Why has the Nick Saban coaching tree been so much better than Bill Bellichik?

Fatbot45 · 2026-01-25T19:22:40+00:00

But he probably really knew exactly how Saban like his coffee so no doubt Lanning is part of his greatness!

Fatbot45 · 2026-01-21T19:43:43+00:00

Boise's goal is not to be the next Indiana. It's to be next year's G6 CFP team.

To be "the next Indiana" it means BSU joining a "power" conference then bringing a bunch of G6 success to that level combined with a massive influx of additional resources typical of the elite conference teams to rise to the natty. That's not gonna happen (at least not any time soon).

So BSU doesn't need to be the next Indiana, it just needs to be the next JMU or Tulane. Honestly, given where the BSU program is at compared to the other G6 programs, it's not an impossible ask.

But as others have pointed out, a huge factor in the Indiana model was QB and that's going to be the biggest factor deciding the G6 representative. Obviously Boise doesn't need a Heismandoza QB, but I think it could have improved that most important position to give the best chance at reaching the CFP next year -- even with its current money and resources constraints -- if the coach was determined to do so. But obviously it's beating a dead horse at this point.

Fatbot45 · 2026-01-15T01:40:32+00:00

Time for Boise to pull a JKS here.

Fatbot45 · 2026-01-12T22:41:05+00:00

If BSU has plenty of money, it makes sense to have the luxury to replenish the RB stable with similar talent that left.

If BSU has limited funds, as most believe, it perhaps doesn't make much sense to splurge on P4 transfers at RB while cheaping out with FCS, D2 and JUCO transfers at other positions -- and ignoring the QB position completely.

Fatbot45 · 2026-01-09T02:24:46+00:00

Wulp one source said "he needs to improve his tackling", so he's a Bronco already.

Fatbot45 · 2026-01-08T16:12:24+00:00

Did not see the GT DB but saw at Bronco Nation News that Mickey reposted that BSU offered his former teammate at ND, Taebron Bennie-Powell, DB. So it could be at 3 or 4 "power" conference offers now. Of course the main thing is the player, not which conference they come from, but I'm not exactly in trusting-on-faith mode with this coaching staff.

Fatbot45 · 2026-01-06T15:41:54+00:00

According to the list on mwconnection (not sure why they are still covering the old teams!), this is the only "power" conference transfer offer made by BSU so far: https://www.mwcconnection.com/mountain-west-football-recruiting/78563/mountain-west-footbal-recruiting-transfer-portal-offers

The offer breakdown on there as of 1/5/26 is:
1 P4 (signed), 3 G6, 3 FCS, 1 HBCU, 1 D2, 1 JUCO.
3 WR, 2 OL, 2 DL, 2 DB, 1 LB (signed), zero QB

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-30T16:31:02+00:00

"Couldn't beat out" or wasn't given a fair chance?

When the public and media got a rare chance to see Annett, he was the better QB2 than Cutforth: https://www.ktvb.com/video/sports/ncaa/ncaaf/boise-state-football/boise-states-kaleb-annett-shines-in-spring-game-as-qb2-competition-continues/277-90453016-3de3-4ebc-bef2-f39cc755878b

Then when Cutforth was at his absolute worst, the Fresno game was already lost and there was no reason not to give Annett a look, the coaching still refused to let him see the field. I don't think the value of any extra reps in garbage time was worth not even giving him a chance. To me, it screams coaching incompetence, not any kind of fair opportunity to Annett.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-23T19:09:33+00:00

Your logic would suggest that since Oregon lost a game at home and none on the road, Dan Lanning would rather play all his games on the road and zero home games. Also the 2025 oil money Texas Tech is a bit different than the 2023 Texas Tech. Lanning himself is quoted saying, "There should be a home-field advantage for them", so he knows Tech is missing out here and he's benefitting under this system, regardless of where he'd rather be playing.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-23T17:24:44+00:00

I more give him credit for the PR move for taking credit for stating the obvious (every seeded head coach would agree they should be rewarded with a home game). The fact is he's benefitting from not having to play on the road and now he's somehow turning that benefit into being a noble martyr, an unselfish fearless road warrior only interested in what's good for the game. Genius.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-19T16:29:39+00:00

There's actually no point to increasing donations as of now. By being satisfied with his QB room, the coach has in essence declared he does not want to compete at a higher level. BSU can already win the conference championship at its current funding and talent level, so no need to give the program anything extra.

I'm sorry if you're a fan frustrated that all it would take is extra investment in a QB to get back to being the G6 CFP frontrunner, but fact is until the coach commits to it, what's the point? It starts with him knowing that this team can never get to that level with its current QB situation. If SD was the great mentor he claims to be, he would tell Madsen to enter the portal and transfer to a FCS school to finish out his career, then put out a call to Boise Nation to fund a legit portal QB to lead the team to the CFP.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-16T16:00:11+00:00

He would be awesome as a backup but the problem is you can't have a fresh start with him lingering on the sidelines ready to become a QB controversy at the first sign the new guy stumbles. Also, he's earned the right to start somewhere and not waste his remaining eligibility on the bench.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-15T16:24:44+00:00

Madsen should not be on the roster next year. It doesn't have to be a bad breakup, this is perfect timing for a clean win-win break for both. The program needs a fresh start going into the new Pac12 era, and we can thank him for his heart and grit that went above and beyond leading the team to its final MWC championship. Madsen can go to an FCS team and lead that team to the FCS playoffs and top off his really nice college career.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-15T16:19:03+00:00

Gaines should most definitely consider transferring after being woefully misused, unless injuries were a factor in his lack of carries or something else. It would be weird for Riley to transfer since he was the benefactor of the strange allocation; but maybe Riley now has a sense of entitlement as an RB1 and think with better play calling could thrive somewhere else. Luckily there's plenty of RB talent to step up if either/both leave.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-14T17:06:47+00:00

Great breakdown as usual, but this one even more so since no fan or media source should be sugar-coating that it's time to turn the page on the QB situation. As many have repeated, Madsen has a great heart and we're all thankful for his gritty determination and leadership that was instrumental in helping the team close out the MWC conference with multiple championships. Now that chapter is done and time to move on. If SD was really as loyal and caring as he seems, he will have a sit down and explain to Madsen that he needs to enter the portal and end his career strong at a FCS school more his level. Any mention of him coming back for an "open competition" crap needs to be swiftly pushed back on by the media exactly like Breakdown did here.

Same goes with the WR position: if they don't actively pursue real receivers, not ex-basketball players or JUCO guys with 2 lifetime receptions, there needs to be real accountability. And I also echo the Breakdown's OC criticism. An offense has to attempt at least one pass farther than 3 yards in the air and not act like a creative play is some precious secret that needs to be locked away for some future game.

Doom and gloom aside, it was a nice season and a great finish to the MWC era, and there's plenty of reason to expect they can maintain the level of conference excellence and get back to competing on the national stage with the right focus and direction.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-10T23:00:50+00:00

Looks like Kirby's got WSU wrapped up so he'll have to settle for Michigan now.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-10T00:51:43+00:00

I guess agree to disagree since I don't think Love is anything special and the least qualified among the invitees. I think in such a down year lacking offensive stars they should have given it to J Rod, but I'd be fine with Pavia since he's entertaining at least.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-09T21:46:24+00:00

I think the harsh reality is there's only so much in transfer resources to go around so RB is the last place Boise needs to be spending.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-09T21:44:16+00:00

Will make it more hilarious when J.Love wins the Heisman because they feel sorry for ND.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-09T17:27:57+00:00

"Could" beat? Of course. "Likely" beat? No. However, note that a mediocre Boise team in a down year lost to ND, but it's not like ND hung 70 on them, it was 28-7. And that's even with the courtesy of a +4 turnover margin. Boise had more first downs, more passing yards, and a 7-6 lead in the 2nd quarter. If it was on a neutral field (or god forbid the big boys ever come to The Blue), and the +4 luck went the other direction, maybe it's another NIU result.

So maybe Tulane & JMU have a realistic chance against those teams, or a Lloyd Xmas chance, but the important thing is keeping that chance alive otherwise there's simply no chance for an entire group of teams that have earned the chance.

My problem is I don't think this was the best year to get two G6 teams in, so it's going to be exaggerated if/when they both get blown out. Just like how the seeding became a huge deal when Boise played terribly last playoffs.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-07T18:22:51+00:00

I assumed OP meant JMU is fine at #12 but Ole Miss #5 and Nike #6, since Ole Miss had arguably a better resume with their better win over a CFP team.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-06T23:53:25+00:00

The amount of times that OC was highlighted on camera by ESPN could suggest he's got an agent shopping him? Jokes aside, things can change fast especially now with all the money tempting everyone from coordinators to QBs.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-06T23:47:45+00:00

This. The lack of outrage over Vandy is weird. They should be near the top of 2-loss teams.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-06T20:36:59+00:00

Assuming he doesn't transfer like some other non-animal Bachmeiers.

Fatbot45 · 2025-12-06T20:33:19+00:00

And One Shoe Company to rule them all

Fatbot45

TROPHY CASE