Broncos still thinking big

RENO -- The president of the university spoke up for Boise State, going where coach Chris Petersen won't. Someone had to make a statement for the Broncos, who do nothing but win even if the Bowl Championship Series computers don't appreciate perfection.

Now the No. 3 Broncos have what figures to be the best chance to speak for themselves tonight when they meet once-beaten UNR in the biggest game ever played in the Biggest Little City in the World.

At stake could be something far greater than a conference title. Depending on what happens earlier in the day, it's conceivable that Boise State could be playing for a spot in the BCS title game, something no team from the puny Western Athletic Conference could ever have thought possible.

Not that Petersen would ever admit the impossible is closer to possible than ever before.

"There is a lot riding on this, no question," Petersen said. "But I think one of the things our guys have done so well is they've treated every game that we've played like a big game. And, you know, the more you win, the bigger they get each week. Now we have a big game against probably the best team we've played all year."

Things would have to break Boise State's way for the Broncos (10-0, 6-0 WAC) to make the Jan. 10 title game in Arizona, but for the first time all season a path seems to be leading there. The nation's top two teams are playing games they could lose today -- particularly Auburn against Alabama -- and Texas Christian has no more big tests left to cement a precarious hold on the No. 3 spot in the BCS standings.

If Auburn or Oregon were to lose and Boise State beats No. 19 UNR, the Broncos, now fourth in the BCS, could move into one of the top two spots with one game left at home against lightly regarded Utah State. And home is a place where Boise State has won its past 61 games, including a 51-0 pasting of Fresno State last week that left opposing coach Pat Hill wondering how the Broncos could be kept out of the title game.

UNR hasn't slowed Boise State recently, losing 10 straight games in the series, including four at home. Oddsmakers figure that streak will continue, making the Wolf Pack 14-point underdogs despite the fact the only loss UNR (10-1, 5-1 WAC) has this season was in a close game at Hawaii.