Rival Blog Bet: The Reckoning

Last week, Kevan of the OBNUG blog proposed a rival blog bet, which we accepted. If UH won, I would get one post on OBNUG to write anything I wanted. If Boise won, then Kevan would get the same thing here. Unfortunately, as we know, Boise won. But instead of gloating and swearing and other stuff we would have done, Kevan instead traveled to the future and brought back an Idaho Statesman article he wrote about the 2009 UH-BSU matchup. Sure, he reports another Bronco victory, but keep in mind that Kevan's time travel vehicle was not a Delorean, but rather, "a whole lotta shrooms." And with that, here's Kevan's report:


November 30, 2009
Broncos slip past Brennan, Warriors to finish perfect season
By Kevan Lee
Idaho Statesman columnist

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Defending national champion Boise State knew it had a tough test against Hawaii. But it also knew it had Kellen Moore and that's really all that matters.

Heisman front-runner Moore threw seven touchdown passes, Jeremy Avery and D.J. Harper both went over the 2,000-yard mark on the season, and the Broncos overcame a spirited Hawaii offense and officiating crew en route to a 56-49 victory.

"This team really earned the win tonight," said Ian Johnson, whom the Broncos retained as official spokesperson despite Johnson's graduating last year. "I've really enjoyed following them throughout the season and attending meetings I wasn't invited to."

The win leaves the Broncos as the only undefeated team in the country, and it all but assures them of retaining their spot at No. 1 in the latest BCS Standings presented by Dairy Queen. They are expected to face the Colorado Buffaloes and new coach Bryan Harsin in the title game.

Hawaii kept things close throughout, thanks to QB Colt Brennan, who was granted an additional year of college eligibility prior to the year because NCAA president Myles Brand read a Sports Illustrated from 2006 and thought having Brennan back sounded like a good idea. Brennan, the new governor of Hawaii, threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns on the night.

"I remember when Colt and I were Heisman favorites that one season and we made the cover of the WAC media guide," Ian Johnson said. "Hang on a second. I think I have it folded up in my wallet."

Brennan's numbers were aided by some particularly touchy penalties by a mixed officiating crew of Oregon fans and Honolulu residents. Jeron Johnson, Brandyn Thompson, Jamar Taylor, and George Iloka were ejected for innocent tackles deemed "targeting" by the officials. Ryan Winterswyk was ejected for "hitting the quarterback - period" and Derrell Acrey was sent off for "improper respect of the run 'n shoot."

The losses on defense led to a much closer game than the oddsmakers expected. The Broncos came into the game as 65-point favorites, one week after being 103-point favorites (and covering) against Idaho.

"Idaho," said Ian Johnson without being asked, "is bad."

A first quarter Brennan touchdown pass to Greg Salas, who later turned out to be Davone Bess in disguise, was the first points that the Broncos had allowed in over 75 quarters. The Warriors were the last team to score on the Broncos, a Daniel Libre TD run on October 20, 2008 in a 27-7 Boise State win.

"I rushed for 41 yards in that game," Johnson said.

Kellen Moore answered with two long touchdown passes to his brother, WR Kirby Moore. The true freshman wideout was in the starting lineup due to Titus Young's 12th straight one-game suspension of the season.

"I should have Titus over to my apartment for Bunco," Johnson said. "That will set him straight."

The shootout continued deep into the second half as the two teams traded touchdowns back-and-forth until the score stood tied at 49 with just over two minutes to play. On a third down pass to Jeremy Childs, new Hawaii coach Vili the Warrior was overcome with emotion and tackled Childs as he stretched for the chains. The referees missed the tackle but did flag the Warriors for encroachment, giving Boise State a crucial first down.

Three plays later, Moore found a streaking Austin Pettis wide open down the middle of the field for a 60-yard touchdown as time expired.

"I really liked that play," Johnson said.

Moore finished the game a perfect 32-for-32 for 617 yards and seven touchdowns. His only incompletion of the year remains the time that he threw to KTVB sports director David Augusto on the sideline because Augusto was wearing a full-on Boise State uniform and waving his hand in the air to say that he was open. Augusto dropped the pass.

Hawaii finished the season at 8-4 and has accepted an invitation to the first annual Colt Brennan Bowl sponsored by Colt Brennan. They will be scrimmaging against themselves.

Game notes: The game was the last for the Broncos as members of the WAC. Boise State will be joining the Mountain West, the newest BCS conference, next season ... Backup quarterback Inoke Funaki was inadvertently sacked by Jarrell Root on the sidelines ... Greg McMackin was not in attendance due to a Coca-cola sale at a local Jackson's Food Store ... Before the game, WAC commissioner Karl Benson was on hand to officially rename the WAC player of the week awards after Kellen Moore, Jeron Johnson, and Kyle Brotzman ...