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College Football Playoff: 5 dark horse contenders

By Andrew Garda

Oct 11, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; A view of the college football playoff national championship trophy before the game between the Baylor Bears and the TCU Horned Frogs at McLane Stadium. The Bears defeat Horned Frogs 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; A view of the college football playoff national championship trophy before the game between the Baylor Bears and the TCU Horned Frogs at McLane Stadium. The Bears defeat Horned Frogs 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Chaz Anderson (6) drops a pass as Arizona Wildcats safety William Parks (11) and cornerback Jonathan McKnight (6) defend during the second half in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Chaz Anderson (6) drops a pass as Arizona Wildcats safety William Parks (11) and cornerback Jonathan McKnight (6) defend during the second half in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Boise State

The problem the Boise State Broncos face (aside from the blue field, if you want to call it a problem) is that for some reason many in the media—and across college football—still look at them as a mid-major. Playing in the Mountain West Conference against such dominating programs as Wyoming, Nevada and San Diego State isn’t going to get you much street cred most years.

Which is unfortunate, as this is a team that has compiled a 124-20 record over the last decade, including two undefeated seasons and has more 12-win seasons than any other team since 2000. While they did it against the WAC and the MWC, they have also shown themselves to be excellent teams against all comers. During the 2009 season, they beat two ranked teams, including No. 6 TCU (No. 3 in the AP Poll).

Last season saw them end up at No. 16—very good, but far enough away from the playoffs to call them a dark horse.

In the 2015 season, they will be returning 16 starters and coming off a 12-2 effort which ended with a 38-30 win over No. 11 Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl.  There are some questions, as they move on from senior quarterback Grant Henrick. Sophomore Ryan Finley is the front-runner for the job, but was arrested in April (per Dave Southron of the Idaho Statesman) for “possession of an alcoholic beverage and resisting or obstructing officers” both of which are misdemeanors and might not hurt his chances all that much because of it.

The good news for the Broncos is that most of their returning starters are on defense, and the defense should be a big part of the success Boise State could have this season.

There are a few key games upon which their chances to make the “final four” could hinge. Immediately out of the gate they face Washington and while the Huskies aren’t a powerhouse, they represent a chance to grab some attention by beating a power conference team. They then head to face Independent BYU, a team which while also not a world-beater, has played well and was ranked last season (No. 18). Boise State will also want to make a good showing against Mountain West foe Utah State, who had a nice 10-4 season in 2014 and was the team who upset BYU in 2014.

They’ll also need to dominate their conference of course, and even one loss can kill their chances if (like in 2014) it’s against a team like Air Force.

Still, this is a unit which should be very good this year and could surprise a lot of people come playoff time.

Next: Tennessee

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