(6) Boise State (8-0) at Louisiana Tech (3-5)

Fair Currently: Ruston, LA
Temp: 55° F
  • Game info: 8:00 pm EST Fri Nov 6, 2009

By ALAN FERGUSON, STATS Writer Nov 2, 8:47 pm EST

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With help from an opportunistic defense, Boise State remains in prime position to earn another BCS bowl bid.

The fifth-ranked Broncos just need to avoid an ill-timed upset over the season’s final five games starting Friday night at Louisiana Tech, where wins haven’t come easily.

After failing to force a turnover in consecutive games, Boise State (8-0, 3-0 Western Athletic Conference) has intercepted four passes and recovered four fumbles over the past two games. Those takeaways have helped the Broncos produce a pair of blowouts, 54-9 at Hawaii and 45-7 last week against San Jose State.

“The coaches are harping on that in practice and turnovers have been a point of emphasis,” said cornerback Kyle Wilson, who returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown Saturday. “Any little detail the coaches focus on in practice, it shows up in the game. We definitely got challenged a couple of weeks ago, and we’re stepping up to it.”

In the win over the Spartans, one of those turnovers helped Boise State score 17 points in a seven-minute span before halftime. Kellen Moore rushed for one touchdown and threw for another in that span.

Moore passed for 278 yards and three touchdowns while remaining first in the nation with a quarterback rating of 171.0.

“I think right before half, that was a big swing for us,” Moore said. “We weren’t executing as well as we should have at the time, but we got a couple of touchdowns in there after our defense made some plays and that was a key point for us.”

Moore has thrown 24 TDs - second most in the Football Bowl Subdivision - and just two interceptions. He’s helped the Broncos score 41.0 points per game, the nation’s third-best average.

Boise State also has the nation’s 10th-ranked defense and is 11th in allowing an average of 13.6 points. It has forced six fumbles and 13 interceptions for the nation’s fifth-best turnover ratio.

While the Broncos moved up one spot in the AP rankings this week, they remained seventh in the BCS standings and last among the FBS’ unbeaten teams.

That means if Boise State finishes unbeaten, it should reach its first BCS bowl game since the 2006 Fiesta Bowl. But it will need help for an unprecedented run to the title game.

That all would evaporate with a loss to the WAC rival Bulldogs (3-5, 2-3), who have suffered close defeats in each of the past two weeks.

Their rally fell short in a 23-21 loss at Utah State on Oct. 24 as they couldn’t complete a tying 2-point conversion with 6:15 remaining. In last week’s 35-34 loss at Idaho, Louisiana Tech allowed the winning touchdown with 52 seconds left and couldn’t convert a 56-yard field goal attempt as time expired.

Running back Daniel Porter and receiver Phillip Livas left last week’s defeat because of injuries. Both players are questionable as the Bulldogs try to avoid a season-high third straight loss.

Porter has rushed for a team-best 640 yards and seven touchdowns, and needs 24 to move into fourth on the school’s all-time list. Livas is the team’s third-leading receiver with 205 yards on 19 catches.

“I’ve never been as proud as I am of this team,” coach Derek Dooley said after the loss to Idaho. “We played with so many guys out and lost Livas and Porter during the game. You lose your top two playmakers on offense and all of a sudden you’re searching.”

Dooley’s team dropped to 0-5 on the road but will try to earn their 11th win in 12 home games since a 45-31 loss to the Broncos on Oct. 20, 2007.

Boise State is searching for its eighth consecutive win over Louisiana Tech since dropping the inaugural meeting as WAC schools in 2001 in Ruston.

Moore threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns to lead Boise State to a 38-3 home win over Louisiana Tech last season.

Boise State plays one other road game in its final five contests, at Utah State on Nov. 20. It hosts two teams with winning records during the closing stretch, Idaho on Nov. 14 and Nevada on Nov. 27.

Updated Nov 2, 8:47 pm EST
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  1. Marshawn Lynch
    370. Posted by Marshawn Lynch Mon Nov 9 4:41pm EST

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    How about a conference like the Pac-10 goes after Boise. Heck, kick out WSU, they're awful. I don't think Boise would go undefeated if they played in a power conference but they'd sure be competitive and win their share of games
  2. markl
    369. Posted by markl Sun Nov 8 1:04pm EST

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    For years we have heard protest come from Boise and alike schools that they deserve to be ranked with the elite programs in the country despite their schedule. The voters listened and have since rewarded you & schools like you as reflected by the current polls. But now your upset b/c nobody will play you b/c of a standard that you worked hard to set. And that is record above strength of schedule by a wide chasm. And since this is a copycat world, programs in the major conferences are following the blueprint for success that you help create. "Wrong!", you say? Imagine this: S.O.S. being held with higher reverence than record, where would your school be ranked then? I imagine below several one-loss SEC,Big 12 & Big 10 schools. Your reaction? "That's not fair, were undefeated!" And back to the same ole' original argument we go. However if you abstain, your phone would ring off the hook with quality offers from quality opponents b/c other programs would need you as much as you need them to advance in the polls. IMO, schools like Boise chose poorly... they opted to complain loud enough & long enough to get what they thought was their due. But now it is coming back full circle and biting them in the a**. Be careful what you ask for... you just might get it.
  3. dawsey
    368. Posted by dawsey Sun Nov 8 10:45am EST

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    Nope Bob, I am not ignorant nor is the BSU team playing by the elite BCS rules. We are what we are, and your a big mouth jacka** tool. Keep it real hater.
  4. bob r
    367. Posted by bob r Sun Nov 8 10:39am EST

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    BSU fans are soooo ignorant.....now i'm reading that there's a conspiracy against the school...what a joke...Yahoo, ESPN, Fox Sports...they're going to cover what is news and more importantly what makes money...doing a report on how the BCS allegedly screws rinky dink schools like boise, wouldn't sell..reporting on the majors..sells...get real people this is about money, prestige and power conferences...always has and always will.....oh and by the way, kennedy was shot by only one shooter....and there is no such thing as aliens....
  5. mike m
    366. Posted by mike m Sun Nov 8 9:46am EST

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    The non-BCS teams are 3-1 in BCS bowls the last five years. They belong. The Big Ten, who has benefitted most of any conference from the at-large berths, is 2-8 the last five years. But they bring fans and money rules college football.
  6. chiefsfan88
    365. Posted by chiefsfan88 Sun Nov 8 12:32am EST

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    I hope that the Broncos and Frogs go undefeated this year, and both should finish in the top 5. If Oregon still wins the Pac-10, and Clemson winds up with the ACC title, it would be tough for the BCS to not let both schools go to a game. They both deserve it, and I hope that only three teams finish undefeated this year. That would surely put the BCS in a precarious situation, and hopefully make a larger national push for a playoff.
  7. Michael M
    364. Posted by Michael M Sat Nov 7 10:18pm EST

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    John F
    327. Posted by John F
    I keep reading posts from these Boise State homers saying that the SEC teams are afraid to play their beloved Broncos.
    The last SEC team Boise State played was Georgia. It wasn't that long ago.
    I'll let you Bronco fans look up the score.
    ----------
    Of course, the SEC needs to stay away from the Mountain West Conference. Last time they tried it was Utah humiliating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Might happen again this year with the TCU Horned Frogs.................
  8. Dee
    363. Posted by Dee Sat Nov 7 9:35pm EST

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    Nice win Big Blue keep the jealousy coming an screw all the haters!! I have only lived in Boise for 4yrs but feel that they should be able to play anyone out there !! Bring it on unless your scared which is what it sounds like that why they won't except our offer !! Boise State rocks !!
  9. Rachel
    362. Posted by Rachel Sat Nov 7 9:35pm EST

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    Bob R- "the BCS is designed to reward the real/true college football teams"
    Wow! What an ignorant approach to take. ASk any team who has played BSU if they consider them a "real football" team and I think they will beg to differ from your opinion. I am sure that is what big bad Oregon thought this year (by the way OU....sorry about that Stanford loss today). I am also pretty sure that is why Oklahoma got caught with their pants down in the Fiesta Bowl. I can guarantee that after what BSU delivered in the Fiesta Bowl a few years back...a whole lotta people would turn in to any national bowl game they play.
    Furthermore, you keep mentioning the National Championship....which isn't even really the point right now. BSU just wants to be allowed to play a BCS bowl game....period!! I think with ESPN as well as YAHOO Sports bringing this little situation of no one wanting to play BSU into the spotlight...maybe one of your "real/true" college teams will step up. But I doubt it....
  10. RobertI
    361. Posted by RobertI Sat Nov 7 8:55pm EST

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    I see posts that say how BSU is an upstart team and they need to build a legacy, specifically Daymond. Do some research, BSU is 99-17 since they came moved to up to Div I in 1999. Oh excuse me they are now 100-17, a winning percentage of 85% or thereabouts for the past ten years. Since they started a football program in the 1930s BSU has an overall winning percentage of around 72%. They have fought their way up from a junior college to a Div II program to a Div I program and keep winning at all levels. When the opportunity comes along they have signed the tough games and moved to a better conference and if any of the BCS conferences asked BSU would join. Would they win like they are now, I honestly don't know but they would compete and be a force in any conference. All BSU and BSU fans ask for is a little respect, BSU is trying to sign tougher opponents and no takers. Why does BSU get ridiculed for a soft schedule when they do the best they can to get better teams to play them but can't, some of the BCS schools choose a soft schedule so they can make sure they have a high percentage chance to play for the national championship.
  11. H
    360. Posted by H Sat Nov 7 8:32pm EST

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    To be honest, I'm happy to cheer for Boise State and have them in the WAC. Yeah, I'd like to see them take on "elite" teams from "elite" conferences, simply to see for myself how they rank against the teams that the NCAA / BCS has built up to be the high profile money makers. But this is very unlikely to happen in our lifetimes. In 1998, the NCAA needed a way to increase revenue and to ensure a steady stream of sponsers. Looking at the success of Vince McMahon and the WWF (later the WWE), the NCAA created this BCS. A "computer ranking system". This would ensure tha no individual or individuals would have to shoulder the blame for the travesties that ocur each season. Each summer the season is scripted out based on the revenue potential of each team and conference. One big difference, is that the games are not fake. It would be far too difficult to choreograph a 60 minute football game, unlike a 15 minute wrestling match. But the path to the championship is very well planned and thought out. This year, however, the BCS has been forced to their plan B by one player. Sam Bradford. The plan was for a BCS title game between media darlings, Tim Tebow (Florida) and Sam Bradford (Okalahoma). Due to Bradford's injury, the BCS will go to their backup plan, Colt MCoy (Texas) vs Florida. In order the satisfy the greed of the NCAA and their sponsers, only the hightest profile teams (deserved or not) may play for the championship game. Simply look at the last several BCS championship games. Tons of media sensations (college celebraties) and just as many blow-outs. This crap known as the BCS doesn't happen by accident.

    I'm not saying that teams like Boise State, TCU, Cincinnati, Utah, etc. are any better or worse than any of the teams from the high profile conferences, but with the BCS' stance on profitability taking a much, much higher priority than competitiveness, we'll likely never know how these teams truly stack up.
  12. bob r
    359. Posted by bob r Sat Nov 7 8:14pm EST

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    Bottom line all you delusional Boise fans...college football for better or worse is all about money...the big time programs/real programs have the money, power, prestige, players and fans that draw millions of dollars for their bowl games...realistically, boise doesn't have any of that...so why in the hell would the BCS want to entertain the thought of a small/mid major playing in the prestigious, money-making bowls...they don't...flawed or not it's about money....and untilt he system is changed, rinky dink schools that play patsie schedules and go undefeated will never, ever get into the national championship...the BCS is designed to reward the real/true college football teams.
  13. daymond
    358. Posted by daymond Sat Nov 7 7:26pm EST

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    Kristine I appreciate your dedication and support to your team.... Intelligent and spirited debate. I will say that I however loathe any scenario that somehow allows Boise st to play for a national championship any time in the near future. Somehow if they could schedule at least 2 quality opponents and go undefeated will be the only way I could possibly ne pursuaded to think otherwise
  14. Captain Adequate
    357. Posted by Captain Adequate Sat Nov 7 7:18pm EST

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    Dustin P.... The primary reason for this is money. Just look at how the "power" conferences are setup. The PAC 10, only has 10 schools that participate in football, the same goes for the Big 12(with 12 schools), and used to be true for the Big 10(though they didn't change their name when they went to 11). All of this has to do with the same elitist view that's keeping the same BCS system in place, which is the perception by the powers that be, that a change to the current system will result in less cash flow for them. These "power" conferences that are on the inside of the system, don't mind sharing with the "lesser" schools in the "minor" sports- "Ah look, they want to be like us, how cute?", but where they consider their money to be on the line, they wont budge.

    They'll give you "reasons", such as how it will taint the true nature of the sport, and garbage like that, and how a team from a "minor" conference hasn't been around long enough to join their grandiose conference. But really what it's about is money. Their view of the world is a pie, and the more people you have to share a pie with, then the less pie that exists for each person, or in this case school. What generates the most money in college athletics today is football, and any talk about changing the way money is made in college football, makes a certain group of elitists very nervous.

    The sad thing is, is that they have deep pockets, and just looking over the posts to this topic, one can easily see that the propaganda that they're pushing out is being recycled and being regurgitated back out. So, what you have are elitists, who think that because it's always been a specific way, so it should continue to be that same way, and their parrots, who are incapable of speaking for themselves and so just spout hype.

    So the question is, why can't the college football landscape be redrawn tomorrow? Or more realistically, at the end of the season. The quickest way to reset a broken bone is to break it back into place. The college football system worked at one time, we've moved beyond that time. Resetting a broken bone is painful, there will probably be some screaming, but if we ever want to get things back on track, we'll have to do something sooner or later. And the longer it takes, the more likely this thing will stay broken, it only makes since to gradually implement a different system, if you're afraid that you're going to lose money, and you're attempting to squeeze out every last dollar that you can.

    -Just something to think about.
  15. Kristine
    356. Posted by Kristine Sat Nov 7 7:00pm EST

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    Again the score for the TCU/BSU game was NOT a blow out. TCU had to fight tooth and nail to win against Boise. And the offer that Bleymeiyer is making is taking BSU to any teams home turf with no need to visit back the next year. So why wouldnt then take the offer other than fear. It seems to me that all the rhetoric and crap that is being bandied around by both sides is missing one thing BSU just wants to play. They just want to be given a chance to see if they can play with the Big Boys. Nobody wants to give that chance. So why does Boise have to be the one to be punished? Because they are from podunk Idaho? They havent played in the Bowl games year in and year out. BSU has consistantly been marching up the mountain for the last several years. So yes we are trumpeting our horns saying give us a chance. Boise lost the Pointsetta bowl by ONE point, and played a hard fought Fiesta Bowl against a ranked team and yes it was also a one point game, but they showed their tenacity and heart and came out on top. It isnt just about the mechanics of the game it is also about the Heart in the game.
  16. Sparkyrules
    355. Posted by Sparkyrules Sat Nov 7 6:57pm EST

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    There are several ways to fix this BCS crap. First make public the weekly votes of every coach and writer for the coaches and Ap polls to show all of America what a sham these polls are. Second have all the non BCS conferences commit to not playing any BCS conferences, let the BCS teams play real schedules with an equal number of home and away games instead of crap like Notre Dame, Florida and Michigan playing 8 home games and 4 road games. Let Florida play all the stupid SEC teams instead of Troy and FIU. Third make the NCAA do its job and start investigating class attendance and administer general college aptitude tests to all the BCS conference football players to weed out the ineligible players that for years have gotten free rides.
  17. John F
    354. Posted by John F Sat Nov 7 6:34pm EST

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    Kristine... exactly. And they got whooped. Something tells me that, after that performance, it would be Boise State that didn't want to play the SEC, not the other way around. And they succeeded in not playing anyone from that conference for four years.

    Boise is talking out of both sides of its mouth. Bleymeier dodged top level competition by insisting on home-and-homes, knowing full well that there isn't a top team in America that needs to come to Boise, Idaho and play in front of 35,000 fans. They then tried to justify their weak schedule by saying that "if we're undefeated, it shouldn't matter".

    The problem with that scenario is that you can no longer fault the top teams for scheduling a couple of easy games, especially if they play in a tougher conference. Now that THAT little argument doesn't hold any water, the line is that "nobody wants to play us, even if we don't demand a home game."

    News flash, Boise: your argument helped create the situation that you are currently whining about. You wanted to be taken seriously without playing a difficult schedule, and you got what you wanted. Now nobody has any incentive whatsoever to play you. Well, except in a bowl game, and Boise has lost its last two to...get this... TCU and East Carolina.

    Top five? BCS? Riiiight.
  18. daymond
    353. Posted by daymond Sat Nov 7 6:33pm EST

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    The reason they aren't in a major conference is because as I said b4 they are an upstart team. 10 years from now if Boise st. continues to dominate they will be allowed to upgrade. They have only been national 4 or 5years which I notlong enough to warrant a conference change. We can't have a playoff with more than 4 teams because football games are once a week and it will push the season to far into the year if we make it longer..... Boise St just needs to continue building a legacy and winning tradition and trust me eventually you will have the opportunity upgrade leagues and have an annual legitimate chance at the title..... look at todays games for example... does boise st have any game this late in the season half as important as the bama/lsu game or the ohio st/penn st game ? Not to mention the sec championship game
  19. bMac
    352. Posted by bMac Sat Nov 7 6:19pm EST

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    Boise BCS blocked:
    http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=dw-boise110709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

    read it, then comment
  20. Kristine
    351. Posted by Kristine Sat Nov 7 6:14pm EST

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    Dustin P.... Good question!! I would love to have a reasonable and easily comprehensible answer to that myself!!!
  21. Kristine
    350. Posted by Kristine Sat Nov 7 6:12pm EST

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    daymond... MSU is a hell of a team. And a good one to be in its corner. I have to say one thing I totally agree with you, Hout should have probably gotten at least a one game suspension, and my whole family and I as well as other BSU fans that I know of where in fact surprised that nothing was done. Unfortunantly the continual playing of the "Punch" over and over on tv and at the game was over kill. It led in part to some of what transpired. I have to disagree with you on the angle of BSU NOT playing the important and meaningful games later in the season. How can they play these games when the other teams wont play them. Fact is that BSU would gladly play any team later in the season when it becomes as you put it "more meaningful", however, how is that ever going to happen unless a team comes to the table and says, "Hey let BSU take on MSU. Let them show us what they got!!" Come on you have to admit that a part of you would pay good money to watch that game. Seems to me the thing that everybody is missing is that BSU just wants the chance to prove themselves against the Big Boys, and by the Big Boys not responding and willing to play us it makes them look like they are afraid of a Small (excuse the cliche) potato's team. Why is it that every sport out there has playoffs and all teams have a chance big school/small school? Oh yeah I forgot MONEY!!! Sad cause it takes away from the great sport known as Football.
  22. Dustin P
    349. Posted by Dustin P Sat Nov 7 6:04pm EST

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    I've got a question maybe someone can answer for me. Everyone keeps talking about how Boise needs to get in a better conference like the PAC-10. When anybody says that there is a big discussion about why Boise couldn't even get in the PAC-10. I guess I just don't really know very well how this part of the system works, but Boise States wrestling team (yes I know wrestling isn't as popular as football...), who is very good, (top 10 nationally) is in the PAC-10. How can the wrestling team be in the PAC-10 and the football team "never" be able to get in??
  23. daymond
    348. Posted by daymond Sat Nov 7 5:54pm EST

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    MSU is my team... And both players should have been suspended at least one game. I know the instigator NEVER gets caught in football and it's always the guy who retaliates that does but in this case Hout deserved at least some sort of suspension. Kristine if you will read my posts I am telling you that I agree no one wants to play them going forward. And the reasons why they don't are clearly spelled out. There is absolutely no benefit to play Boise St early in the season if I'm USC or Alabama or anybody until Boise St, plays more than that one meaningful game during the season. If Oregon did not schedule Boise St. this year and was undefeated today do you think they would be in the national champioonship discussion? Of course they would be so they DON'T need Boise St. Would Boise St. have ANY shot at the BCS if we substitute an inferior team instead of Oregon on their schedule of course NOT? Boise St. needs the elite teams and the elite teams don't need them so when they grant you an opportunity tell Hout to show some class if you win!
  24. Kristine
    347. Posted by Kristine Sat Nov 7 5:51pm EST

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    LongTran um do you remember the score of that TCU game? Do you recall the score?? Yes TCU beat Boise but, here it comes, wait for it, wait for it..........BARELY the score was 16-15!!!!! Hmmm Gave em a run for their money? or TCU Just not able to oh how did you put it about the LA Tech game last night?..... and this is a direct Quote: please, until you can perform and not let a team with LOSING record put up 35 on you, just shut up. Iowa, Cincy, Boise, all pretenders. And it comes out on the field. And Boise, PLEASE don't bring up your win 2 YEARS ago, no one wants to hear it. Here and now baby. What have you done for us lately? Other than let a crap team put up 35 on you? Poor Boise. Um seems to me that it was POOR TCU who couldn't put more points up on such an unworthy opponent as BSU. With attitude like yours I would love to see BSU play TCU again and BSU to mop up the turf. Wait for it, Wait for it..........It COULD happen you know. Don't Wish for what you really dont want!!!!
  25. Kristine
    346. Posted by Kristine Sat Nov 7 5:36pm EST

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    daymond do you know how to read or just rant. The other teams DONT want to play us. And as it has been said more than once it is because the other teams are not willing to be beat by a so called Inferior team. Boise State is as good as any team out there. So they may not come out victorious against a bigger named team but in the long run how will we ever know if not afforded the chance. You also seem to be focused on the unfortunate incident against Oregon. How do you know that they were NOT told to be courteous to Oregon should they win. Where you on the frield near Hout and Blount when the unfortunate incident took place. If you were watching the game you would have seen that Coach Peterson was on Hout about what happened BEFORE Blount threw the now infamous punch that dropped Hout to his knees and lead to BLOUNT being escorted out because of his actions. Sorry if BSU fans were upset that one of their boys had gotten punched. I am sure that something similar would have taken place had the circumstances been switched and the same type of incident happened at Oregon, I can only hope that if that had happened in Oregon the same repercutions would have taken place. After all if you are going to act like a child and need to be punished you should be. However as a mother I am not going to punish BOTH of my children for something that ONE of my children have done, which is what you are doing by "Punishing" BSU for the unfortunate actions between Hout and Blount. I have also noticed that you have yet to tell us WHO your TEAM is. Come on be strong who is your team? hmm
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