BOISE, Idaho – With the 2009 college football season less than a week old, predictions have already started for the 2010 season and Sports Illustrated magazine has picked Boise State University No. 2 in its preseason rankings.

                In this week’s edition, Sports Illustrated staff writer Andy Staples has the Broncos ranked just behind defending national champion Alabama.  Ohio State, Texas and Iowa round out the weekly magazine’s preseason top five.

                Staples writes: “Next fall Boise State returns all but one starter (defensive back Kyle Wilson), with quarterback Kellen Moore (3,536 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, three interceptions in 2009) triggering an attack that tricks foes with such plays as Riddler, the fake-punt call that set up the winning touchdown in the Fiesta. But in stifling the Oregon and TCU offenses, the Broncos showed they can play a little defense too. What’s more, an upgraded nonconference schedule could bring enough style points to get Boise State into the BCS title game.”

                Following its 17-10 win over TCU in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 4, Boise State and Alabama were the only two Football Bowl Subdivision teams to end their 2009 season undefeated at 14-0.  Alabama defeated Texas in the Bowl Championship Series National Championship game. 

                Rounding out Sports Illustrated’s preseason top 10 includes Oregon at No. 6 followed by TCU, Georgia Tech, Virginia and Wisconsin.

                ESPN.com staff writer Mark Schlabach also has Boise State in his top 10 preseason list at No. 3.  Schlabach has Alabama and Ohio State in his top two spots, with Oregon at No. 4 and Texas at No. 5.  Virginia Tech (#6), TCU (#7), Nebraska (#8), Iowa (#9) and Wisconsin (#10) round out Schlabach’s preseason top 10.