Commentary

FBO: BYU topping the mid-major logjam

Fast start has Cougars in strong position for unbeaten season

Updated: September 16, 2009, 5:30 PM ET
By Brian Fremeau | Football Outsiders

The year probably couldn't have gotten off to a better start for the mightiest of the non-BCS conferences. Four so-called "mid-major" teams claimed spots in the preseason polls, and two of them -- the Boise State Broncos and Brigham Young Cougars -- toppled their biggest obstacle to an undefeated season in the opening weekend.

Then, on the second Saturday of action, the Houston Cougars ratcheted up non-BCS expectations even further by running wild in a 45-35 victory over then-No. 5 Oklahoma State in the Cowboys' own stadium.

Central Michigan knocked off a solid Michigan State team in East Lansing. TCU, Colorado State, Toledo, Hawaii and Louisiana-Lafayette have each picked off low-hanging BCS conference fruit this year. Navy, Wyoming and Fresno State gave big-time programs big-time scares.

After offseason proposals -- spearheaded by the Mountain West Conference -- for BCS bowl berth reform fizzled, are we now witnessing a revolution on the field?

To break down the non-BCS elites with the best chance of running the table and playing in January bowls, you must be an ESPN Insider. Insider

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

SPONSORED HEADLINES

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM