BOISE, Idaho -- The message on the marquee, there at Buster's on Broadway, was simple enough: "Houston, free ribs for life if you stay."
He left.
And after Houston Nutt skipped town, so did Dirk Koetter and Dan Hawkins. Even as Boise State football evolved from that team with the funky field into a BCS-buster, few here developed any illusions. They remained resigned, knowing despite Boise's fantastic livability ratings, an ultra-loyal fan base and an ever-expanding horizons, the job remained a steppingstone.
Until now, that is. Until Chris Petersen.
Under Petersen, the Broncos have reached new heights. It started with that Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma and continued as the Broncos marched to a 35-4 record in Petersen's three years (including two undefeated regular seasons). If they can get by Oregon tonight -- no easy task, but the Ducks are playing on the famed blue turf, where the Broncos have gone 64-2 since 1999 -- many think they're on their way to more perfection, and another BCS bowl appearance
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