Three Potential BCS Busters

Written By FanDuel.com

The current BCS format is in its final year of existence, which means that the smaller FBS schools will be looking to break through one last time. A season ago, Northern Illinois earned its way into the Sugar Bowl, putting up a solid effort before eventually falling to the Florida State Seminoles. Northern Illinois, or any other non-BCS school, make it to one of the major bowls this season? Here are three teams with the best shots.

Boise State

Thanks to the team deciding to stay in the Mountain West conference, the Boise State Broncos give themselves the best chance to be a BCS buster this season. Last season, despite it being labelled a rebuilding year, the Broncos were able to go 11-3. Their schedule turned out to be mostly underwhelming, but they did try to add some challenging matchups. This season, the two biggest challenges appear to be at Washington and at Brigham Young. If they can run the table, or lose just one close game, they could find themselves in yet another BCS game.

Fresno State

If Boise State can’t win another Mountain West conference title, look for it to go to Fresno State instead. The Bulldogs might actually be better on paper, thanks to their outstanding quarterback, and promising fantasy football pick, Derek Carr coming back for his senior season. This team has yet to figure out how to dethrone Boise State, but if they can, they have a shot to run the table. When the two meet this season, Fresno State will be the host. If they can take care of Rutgers early on in the season, this matchup could be for that BCS spot.

Northern Illinois

The Huskies made a pretty improbable run last season, and with their Heisman Trophy candidate coming back for his senior season, they are looking to do it again. Their Mid-American Conference schedule looks pretty favorable, as they get to avoid the top 2 teams in the East division. Also, road trips to Iowa and Purdue are somewhat challenging, but very winnable. If Jordan Lynch can pick up where he left off last season, the Huskies could once again find themselves in the discussion BCS bowls.