What Is 2009 Boise State Broncos football

Overview

The 2009 Boise State Broncos football team represented Boise State University in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Under head coach Chris Petersen, the team achieved a perfect 14–0 record, becoming one of the few programs in modern college football history to complete an undefeated season at the highest level.

The Broncos played their home games at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho, and competed as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Their season culminated in a dramatic 17–10 victory over TCU in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl, solidifying their national prominence and earning them a top-five finish in both major polls.

• 14–0 record: The Broncos became the first team in NCAA FBS history to finish 14–0 in a single season, setting a new benchmark for dominance in non-Power Five conferences.
• Fiesta Bowl champions: On January 4, 2010, Boise State defeated TCU 17–10 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, marking their second BCS bowl win in four years.
• Chris Petersen’s leadership: In his third season as head coach, Petersen improved his career record to 34–1, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most successful coaches.
• Kellen Moore’s breakout year: The sophomore quarterback threw for 3,546 yards and 34 touchdowns with only six interceptions, earning WAC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
• National rankings: The team finished No. 4 in the final Associated Press (AP) Poll and No. 3 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, the highest rankings in school history at the time.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2009 campaign featured a mix of dominant performances and tightly contested matchups, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience. Despite playing outside the traditional Power Five conferences, Boise State remained in contention for a national championship until the final polls.

• September 5, 2009: vs. Oregon: The season opener, a 19–8 loss for Boise State, was later vacated by the NCAA due to Oregon’s use of ineligible players, though the game is still officially recorded.
• October 17, 2009: vs. Louisiana Tech: The Broncos won 40–35 in a high-scoring affair, with Kellen Moore throwing four touchdown passes to secure a crucial WAC victory.
• November 14, 2009: vs. Nevada: A 44–31 win over Nevada included 204 rushing yards and helped Boise State clinch the WAC title outright.
• December 12, 2009: vs. New Mexico State: The final regular-season game ended in a 42–7 rout, giving the Broncos an undefeated 12–0 record heading into the postseason.
• January 4, 2010: vs. TCU (Fiesta Bowl): The Broncos held off a late TCU rally to win 17–10, with kicker Kyle Brotzman sealing the game with two second-half field goals.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2009 Boise State Broncos to other top FBS teams highlights their statistical and competitive standing at the end of the season.

The table shows that Boise State’s defense allowed just 197 points all season, averaging only 14.0 points per game against. While Alabama scored more overall, the Broncos’ strength of schedule and margin of victory in key games underscored their elite performance despite conference limitations.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a landmark moment for non-Power Five programs, proving that teams outside the traditional football power structure could achieve national success through disciplined coaching, efficient play, and strategic scheduling.

• National recognition: The undefeated season and Fiesta Bowl win forced voters and analysts to reconsider the legitimacy of non-AQ conference teams in national title conversations.
• BCS implications: Boise State’s performance intensified debate over the Bowl Championship Series system, contributing to the eventual creation of the College Football Playoff in 2014.
• Recruiting boost: The season elevated Boise State’s national profile, helping attract higher-rated recruits in subsequent years.
• Legacy of Chris Petersen: Petersen’s success led to his eventual hiring by Washington in 2014, marking a rare cross-conference coaching transition from Group of Five to Power Five.
• Program momentum: The 2009 season was part of a 25-game winning streak that spanned from 2008 to 2011, establishing Boise State as a consistent national contender.
• Media exposure: The team’s success brought increased television coverage and national broadcasts, benefiting the WAC and other mid-major conferences.

The 2009 Boise State Broncos remain a symbol of what smaller programs can achieve with consistency, innovation, and excellence. Their season continues to be studied as a model for success beyond the traditional football elite.