Boise State In CFP: Matchup With Penn State

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Post on Dec 22, 2024

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Boise State in CFP: A Matchup with Penn State – Could the Broncos Make the Cut?

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is a coveted goal for every major college football program. While powerhouses like Alabama and Ohio State consistently contend, the possibility of a Group of Five team like Boise State crashing the party always sparks exciting debate. Let's delve into a hypothetical matchup between Boise State and Penn State, exploring the potential strengths and weaknesses of each team.

Boise State's Road to the CFP: A Herculean Task

For Boise State to even be considered for the CFP, several factors need to align perfectly. They would need a near-flawless season, likely undefeated or with only one extremely narrow loss against a top-tier opponent. This necessitates:

Dominating the Mountain West Conference

Boise State must completely dominate their conference schedule. Leaving even a single game in doubt would significantly hurt their chances. Their conference rivals would need to be convincingly outmatched.

High-Profile Non-Conference Wins

Scheduling strategically is crucial. Boise State needs to secure games against reputable Power Five opponents and emerge victorious. Victories against teams currently ranked in the top 25 would be essential to boost their ranking and impress the CFP selection committee.

The Importance of Style Points

The CFP committee considers more than just wins and losses. Dominating performances that showcase offensive firepower and a stifling defense are vital to accumulating style points. Close victories, even against strong opponents, might not be enough.

Boise State vs. Penn State: A Hypothetical Showdown

Let's assume Boise State has navigated the treacherous path and secured a CFP berth. A matchup against a team like Penn State presents a fascinating clash of styles.

Penn State's Strengths: A Balanced Attack

Penn State typically boasts a powerful and balanced offense, a strong running game, and a capable passing attack. Their defense usually possesses a solid front seven, capable of disrupting opposing offenses. Their experience playing in the Big Ten Conference, a notoriously tough league, would give them an edge in terms of competition level.

Boise State's Strengths: Speed and Agility

Boise State's strength often lies in its up-tempo offense and agile players. They tend to utilize quick passes and run-pass options to keep defenses off balance. Their defensive schemes often rely on speed and aggressive playmaking.

Key Matchup Areas:

• Offensive Line vs. Defensive Line: This will be a crucial battle. Penn State's size and strength could overwhelm Boise State's offensive line, while Boise State’s speed could exploit gaps in Penn State’s defensive front.
• Passing Game: Boise State's quick passing game could challenge Penn State's secondary, but Penn State's quarterback's experience could give them the edge in a longer, more drawn-out game.
• Special Teams: Small margins will be key. Special teams play could easily sway a close contest.

The Verdict: An Uphill Battle

While a Boise State CFP appearance against Penn State is a thrilling prospect, it's important to acknowledge the significant challenge. Penn State's experience in high-stakes games and the overall strength of the Big Ten would likely give them a considerable advantage. Boise State would need a near-perfect season and a truly exceptional performance to overcome the odds. However, the possibility of such an underdog story adds to the excitement and intrigue of college football. The hypothetical matchup highlights the incredible gap between the Group of Five and Power Five conferences, but it also showcases the potential for upsets and the ever-present possibility of a Cinderella story.