25 college football programs with the most tradition

Sep 26, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Isaac Rochell (90) is congratulated by cornerback Cole Luke (36) after making a tackle against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Massachusetts 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 10, 2016; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Jeremy McNichols (13) leaps over offensive lineman Mason Hampton (59) during the second half at Albertsons Stadium against Washington State Cougars. Boise State defeats Washington State 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Boise State Broncos

Having seen my pick for number 25, it should be obvious that this list is not going to be composed entirely of Power Five teams. Boise State is the program that made small-school football cool in the early 2000s, and that makes it worthy of inclusion on this list.

The Broncos changed the paradigm in college football. With their rise to prominence, fans of small schools could indeed dream big. Boise State’s run of domination began around the year 2000. Dirk Koetter led the team to a 26-10 record during his three years before giving way to Dan Hawkins, who went 53-11 in five years. Up next was Chris Petersen, who steered the Broncos to some of the best years in NCAA history.

Under Petersen, Boise State went an incomprehensible 92-12, recorded two undefeated seasons and achieved their highest rankings ever in the polls, topping out at No. 2. The most memorable game of Petersen’s tenure was the epic 2007 Fiesta Bowl that ended on a Statue of Liberty two-point conversion.

BSU is best known, however, for its smurf turf. They are the only team in Division 1 to play on a field that is not green. Though they pack fewer than 40,000 into their stadium, the Broncos are almost impossible to defeat at home. They are105-6 at home since 1999, and at one point had won 65 home games in a row.

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