People have been saying they'd dropoff for years now. Going on 10+ years and 4, or 5 different recruiting cycles. They aren't going anywhere. Difference now is they've made a name for themselves and recruiting will only get better. As for if they're elite, or not. I'd say they are in the same ilk as the Ducks. Elite, but not super elite.
But unlike the Ducks, they play in an inferior conference. If the Ducks played in the WAC, I'd bet they'd go undefeated or nearly undefeated every season too.
If Oregon got to play in the WAC and prepare all summer for one game against a real team, my guess is they would have 6 BCS bowl appearances over the past 12 years. Reality says that BSU benefits greatly by playing in a goofball conference. Oregon has won Big Boy titles in Big Boy conferences. I'm not saying that BSU isn't a very good program, but calling them "elite" is a laugher to me considering that they have beat '1' BCS bowl team/conference champ OOC in the past decade. That happened to be Oregon, unforunately, in an opening game. Nope, although a big part of that is because they had to compete with USC every year in their conference instead of Fresno State.
I'm not saying they should be in a Title game, or anything. I'm just saying they're a legit team and win against elite teams in good bowl games when put to the test. Its no fluke. Considering the facilities and the shit-hole that is Boise, its pretty impressive.
Strongly agree with MZ. Well said. I actually DESPISE BSU. Really do. But, I have to give them credit. Basically, there is no factual basis to say they will drop off and it's pure speculation. Sure it could happen. But, I'm looking at their ability over the last decade to play with the big boys and even WIN in BIG bowl games -- and there is no reason to think that changes -- I just spent a few min. looking at their recruiting. I am guessing they'll be around for a while.
How do you factually prove that there will be a dropoff? If you can prove how a team will factually play in the future, I would love to hear some of those facts so I can put money down. The truth is, nobody knows how things will play out and there is no such thing as facts that will prove how they will perform in the future. They could sustain injuries that decimate their roster, they could have chemistry problems and under perform, etc etc etc. There are a myriad of problems that could stand in the way of success.
My point is that trying to predict the future of their program is speculation either way. I've agreed, it's entirely possible they COULD drop off (woah, I actually read your point and agree, are you able to do the same -- ever?) , but what is the basis for this? Loss of talent at QB? They have a history of fielding excellent QB's and have recruited very well. Their current #2 has experience and excellent stats. The staff there continues to find and develop excellent talent - year after year. Their rise really dates back over 12 years ago when they beat Louisville in a bowl game and experienced 4 straight bowl wins against teams like TCU, Iowa State. Lousiville. As I've said, it's possible they drop off and I could see a small drop next year as they lose a lot of starters, but they do have talent waiting. I think they'll be very, very good in 2013.
You can get into Boise St. with a library card. Their academic programs are laughable which is why they are not being courted by the Pac-12. They are the U of 90's in the northwest. I'm just shocked Dennis Erickson isn't their coach! Don't expect their talent to drop off, infact I wouldn't be surprised to see the Big 11 go after them next!
