SCOTT JACOBS

It’s the game of the week.  The David versus Goliath, only the rankings are in reverse.  No. 10 Virginia Tech, the mighty ACC behemoth who has won 10 plus games in every season since 2002, with the exception of 2003 versus No. 3 Boise State. Tech’s run  has been remarkable, but they haven’t truly gotten the respect they so thoroughly deserve because they have yet to culminate their success with a National Championship.  Even more remarkable is how it has finally taken a stage against the Blue Turf upstarts to garner the respect Virginia Tech has deserved for a decade of true dominance.

The Hokies aren’t flashy, and their games are often anything but pretty, but you can’t argue with the results.  The Hokies have owned the ACC since FSU started floundering and have been right there every year since the ACC Championship game was created. So they pose as a worthy and exciting competitor to Boise State, the team everyone thinks is on the cusp of doing the unthinkable– breaking the BCS mold– and galloping into the national championship game.

Okay, so it’s week one people, and Boise State could, for all we know, fall flat on their face on a national stage against an always well coached Frank Beamer led team. But don’t count on it.  Boise State has a knack for playing big on the biggest stage.  And since knocking off Oklahoma in the most exciting BCS bowl game ever played, Virginia Tech stands as their next greatest opponent in recent memory.

Why?  Sustained dominance. Oklahoma does it sexier, but Virginia Tech gets it done too.  So tonight when Boise State and Virginia Tech clash, the Hokies stand in the way of a potential dream season for the Broncs (who know a thing or two about dream seasons).

But let’s say the Broncos win, and let’s say they win impressively.  Let’s say they take out Oregon State a few weeks later, and run the table.  Does two wins over quality BCS competition plus Nevada (more on that in a second) make up for the other creampuffs that dominate their schedule year in and year out courteous of the WAC? It’s no wonder the Broncos sprinted to sign the dotted line when the Mountain West came a calling.  They needed better in conference competition to impress the masses (and the voters).

(Back to Nevada.  It seems like every year for the last like 5 seasons, Nevada is that team at the end of Boise’s schedule that poses the biggest threat to end the Broncs perfect season, and every year it doesn’t happen.  A look at the last 5 Boise State-Nevada games and Nevada’s final record.  Also, Nevada has to be the most respected mediocre non-BCS contending school in the history of the sport.  Somehow they always get credit for what they never accomplish.  Amazing really).

2005: BSU 49 NEV 14
Nevada finished 9-3

2006: BSU38 NEV 7
Nevada finished 8-5

2007: BSU 69 NEV 67 (How do I not remember this game?)
Nevada finished: 6-7

2008: BSU 41 NEV 34
Nevada finished: 7-6

2009: BSU 44 NEV 33
Nevada finished 8-5

After breaking down the numbers (and this isn’t to knock Nevada, okay well it kind of is) this so called trap game that the Broncs get tagged with every year, really hasn’t been much of a trap at all.  Assuming the Broncos get to their Friday November 26th showdown with the Wolfpack unblemished, don’t look for Nevada to ruin it.

Since 2005 the Broncos have outscored Nevada in their 5 games 241-155 (or 48.2 to 31 on average per game).

And one more thing, Nevada has averaged 7.6 wins a game over the last 5 seasons, good but not spectacular numbers.  So please people, stop treating Nevada like they really pose a threat.  They’re just a tease.

As for my prediction tonight: I think Va. Tech renders all of this moot, and wins 34-27.

Yeah, moot.

Photo: Getty

SCOTT JACOBS

TCU has an outside shot at the national championship (emphasis on outside shot).  BYU say their chances mutilated at Lavell Edwards Field against the Seminoles.  But Mountain West supremacy is at stake, and for TCU, a shot to climb closer to Boise State, which only has Oregon to thank for it’s lofty standing.  Here now is Tim Brown’s take on this crucial inter-conference showdown. (What’s his pick: hint hint, defense wins championships)…

Take it away Tim Brown.