There are always expectations for Boise State football to chase. A perfect season, New Years’ Day 6 bowl and Power 5 wins home or away.
And beat the point spread.
The 45-31 win over San Jose State Friday night wasn’t enough for most fans. It was only 14 points. The problem with that is, as is with any point spread, the probability of Boise State beating San Jose State by 29 points or more was only 50%. The probability of San Jose State losing by less than 29 points was 50%. Vegas win either way so they look for the sweet spot to get as many folks believing in it as against it. Fans don’t operate that way.
I would say 75% of Bronco fans thought that Boise State should have won 36-7 or more like 55-10. It’s based on the past Boise State teams efforts versus San Jose State. The average spread between these two teams is now 27 points and Boise State has never lost.
Never mind that Boise State had a 22 point lead twice during this game. The end result for most fans is they just aren’t as good as advertised.
Boise State is now 3-6 against the point spread this season.
I believe it is why fans are disappointed in this 8-1 team. Most feel like the team is 3-6.
There isn’t enough satisfaction in winning games for them. It is by how much and how it happened. Turnovers, onside kicks, bad offense, no sacks, not enough tight end receptions, etc. etc. All legitimate issues Boise State has had this year but mostly based on past performances.
THIS IS NOW. This season is the present. Living in the past and having expectations based on that is what dooms fans from having a better experience. And can rob the program from feeling supported and valuable.
If you expected Boise State to beat San Jose State by 29 points you were disappointed in the 14 point win. If they had won by 29 points or more you would have expected that to happen and where is the joy in that?
They did what they were supposed to do!
What if your expectations were based on the fact that San Jose State had a game plan put together by a guy who once went 14-0 at Auburn and finished #2 in the country? An Offensive Coordinator who coached at Michigan, UCLA, Oregon and Cal? What if the San Jose State Qb Kenny Potter had the best scrambling game of his life and led the Spartans to their best offensive effort of the season? Then what? Would you then be happy that Boise State used a key interception by a player, DSG, who badly needed to show why he was the biggest recruit Boise State, had landed in a while? Would you have cheered at how the fake punt from Boise State’s own 37 on 4th and 12 was a thing of coaching genius? Or pointed out..
That is what the trickeration nation expects!
On to Hawaii. If you want expectations, look for rain and snow.
