The Mid Major BCS Picture.....Clear As Mud

Those of us that follow the mid majors are in for treat this season. This season offers a BCS Busters play off.

Unlike 2004 when Utah and Boise State both finished the regular season undefeated, The Utah Utes were awarded the first BCS Buster game, meeting and easily defeating Pitt in the Fiesta Bowl.

Boise State became the 2nd team to crash the party, going undefeated and meeting the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl, providing giving college football fans arguably one of the greatest finishes in college football lore.

Last season we saw a mini one game elimination round in the quest for becoming the next BCS Bowl Buster, featuring WAC Conference mates Hawaii v Boise State.

Despite having one loss earlier in the year to The Washington Huskies, the Broncos were told if they beat Hawaii, they were in and would play in a BCS Bowl in Cajun Country, the Sugar Bowl. Hawaii won and met a southern buzz saw, the Georgia Bull Dogs who handed the Hawaii Warriors their hats.

Offering the 1 loss team Boise State Broncos a chance to be a BCS Buster changes the rules to get to the Big Party.. No longer does a mid-major have to be perfect to get tote Big Dance.

Given the rule change, in week 4 we have a scenario that can end as clear as mud.

The Mountain West Conference has three undefeated BCS Bowl contenders in BYU, TCU and Utah. No way can all three conference mates end the season undefeated, however it is possible for a two way tie for the conference championship and end the season 10 – 1. Giving each team a valid claim to the BCS party, providing Boise State does not go undefeated.

Without showing bias for one team over the other, it is possible for BYU to beat TCU and lose to Utah ending the season 10 – 1. Should Utah beating BYU and losing to TCU would also be 10 – 1.

The WAC Conference has provided the last two BCS Busters with Boise State and Hawaii and could possibly supply this years entry to the BCS at large berth.

Currently Fresno State is 3 – 1 with its only loss to Big 10 Wisconsin and the Broncos are 3 – 0 coming off a big win over the 17th ranked Oregon Ducks. Since they meet regular season, it is possible for them to each finish the season 10 – 1.

Should the above scenarios take place, the Mountain West should send their rep to the BCS. The MWC this year is a better conference than the WAC having three teams in the top 25 and better quality OC wins than the WAC.

Even though I am a 40 year Boise State die hard fan, the Broncos should only make the BCS if they are undefeated and the top contenders from the Mountain West finish the season with two losses or more.

Now that we know in week 4 of the season the BCS Buster picture is as clear as mud, let the games continue and may the best team win.