Is Boise State football officially “back”?
The Broncos lost 37-34 at then-No. 7 Oregon on Saturday night, the difference being a field goal from the Ducks as time expired. The loss dropped the Broncos to 1-1 to start the season, but it was one of those losses — in a game they could have easily won — that brings up mixed emotions.
Boise State entered as 19-point underdogs. If not for a disjointed special teams performance , which led straight to two of Oregon’s touchdowns, the Broncos would have left Autzen Stadium with a 2-0 record, a feather-in-their-cap victory and an AP Top 25 ranking.
Even without the victory, many Boise State fans struck a tone of frustration that the Broncos didn’t crack the latest rankings when they were released Sunday.
Boise State received 77 points, good enough for 27th place. It was an improvement from the week prior, when the Broncos had 44 votes and were in the 28th position. Voters are certainly paying attention to Boise State. (In the USA Today Coaches Poll, the Broncos are not as highly thought of: They are in the 33rd spot.)