) 1997 – Moscow – Broncos 30 Vandals 23 1996 – Boise – Broncos 19 Vandals 64
Rank Team AVG. 1 Florida .9842 2 Alabama .9516 3 Texas .9234 4 TCU .8620 5 Cincinnati .8580 6 Boise State .8126 7 Georgia Tech .7552 8 LSU .6138 9 USC .5922 10 Iowa .5745 11 Ohio State .5733 12 Pittsburgh .5628 13 Oregon .5318 14 Miami FL .4712 15 Houston .4691 16 Utah .4003 17 Arizona .3363 18 Penn State .3350 19 Oklahoma State .2909 20 Wisconsin .2334 21 Virginia Tech .2331 22 Brigham Young .1236 23 Oregon State .1231 24 South Florida .1084 25 West Virginia .0653
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USA Today Poll Rank Team
Record Points
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9-0 9-0 9-0 9-0 9-0 9-0 9-1 8-2 8-1 7-2 7-2 8-1 9-1 8-1 7-2 7-2 8-2 7-2 6-2 7-2 6-3 7-2 7-2 6-2 7-3
Florida48 Texas4 Alabama7 TCU Cincinnati Boise State Georgia Tech Ohio State Pittsburgh USC LSU Houston Iowa Utah Miami FL Oregon Penn State Oklahoma State Arizona Wisconsin Virginia Tech Brigham Young West Virginia South Florida Auburn
1460 1399 1389 1262 1224 1200 1118 944 940 847 838 766 757 688 685 665 552 530 472 341 268 216 121 106 80