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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, August 19, 2009

CFB: Top 25 Countdown: No. 13 Boise State


By Randall Perry
McClatchy Newspapers

No. 13 Boise State

Coach: Chris Petersen
Record: 35-4, 3 years
Last season: 12-1, 8-0 Western Athletic
Bowl game: Lost to TCU 17-16 in the Poinsettia Bowl
Overview: Boise State made a case for non-BCS teams to earn nationwide respect with its instant classic victory over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. But that hurdle remains. Despite going through the regular season undefeated last year, the Broncos were ninth in the final BCS poll. They played TCU, another team trying to break into a BCS bowl, in the Poinsettia Bowl.
Key returnees: QB Kellen Moore, So.; C Thomas Byrd, So.; DE Ryan Winterswyk, Jr.; CB Kyle Wilson, Sr.; S Jeron Johnson, Jr.
Why Boise State is dangerous: In what could have been considered a rebuilding project, Boise State started redshirt freshmen at center and quarterback. Kellen Moore passed for 3,486 yards an 20 in total defense.
Why Boise State is vulnerable: With the exception of Byrd, the offensive line is a question mark.
Prediction: Boise State opens the season with a tough home game against Oregon. After that, it should be smooth sailing. An 11-1 or 12-0 regular season is possible. Petersen’s name will also be brought up again for job openings, particularly in the Pac-10.