Background: The Two Teams have never met.
Boise State: 9 Straight Win Tear Through the WAC before a loss to Hawaii
East Carolina: 1 Win
Boise State Advantages:
Many players remain from the teams miracle run that ended in a Fiesta bowl win.
They have utterly dominated the WAC (Aside from Hawaii).
Statistically speaking, they are BCS good offensivly and defensively.
Boise State Disadvantages:
Incredibly weak schedule. It can be argued that ECU might've done just as well with their schedule.
They will be missing their top Wide Reviever due to a rules violation.
They will have very few fans.
East Carolina Advantages:
Has played respectably against tough non-conference opponents, such as Virginia Tech and West Virginia.
Has a couple power wins over bowl-teams Houston and Memphis.
They have a not-too-shabby running back, Chris Johnson.
East Carolina Disadvantages:
They have dismal offensive and defensive stats....in Conference USA.
They only have a good running game....and are going up against one of the best run-defenses in the country.
They have a pretty low-end kicker.
They also will have very few fans.
Hawaii Advantages:
They will have more fans here than Boise and East Carolina fans combined.
Writer Predictions:
Jason Frost: Boise State. East Carolina faithful will have a long way to travel to get to Hawaii, but fortunately for them it's Hawaii so they will have something to do after Boise State blows out their team. East Carolina has a lousy defense, and a far worse offense then Boise State, this one won't be close, Boise State by double digits.
OKLuschen: Boise State. It's not even close really. I can't see any reason that East Carolina should win this game at all. Broncos roll.
Zorgon: Boise State. It won't be a blowout, because they'll have to rely a lot more on their running game. Even if ECU does equal their running, I'd still venture that they have a better passing game and defense. I only see an ECU win if Ian Johnson gets injued and Chris Johnson goes carrazy. So, Boise with a sizeable win in front of this largely neutral crowd.
Bottom Line: Boise State 3, East Carolina 0
