WKU: Can Happen in Boise, Can Happen Here

[TexasTerror]

WKU isn't even fully in FBS football and they are already talking about possibly one day being a Boise State. We'll see how the Toppers FCS success translates to the FBS level...

WKU encouraged by bowl season
By NORM HANEY, The Daily News, [email protected]/783-3271
Friday, January 5, 2007 11:43 AM CST

“If it can happen in Boise, Idaho, it can happen in Bowling Green, Kentucky.”

Those were the thoughts of Western Kentucky football coach David Elson after watching Monday night's Boise State upset of Big 12 champion Oklahoma in this year's Fiesta Bowl.

The Broncos, who are just in their 11th season of Division I-A football, serve as the model to which the Hilltoppers aspire as they begin their two-year transition from I-AA to I-A starting this fall.

“That just shows with the right amount of support and with just a little bit of patience great things can happen,” Elson said. “We're selling exactly that to recruits right now.”

Sunday's win was Boise State's 79th since the year 2000, which along with the very Sooners they defeated, is the most of any I-A program in that span.

http://bgdailynews.com/articles/2007/01/05/sports/sports3.txt

[Killtoppers90]

it's great in theory but I am not holding my breath. We have to get into a BCS confernce for any notice to come our way.

[JohnStOnge]

The kind of thing that should be anticipated. Only thing is it's unrealistic expectation. It's kind of like saying, "Somebody won the powerball so it's possible for me to win the powerball."

Yes, it is possible. But it's not real likely.

Plus, I think it should be noted that Boise State got the glittering record it's gotten from 2000 on while playing schedules rated by Sagarin's system as 111th, 98th, 112th, 103rd, 78th, 98th, and now prior to the OU game 100th in the country. I imagine that it'll probably end up rated around 90th.

[JohnStOnge]

it's great in theory but I am not holding my breath. We have to get into a BCS confernce for any notice to come our way.

Well, the Hilltoppers at least ought to have a chance to win. They're going to a conference that, since it's inception, has a losing record in head to head competition against the Southland. One thing your boys won't be doing is taking a definite step up in level of competition within your own football conference.

[Lionsrking]

Completely different set of dynamics in Bowling Green than in Boise. Boise has little to no area competition as far as media coverage and fan base and it's a different recruiting situation. WKU will get drowned out by Louisville, UK and even Tennessee when it comes to media coverage. As far as recruiting, Boise is an attractive option for kids in the mountain west, the upper west coast, plus they can dip into California pretty easily. WKU will be fighting for scraps with the MAC schools and Marshall. I have a feeling after a few 1-10, 2-9 type years, Hilltopper fans will wish they were back in the FCS, even though they'll never admit it.