BOISE, Idaho — Spencer Danielson, in his first year as Boise State’s head coach, has remained notably reserved regarding the Broncos’ chance to break into the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff field. His lack of exuberance contrasts with his usual energetic demeanor.
This cautious attitude can be traced back to a tense moment in 2010 when Boise State came tantalizingly close to making the playoffs, an event that led to reluctance in discussing a similar opportunity. A palpable fear hangs over the city of Boise, apprehensive of provoking bad luck or experiencing a repeat of past disappointments as the Broncos prepare to face No. 19 UNLV in the Mountain West championship game on Friday evening.
The notorious game haunting the minds of the Broncos is their 2010 regular-season finale against Nevada, where a loss not only ended their undefeated run but also dashed their aspirations of playing in the BCS championship game. Former Boise State and NFL wide receiver Austin Pettis laughed off inquiries about the painful memory, echoing what many locals prefer to avoid discussing.
Reflecting on that fateful game, former defensive lineman Billy Winn, who participated in the 2010 season, remarked, “It’s one of those games I think about … once or twice a year.” During that season, the Broncos were positioned at No. 3, behind top teams Oregon and Auburn. A loss from either of those teams could have opened the door for Boise State’s first-ever appearance at that high-profile level, something that still feels unfinished in the minds of the players.
Winn expressed, “I do believe that would’ve been our national championship year,” as he remembered how many players from that team were drafted into the NFL, even more than national champion Auburn. The atmosphere during that pivotal day in college football was electric, as Alabama momentarily surged ahead of Auburn, but the latter managed to stage a comeback that changed the landscape for Boise State.
As the Broncos prepared for a game against a ranked Nevada squad, Pettis recalled, “Going into that game, we knew if we won, the worst-case scenario would be a trip to the Rose Bowl.” Anticipation and ambition filled their hearts, only to be met with heartbreak instead. The match featured a thrilling showdown between the Broncos’ quarterback Kellen Moore and Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick, culminating in a tumultuous overtime where missed field goals sealed Boise State’s fate.
Despite the pain linked to that moment, players like Pettis and Winn see familiar traits in the current Boise State team. “The mentality that Danielson is instilling within the program is similar to what we had when we were playing there,” said Pettis. Both he and Winn note that the current squad embodies the same blue-collar ethos that previously defined Boise State’s success.
Pettis, now an offensive coordinator at Orange Lutheran High School, highlighted that the program is once again cultivating a culture reminiscent of their glory days under coach Chris Petersen. He asserted, “When you have the correct culture, that translates into wins,” indicating how the essence of teamwork can sometimes outweigh sheer talent.
Although Boise State has faced challenges in reclaiming its elite status since the 2010 season, the core identity remains rock-solid. Winn emphasized the importance of their identity: understanding their underdog status in the face of criticism from powerful rivals and channeling that into motivation.
“There’s a grit in this team’s demeanor,” he said, seeing a reflection of himself in their tenacity and determination. Under Danielson’s leadership, the Broncos aim not only to overcome past hurdles but also to rediscover the tenacity that laid the foundation for a period of dominance from 2006 to 2013, where they held an impressive 104-12 record.
In these crucial moments, Pettis noted, “Danielson understands that football is more than just having the best players. It’s about going through the fire with your brothers and knowing how to do that together.”
