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Is it too early to start talking about Boise State-Oregon on Sept. 3? Having sparked a 30-minute conversation in the sports department with that very question - touching on topics from Boise State's odds to whether this is the biggest game in Bronco Stadium history (and, if it is, what is second?), from how will Oregon's coaching change affect the game to whether this is a one-game season for Boise State - I suspect it may never be too early.
The game is 99 days away, officially marking the "countdown to college football season" portion of the calendar.
It's also a time for preseason rankings. As in Athlon tabbing Boise State as the No. 12 team in the nation (Oregon is No. 13.) As in ESPN ranking the Broncos-Ducks game No. 6 in best games of the 2009 season.
As for the offseason news, all of it is coming from Eugene, where Chip Kelly has replaced Mike Bellotti as the head coach, and where backup quarterback Justin Roper, projected starting wide receiver Aaron Pflugrad and quarterback/wide receiver Chris Harper have announced they will transfer.
By the way, it is too early for predictions, but here's a quick crack at the watercooler questions:
BSU (64-2 at home in the last 10 seasons) has pretty good odds. It is the biggest game of the Division I era at Bronco Stadium. Kelly's promotion shouldn't have a dramatic effect on gameday, though it will alter the program in the long term. And yes, the Broncos' 2009 season will be judged largely on this game's outcome.
Brian Murphy can be reached at bmurphy@idahostatesman.com or 377-6444.
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