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The last few years have proven that not only teams from automatic qualifying conferences can have a major impact on the BCS. Some schools have already made the jump to a bigger conference (Utah), but there are still some teams that play much bigger than their conference might suggest.

The Boise State Broncos have been a thorn in the BCS’ side for several years, always playing so well and challenging for a national title spot. The same should be true in 2011 as the team returns quarterback Kellen Moore and running back Doug Martin along with seven starters from one of the best defenses in the nation. The loss of starting receivers Titus Young and Austin Pettis will hurt, but the team is still expected to have a strong shot at the national championship with a line of +1,200 in BCS Futures.

The bowl season kicks off on Dec. 18th with the New Mexico Bowl featuring the BYU Cougars and UTEP Miners. Both teams finished with 6-6 records, a major disappointment for BYU who had won at least 10 games in each of the last four seasons. The Cougars are 12 point favorites in the New Mexico Bowl odds.

A lot of the BYU Cougars‘ issues came on offense where they ranked 80th in total yards and 89th in scoring. The focal point of the offense is running back J.J. Di Luigi. He led the team in rushing with 819 yards and seven touchdowns and also led in receiving with 422 yards. Quarterback Jake Heaps completed 55.6% of his passes for 2,052 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions this year.