TCU vs. Boise State resume comparison

Boise State and TCU are both tuning in to watch every Auburn and Oregon game for the rest of the season. Neither "mid-major" team will likely be able to leapfrog the SEC and Pac-10's top teams, respectively, unless the Tigers or Ducks lose a game.

Boise State, despite beating No. 10 Virginia Tech in Washington D.C. and No. 21 Oregon State by 13 points, suffers from a weak built-in conference schedule. There's not much the Broncos can do about that, except move into a better conference -- which they're doing next year.

But two wins over ranked teams, sprinkled over 10 more (expected) wins against teams like Wyoming, New Mexico State, Toledo, Louisiana Tech, Idaho, etc., just aren't going to get you into the national championship picture.

Boise is doing all it can, beating teams by silly amounts. Against Western Athletic Conference teams, the Broncos are outscoring their opponents 264-40.

Next year, it shouldn't be a problem, as Boise State joins TCU in the Mountain West Conference. And as you'll see, TCU's strength of schedule is significantly more attractive for the BCS Championship game.

The Horned Frogs also own a win over Oregon State, so call that quality win a wash. TCU also has a road game at No. 9 Utah coming up, which would be as impressive a victory -- at least, it should be -- as a win at FedEx Field was for Boise State.

But TCU adds wins over Baylor (6-2), Southern Methodist (No. 1 in Conference USA), Brigham Young (which beat Washington in Week 1) and Air Force (which beat Navy and nearly beat Oklahoma). And if TCU runs the table, it'll hold a win over San Diego State (5-2), too.

And the Horned Frogs have blown the doors off their opponents, too. TCU has scored 41 touchdowns this season and allowed just nine in eight games. It's outscored opponents 319-72, and has allowed just 10 points in the last four games.

In the end, though, it won't matter as long as Auburn and Oregon both win out. That's a huge if, and it would be surprising if Auburn didn't stumble at least once. But as of right now, the nod has to go to a team that runs the table in the SEC and a team that runs the table in the Pac-10.