Team: Boise State

Nickname: Broncos

Conference: Western Athletic

Location: Boise

Coach: Chris Petersen (fourth season, 35-4 career)

Last bowl: 2008 Poinsettia

Last season: 12-1, 8-0

Boise State went into last season with a few unkown quantities, and emerged as a team likely to be a fixture in the top 20 for years to come. While the Broncos have a few holes to fill and some question marks at positions like receiver and offensive line, they're poised to make another run at a BCS game.

The season is a success if ... The Broncos defeat Oregon next Thursday at Bronco Stadium. Sure, they have 12 more games, but the Ducks are by far the toughest team on the schedule. A win would put BSU on the fast track to the BCS.

The season is a failure if ... They don't go undefeated in the WAC again. Boise State is far and away the class of the conference, and should cruise through their slate. However, a conference loss would slam the door on a big-time January game.

Impact Player: Sophomore Kellen Moore, quarterback. He set an NCAA freshman record with a 69.4 completion percentage and threw for 3,486 yards and 15 TDs. If players get better with age, watch out.

Fun Fact: Varney Airlines operated a landing strip on the land where the Boise State campus now stands. The first flight was in 1926 and soon expanded to become United Airlines.