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As a life-long fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and since 1992 a fan of the Southeastern Conference, I, like many, have had trouble grasping the idea that a school outside of an automatic qualifying conference, could ever break into what has undoubtedly become the "good ole boy" system that is the BCS.

I didn't want to believe that a team such as the Boise State Broncos, possessed the talent to compete with the big boys in college football.

And after writing an article that was solely based on my opinion about said Boise State, and after receiving feedback, I decided to do a little research and find out more about BSU.

My findings are quite interesting, as well as impressive.

I'm sure that Bronco Nation may be fully aware of any and all things they might read, but I'm willing to bet that many people will be surprised.

Boise State University was founded in 1932 as Boise Junior College by the Episcopal Church and remained so for only two years.

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In 1965, the school became Boise College after gaining its four year status. In 1969 the school was renamed yet again to Boise State College after joining the Idaho School System for Higher Education.

It wasn't until 1974 that Boise State became Boise State University, becoming Idaho's third University.

I think that those who were unaware of the progress that this university has made should let this information sink in. Now let's move on to the athletic program.

This university has gone from a junior college, to a four year college, to a full-blown university

Since 1999, Boise State has a record of 93-17 as a member of the Big West Conference in 1999 and 2000, and moving on to the Western Athletic Conference, after the Big West Conference discontinued its sponsorship of collegiate football in 2000.

Throughout the last 11 years, BSU has won nine conference titles. Two of those titles came in their final two years as members of the Big West Conference, and winning the WAC title from 2002-2006 and 2008-2009. That tradition is almost certainly to continue this year as the Boise State Broncos have started the 2010 season with strong showings in victories over Virginia Tech 33-30 and rival Wyoming 51-6, and are heading into a top-25 matchup with Oregon State.

The fact of the matter is that while I could easily sit here and tell you all the reasons why Boise State should not be considered for a National Championship, or that BSU doesn't deserve it's No. 3 ranking, I can now, easily give you twice as many reasons why they should be exactly where they are.

You see, previous to actually researching Boise State University, I figured that they were just another school, who had beat a few good teams and thought the world owed them something.

While BSU does lack a BCS computer friendly schedule, its not BSU's fault.

When Boise State has had the opportunity to play the "big boys," they have been successful.

In the 2007, the Boise State Broncos knocked off the Oklahoma Sooners, 43-42, in overtime, on the famous variation of the Statue of Liberty play for the two-point conversion.

More recently, the Boise State Broncos began the 2010 season knocking off then-No. 13 Virginia Tech, 33-30.

Many AQ teams don't want to play Boise State, due simply to the fact that they have nothing to gain, but everything to lose in the eyes of the sports world.

And now that I have a better understanding of this university, I hope that these same AQ teams that say Boise State doesn't belong, will put their money where their mouths are.

Because after all, these are the same schools complaining about the BCS, and that's just one more obstacle for this program to climb.

And they seem to be doing a fine job without the help of AQ teams.

Unlike my beloved Arkansas Razorbacks, I cannot name off the entire roster or the strengths and weaknesses of the offensive and defensive schemes that coach Chris Peterson has in place, but just ask Oklahoma and Virginia Tech if this Boise State team is a quality adversary.

I think they will tell you exactly what Bronco Nation has been telling us all along.

There are a few members of the Bronco Nation who recently read an article I wrote, and left comments of their disapproval. There were statements of my lack of objectivity, and lack of understanding Boise State University.

They were absolutely correct.

Just like many people that condemn something because they don't understand it, I too took shots at Boise State.

And for that, I offer my apologies to Bronco Nation. After doing a bit of research, and learning about this programs background, I think the Broncos are exactly where they should be.

Thanks for the read, and I always welcome comments and feedback.

For more insight or opinion feel free to to follow James on Twitter.com/@that_who_is_he