Athletic Director Tom Osborne has made an offer to Boise State
but has been reportedly unable to reach the Broncos ever since.
(Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations)
One of the major changes since Tom Osborne took over as Athletic Director in 2007 is his approach toward the football team's schedule. Osborne clearly is looking for a more competitive out-of-conference schedule, as the Husker legend has already signed up to play two-game series with Tennessee and Miami (Fla.) in the years to come.
Under Steve Pederson's scheduling the Huskers have largely played some rather weak competition prior to the beginning of Big 12 play. Not only does it take away from pleasing the fans but one could also argue that it doesn't exactly prepare the Big Red for tough conference play.
One team in college football has made it no secret that they want to play a tough schedule and prove they can hang with the big boys...Boise State. I for one have supported Boise State and their claims because, let's face it, in the few big-time games Boise has participated in, they've been incredibly impressive and successful. It only made sense for AD Osborne to make a trip to Idaho to discuss setting up possible future match-ups.
The initial proposal reportedly offered by Osborne was a 2-for-1 deal in which the two teams would face off starting in 2015. The proposal was figured to more than likely include the Broncos coming to Lincoln in 2015 and 2017 and the Huskers going up to play on the smurf turf in Boise in 2016.
With the money being a key factor as well as the comparison of the two programs as a whole, this seems like an extremely fair deal. However, with the success the Broncos have had over the past six years or so some people associated with the program think they're better than a 2-for-1. There's reasons to debate either side, but Nebraska would essentially be doing Boise State a favor and a simple 1-for-1 could cost Nebraska a major chunk of change.
Osborne has reportedly been willing to negotiate further with the Boise State athletic department, but to no avail as of yet. It's known that over the past few days Osborne has attempted to reach those in charge of doing the scheduling for the Broncos but has had his calls ignored. Boise has been able to set up some solid non-conference games as of late, including a 1-for-1 with Oregon and a neutral site game with Virginia Tech in 2010, so I find it kind of fishy they don't even seem willing to discuss further with Osborne.
I have the utmost respect for the Boise State football program, but how can a team beat their chests and proclaim their "any team, any time, anywhere" mindset and simply ignore a major opportunity? It's tough to say where the Boise State football program will be in five years, especially with Chris Peterson being one of the hottest coaching candidates in all of college football. At the same time, do what you preach and put your money where your mouth is.
Here's hoping Boise eventually returns the phone calls. If the Broncos still have the high-powered offense in 2010 they've had the past several years, it would definitely be an intriguing David versus Goliath match-up.
Comments
I would love to see Nebraska take one on Boise State. The Broncos are a team that should feel like they can play with anyone, and a game against a Big XII opponent would help them make a case for the BCS should they win.
Kevin I couldn't agree more. Boise is a fun team to watch and should Peterson stay, could be an extremely powerful team by the time 2015 rolls around. But with how coaching is in college football these days, I wouldn't plan on it.
Kevin, I look at this differently. Throw out the economics of it for a second. Who has been a more successful program on the field in the last decade? Boise State has been far superior to Nebraska.
Why should they take anything less than a hoem and home series with Nebraska. Boise State would be doing Nebraska a favor since they are the superior team.
The fact that they are declining may also indicate that there are suitors out there that are just as or more highly rated than Nebraska lining up to play Boise State.
Jason, are you saying Nebraska is on the decline? The Huskers have finished with their highest AP rating since 2001. Also most preseason polls for next year have Nebraska in the top 10. Nebraska is most definitely on the rise, most even have them winning the north and a sleeper for the national title... so I'm not sure how you could say otherwise. Boise complains about no one playing them...Nebraska is definitely doing Boise a favor, so why would the Huskers put themselves in a situation where'd they be losing money from this deal? Sure you could make the argument that Boise has had a better win/loss recrod as of late but there's a lot more to it than that. After all, how do you think Nebraska would be doing if they were in the WAC?
Nope, I didn't mean declining in that way. Nebraska's last two years are an indication that the program is on the upswing.
I meant that Boise State is declining the offer to play Nebraska.
Either way whether it's a 2-for-1 or a 1-for-1, I hope this deal somehow gets done. Nebraska fans will always pull for a tough non conference schedule..at least a team or two.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!