Against All Odds: Boise State Survives, Stays in the Madness Hunt

Boise State has been having a big year in the athletic program--driven primarily by the football program and their (recovered) success on the blue turf this year.

Over the past couple of seasons, while the Broncos were winning overall--they were not the standout football team once known in the nation as THE 'non-power' program. This season, they set the record straight and made it back to a Fiesta Bowl in the first-ever College Football Playoff.

As that season has come to an end, the baton has been passed to the other high-profile program at the university: men's basketball.

In the past three seasons, Boise State has been in the March Madness tournament three out of three times. Not bad for a program known for football. The team has been lead by head coach Leon Rice, a product of Mark Few's impressive pedigree out of Gonzaga University.

Can Boise State go four for four? Following along with the predictions and outlook has taken fans along for a ride on an emotional roller coaster.

Currently the 4-seed in the Mountain West tournament--the Broncos have up until this point been considered among the team that will just barely miss the tournament--known as the 'first four out'.

In recent years, the Mountain West has sent several teams to the tournament other than their automatic qualifier but as a whole, the conference has not performed well.

Boise State needs to win the Mountain West and somehow, they're finding themselves one step closer.

A Thursday evening win over San Diego State has kept their odds at making the big dance alive-- now, they'll face New Mexico (the top seed) as they try and win the conference for that guaranteed spot in March.

Even with a loss, somehow, their resume has gotten a bit stronger. It's going to be a serious 'Bubble' conversation for the Broncos but fans are ready!