T-Row's Top 25...No. 8 Boise State

Originally Published: Aug 27, 2010 4:55 PM CDT

I know I have Boise State ranked lower than every other poll in America, but Im ranking them on how good their team is and not how likely they are to go undefeated. If you put Boise States 22 starters up against the 22 starters on the seven teams I have ranked in front of them, Id take all other seven teams on a neutral field.

The Broncos are anchored by quarterback Kellen Moore who tossed a mind-boggling 39 touchdowns against only three interceptions in 2009. Receivers Titus Young and Austin Pettis along with tight ends Kyle Efaw and Tommy Gallarda give Moore plenty of targets. And running back Jeremy Avery tallied 1,151 yards on the ground last season. How Boise States often shuffled offensive line will hold up against the big boys is a question mark.

Chris Petersens defense was sensational in 2009 in spots. But they also had games in which they surrended big chunks of points. In their two biggest games, however, they held Oregon to only eight points and TCU to just 10. Nine starters are back in 2010 and should be a very aggressive crew coming off 26 sacks and 35 forced turnovers a year ago.

Can Boise State get to the BCS Championship Game? Yes. They basically only have two hurdles. The season opener against Virginia Tech in the nations capital, and a September 25th showdown against Oregon State on the blue turf. Theyre not beating the Hokies and theyll either fall to the Beavers or late in the season at Nevada. Too much hype.

Prediction: 10-2