The BCS House

In college, one of the basics to learn is how to crash a party. It’s not necessarily about people knowing you but you knowing enough people to finagle your way in. Once you give those one or two magic names and earn the respect of the guy at the door, you’re in. But it’s not always easy.

In college football, you also have to learn how to crash a party. And it’s just as hard, especially when you have the biggest frat on campus, BCS, telling you that you’re not allowed in. BCS only accepts the frat guys and pretty girls. It’s a party for the upper echelon, the Floridas, Alabamas, Ohio States of the world. The little guy has to get used to rejection and feeling slighted.

Every so often though that little guy lucks out and gets in, crashes the party. But that’s what makes it all the more sweeter when he gets his opportunity. Once he gets into the party, it’s all on him. He has to prove himself or it will be his last invite.

In 2007, Boise State was the freshman that got into the party, despite its social stature. And boy did it prove itself. He not only got there but ran the table, stole the beer and got the most attractive girl’s digits. He was the king of that night. Not Oklahoma, the cool Big XII guy that’s used to always getting his way.

Now as time has gone on, Boise State knows the party crashing lifestyle. The Broncos have to work so much harder than the big names to get into the BCS house. However, once they do, people start to realize that they’re just as cool as the powerhouses of the world, the supposed cool kids on the block. Ohio State may be the most jacked guy, with the nicest stadium and rabid following, but there’s something endearing about little Boise, with its blue turf, playing its games in a state from which most people could not name more than one city.

Monday night marks a moment of transition though for Boise- one that could forever impact its standing. Let’s just say it is opening night of hell week. Screw up tonight and your whole year is ruined. A loss to Virginia Tech and that’s it, the national championship talk will be silenced, no matter how good Kellen Moore, Austin Pettis and Chris Petersen are.

This first game sets the tone for the entire season. It’s the first impression. A bad one is a striking blow. BCS takes no prisoners, allows no mistakes if you’re not one of the chosen few with that superior status.

There’s no room for mistakes. A win against Virginia Tech keeps hope alive...for now. A loss in December to Utah State still shatters it. It’s not easy to become more than a party crasher at BCS if you’re the little guy that’s down to earth. It takes years of proving yourself.

That’s why Monday night’s game is so intriguing. It’s not just a good out-of-conference tilt. It’s a defining moment for Boise State’s program. Become one of the guys…until the next party crasher with bravado walks in and gets them kicked out. There’s no such thing as an open party at the BCS house.