Point-counterpoint: What are the "tricks'' and "treats'' of the Boise State season?

Statesman sports editor Mike Prater is a Harris Poll voter and a Heisman Trophy voter. Columnist Brian Murphy is covering the Broncos throughout the 2009 season. Each week, they discuss a different topic in our Bronco GameDay section.

Today: What are the "tricks'' and "treats'' of the Boise State season?

Prater (trick): It looks like the BCS is about to pull another fright-night trick on the Broncos, who seem destined for their fourth undefeated regular season in six years - with only one BCS bowl game to show for it. Other than the system itself, TCU is doing all the dirty work this year. The Frogs jumped over the Broncos last week, and that won't change as long as both teams win out. It would be wonderful to see Boise State in another BCS game - the program deserves it. Unfortunately, TCU deserves it more this year. The Frogs beat the Broncos in a bowl game last year. Both teams are similar this year (TCU returned 15 starters according to their own media stats, while BSU returned 14). Boise State has the better win (Oregon), but TCU has the stronger body of work (BYU, Clemson and Virginia - all on the road) and the stronger strength of schedule (No. 34 to No. 68, based on Jerry Palm's BCS stats). Sorry, the candy bar goes to TCU.

Murphy (trick): Boise State certainly got tricked by the BCS standings, but the biggest trick this season is getting the ball from the center to quarterback Kellen Moore. I know it frustrates the coaches and fans. It's not supposed to be that hard, but the center-quarterback exchange issues don't seem to be going anywhere - like those toothbrushes you're hoping to peddle to trick or treaters.

Prater (treat): It's always a nice surprise to open the bag at the end of the night and see ... a dominating defense. The Broncos were supposed to be strong on defense this year - but this strong? The line is outstanding, superstars are emerging and the stats are off the charts. BSU leads the WAC in rushing defense (98.7 ypg), passing efficiency defense and scoring defense (14.6 ppg). That'll scare a lot of people.

Murphy (treat): Speaking of scary good, have you seen Kellen Moore's numbers? The sophomore has been a treat to watch during his sophomore season. Moore has 21 touchdowns and just two interceptions, putting him in the Heisman Trophy conversation. But here's what really makes Moore's job so tasty - wide receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young. The Broncos' standout wide receivers might make the All-WAC team and both are on pace to break the school's single-season touchdown catch record. Pettis (8) and Young (7) could each surpass Mike Holton's 1974 record of 13. Now that's a treat.