Boise State Wanted How Much?

I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon. I find a team I like and I pretty much stick with them through thick and thin. The latest to expand the bandwagon may be the fanbase of Boise State.

Many people have been torn by the recent success of the Broncos. Some "experts" are saying their #3 ranking is a joke while others say it's deserved. One thing I think both sides can agree on, Boise State is a legit football program.

Now I know the real Broncos fans are as devoted as any college football fanbase. I've watched a few of their games and that stadium is absolutely bonkers about their team. And they have every right to be. Chris Peterson has built an excellent program and he deserves a massive amount of credit. A program that was once known for the "Smurf Turf" has evolved into a top program.

That all being said, what I recently read on Omaha.com really threw me for a loop.

One of the cries from Boise State supporters is that no major college program will even give them the time of day. Boise wants to improve its non-conference schedule. But check out this excerpt from the article.

There’s been some bold talk this week out of the Boise State camp of supporters. Nobody in a big-boy conference will play Boise. You think that you can beat the Broncos? Give them a call. We dare you.

Nebraska called. Nebraska tried.

In the past year, NU tried to put together a series with BSU; two-for-one, home-and-home, one-way trip to Lincoln. Whatever. It ended up fizzling out. Why?

Because, according to NU Assistant Athletic Director Jeff Jamrog, Boise wanted a minimum $1 million to play in Lincoln.

Now...this is from an Omaha site, mind you, but it does leave you wondering. Wondering if Nebraska is merely blowing smoke or if Boise State has become that arrogant or if that's just now a sign of the economic times.

The one word that really struck a chord was "minimum". Dr. Evil would be so proud. Are you serious? A mill? What on earth can possess those in charge to demand such a thing?

Before everyone wants to chastise Boise State for such a demand, simply read this from a post on Bleacher Report from last December. You will quickly do an "about face".

Navy received a record payout by Ohio State, a whopping $1 million, for their game in Columbus this year. Generally Ohio State would not pay that much to a visiting team but the pageantry associated with a national service academy warranted paying Navy $1 million.

In the past, the Buckeyes have paid $750,000 to $850,000 in guaranteed money out of net revenues that run between $3.8 million and $4.5 million per game depending on weather and concession sales.

Arkansas State will receive $1 million for games at Auburn in 2010 and at Virginia Tech in 2011.

Neutral site games are also potential huge paydays. Boise State will receive $1.25 million for a game at Fed-Ex Field against Virginia Tech next year. The real whopper is that Texas A&M and Arkansas will each be paid $5 million per year to play their annual game at Jerry's World (Cowboy Stadium). That's better than BCS bowl money, and they don't have to share with the rest of the conference!

Navy got a mill. Arkansas State's getting the same from two BCS teams in two different seasons. Boise State did collect a decent payday just last week. And what is to be made of the cashflow that will be generated at Texas A&M and Arkansas?

I continually hear that "Boise State can't get anyone to play them" and after digesting all of this, I'm ill (and not from the two chili dogs I just consumed). I'm disgusted. It's not that nobody will play Boise State, it's that nobody will pay them.

We go the Gene Smith once again.

"In coming years, the going rate will be $1 million in guaranteed money," Smith said.

The coming years are already here, Gene. You and your BCS brethren better recognize that fact.

And Boise State does have the right to request that amount. Boise State has every right to play in big games outside of BCS games. Boise State has beaten BCS teams and that might still be the real reason Boise cannot attract competition. Boise State has proven they can at least "hang" with the BCS teams.

But here's the real fact.

The big boys are scared and don't want to dole out big bucks and face potential embarrassment.