The Daily Orange

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Since Boise State running back Ian Johnson tossed the ball into the stands after scoring the game-winning two-point conversion to defeat Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, things haven't been the same in Boise, Idaho, or in all of college football for that matter.

In a sport usually dominated by perennial powerhouses and traditions, the little guys are now making themselves known on the national picture. With the addition of a fifth Bowl Championship Series game last year, there is now a chance for a non-BCS conference school to prove that it can compete with college football's big boys just as the Broncos did last year.

More evidence of the increased parity in college football came just last week when two-time defending Championship Subdivision, formerly known as Division I-AA, champion Appalachian State knocked off No. 5 Michigan in a stunning 34-32 win in Ann Arbor, Mich.

A big upset like that can change a football program for many years to come. Just ask Boise State, which has gone from the hunter to the hunted with just one big win on the national stage. Boise State wide receiver Vinny Perretta, who threw a touchdown pass to tight end Derek Schouman in overtime in the Fiesta Bowl, can see the difference.

"The whole atmosphere has changed. There has always been excitement around here, but it is a lot bigger," Perretta said. "The expectations are a lot bigger as well, here at Boise State. We're just looking forward to having a good season and doing what we did last season."

When teams come into Boise and step onto the famous blue turf of Bronco Stadium, they now look at their game as an opportunity to make a name for themselves, Perretta said. The Broncos now have a bulls-eye on their back, but he believes that they cannot play any differently because of it.

The win against Oklahoma not only helped Boise State in their search for national recognition, but it also has given hope to other non-BCS conference teams that they, too, can compete with the powers that be in college football, Perretta said.

"We have shown last year that if you go undefeated, you're going to a BCS game, and we played with Oklahoma showing that we can play with the biggest and best teams in the nation," Perretta said. "I think it has given hope to these other conferences that they can play with the BCS conferences, as well."

One of those teams that has made a name for itself in past years but is still searching for the breakout that Boise State had last year is No. 19 Texas Christian. They will get a chance to begin a run at the BCS with a matchup against No. 7 Texas on Saturday.

TCU head coach Gary Patterson considers this game to be a measuring stick game for his team. He believes that playing against a team with the talent of Texas will allow his team to see just how good they can be this season.

The threat of the major upset is becoming more of a reality for many of the teams in college football's top tier. The little school poses more of a threat than ever to teams looking for a national championship on an annual basis.

Patterson agrees with this trend, and it is something he thinks will only continue to grow.

"Teams like Appalachian State have played on the big stage before, so it's definitely something that you have to look out for," Patterson said. "That is their Super Bowl. You will see it more than you will see it less in the future."

Perretta sees the same trends and knows that his team is the prime example of what can happen when big recruits buy into a system, no matter the history or size of the program.

The pool of talented recruits has grown so much that it now gives schools like Boise State the chance to find a diamond in the rough and make the program into what it has become.

"Football is just so big around the nation, and there are just so many football players out there," Perretta said. "It's all about recruiting and trying to find the right type of guy for your program."

It's possible Boise State will continue pushing the envelope this season, not only as they challenge the incumbent powerhouses in the game, but with their unique style of play that brought such excitement to their Fiesta Bowl win. Perretta only hopes he can have his number called on again to throw a touchdown pass with another big game on the line.

"Hopefully, I could get one or two, but I'm not banking on that; I'm just going out there and having fun," Perretta said with a chuckle. "If the coaches want to call my number in a situation like that again, hopefully I could get it done."

Michigan makes historic fall out of top 25

After its season-opening loss to Appalachian State, Michigan made the largest fall in the history of the Associated Press Poll since it expanded to 25 teams in 1989, falling from No. 5 to completely out of the poll. After becoming the first top 5 team to fall out of the rankings since the poll went to 25, the Wolverines will look to recover this week with Oregon coming to Ann Arbor.

Game to watch

No. 9 Virginia Tech at No. 2 Louisiana State

Coming off an emotional yet unimpressive win against East Carolina last week, the Hokies will face a much tougher opponent in LSU this week. With both their fan bases still recovering from two separate tragedies in Hurricane Katrina and the shootings of April 16, these two teams will battle in the marquee matchup of the week.

In a game that will have a major impact on the national championship picture, the Tigers will look to prove that they can contend without Jamarcus Russell, the No. 1 draft pick in the 2007 NFL Draft after thrashing Mississippi State last week, 45-0. Virginia Tech will look to get their offense back on track against the LSU defense.

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