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5 college football teams nobody is talking about but everyone should be in 2017

By Andrew Miller

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 of the Boise State Broncos drops back to pass during the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl against the Baylor Bears at Chase Field on December 27, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bears defeated the Broncos 31-12. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 of the Boise State Broncos drops back to pass during the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl against the Baylor Bears at Chase Field on December 27, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bears defeated the Broncos 31-12. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien steadily improved his numbers last year after a big freshman campaign in 2015. Rypien threw for more than 3,600 yards and 24 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. He’ll lead a Bronco squad that could be the Group of Five representative in a New Year’s Six Bowl.

Sophomore running back Alexander Mattison has the responsibility of replacing Boise State’s biggest producer over the past two seasons of offense, Jeremy McNichols. However, Mattison averaged 5.3 yards per carry last year and the same type of average could mean big things for him in this year.

Related Story: Group of Five teams that could be in a New Year's Six Bowl

The three toughest tests for the Broncos come against the BYU Cougars, Washington State Cougars, and the Virginia Cavaliers. A return to the Mountain West Championship Game would be the first step for Boise State to really making a big run. Their regular season finale loss to the Air Force Falcons cost them the chance to play in the MWC Title Game last year.

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