Amid Conference Realignment Rumors, UCF Survives
Boise State-Central Florida absolutely lived up to the hype in a game that highlighted 15 total contests on an action packed Thursday
Yesterday at around noon, Max Olson of The Athletic reported that the Big 12 had announced a preference to add four new members: BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and Central Florida. They could extend invitations as early as sometime this football season.
And just over 12 hours later, UCF produced an epic college football 21-point comeback to defeat Boise State 36-31. It was the first ever meeting between the two brand name Group of 5 teams—both of whom have a history of pulling off the biggest upsets in college football which we detailed here—that give fans hope and belief every year.
In reference to that hope and excitement these G5 teams provide and what it means for the sport of CFB, Boise State Director of Athletics Jeramiah Dickey said:
“We are a national brand who has provided college football fans with some of the most memorable moments in our sport. We represent the best of what college athletics has to offer which resonates with many fan bases across country. We have high expectations of ourselves and have earned the right to compete at the highest level on a national stage.”
And compete on the national stage both the Broncos and Knights did. The game was unquestionably the best of the 15 games that took place last night. It had it all:
A 166 minute weather delay
A 100-yard pick six
A 23-unanswered point comeback that included incredible touchdown catches and a safety
Negative yardage by Boise in the third quarter
Quarterback decision making that would leave you flabbergasted.
When Boise quarterback Hank Bachmeier’s lame duck of a Hail Mary fell incomplete at around the 20-yard line, the game was solidified as one of the best Group of 5 contests in the sport’s history. Simply put, it lived up to the hype of what these two programs have become known for over time.
Given the recent news with regards to the Big 12’s potential expansion, UCF put on one nice second half audition. Dillon Gabriel had 318 passing yards and four touchdowns; Northwestern transfer Ian Bowser had 170 rushing yards on 32 carries and the game-wining touchdown; and the Knights had 573 total yards of offense.
UCF, who claimed a national title when they went 13-0 in 2017, certainly looks like they could fit in with the high flying Big 12 along with providing them a new Florida market space.
One team who has not been mentioned in these Big 12 expansion talks have been the Broncos. All you have to say is ‘2007 Fiesta Bowl’ or ‘blue turf’ and everyone immediately knows who you are referring to.
With so many unknowns, however, Dickey is focused on the present and commented:
“We will always do what is in the best interest of Boise State University and will continue to control what we can control.”
As reported by Idaho Press columnist B.J. Rains, the Big 12 has listed Boise State as a potential candidate for expansion and confirmed that AD Dickey has been in contact with Baylor University Athletic Director Mack Rhoades. Although it is not clear if the two spoke about realignment at all or if it was just a personal call.
Dickey did say to Rains that he looks forward to a bright future and putting his mark on the Boise program. Whether that includes expansion or not remains to be seen.
And if UCF stays focused on what they can control, it seems that they could have a special season in the American.
Thursday Highlights
While UCF had an impressive comeback win, the rest of the American teams in action looked bad as South Florida, East Carolina and Tulsa all lost. The worst was Tulsa losing at home 19-17 to UC Davis of the FCS’ Big Sky.
Eastern Washington’s 2OT victory over UNLV gave the FCS another upset; Baylor transfer Charlie Brewer tossed two TDs and 233 yards in Utah’s win; and powers Tennessee, NC State and Arizona State all won big.
Coastal Carolina picked up right where they left off in 2020: ranked on their teal field just bulldozing their opponents. Quarterback Grayson McCall was 16-of-19 for 262 yards and a score and the Chanticleers had three rushers find the end zone. They held the Citadel to 14 passing yards.
In a rainy Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, P.J. Fleck and the Golden Gophers did everything they could against the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes. They led 14-10 at the half and only trailed 38-31 with 5:31 remaining. Then freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud found Chris Olave for a 61-yard touchdown that put the game on ice.
The good news, I think the Big 10 West will once again be an extremely interesting division. The bad news, the winner will likely face the Buckeyes.
And if Minnesota could not take advantage when they had the rain, the crowd, and the inexperienced Buckeye youth all on their side; then how will the West winner fare in a neutral dome with Stroud and company having an added three months of playing experience and chemistry?
Friday Night Lights
The West team who has faced the Buckeyes in two of the past three Big 10 title games is in action tonight as Northwestern hosts Michigan State. The Wildcats seek to avenge their only regular season loss from a year ago; and shake the stigma of their slow September starts.
No. 10 UNC also travels to Blacksburg to play the Virginia Tech Hokies and jump start what they hope can be a Playoff Championship season. Quarterback Sam Howell returns after throwing for over 3,500 yards last season.
Power schools Duke, Wake Forest, Kansas and Colorado all take the field tonight as well. Let Day 2 of the Labor Day weekend festivities begin.