Can anyone dethrone Boise State as king of the Underdogs?

Before last season, many pondered if Boise State had lost its edge. Coming off an 8-5 season and losing head coach Chris Petersen, the Broncos’ year started with a painful loss to Ole Miss. They followed later with a five-interception meltdown at Air Force. It appeared the door on a decade of dominance had closed.

But, like so many times before, the Broncos kept on winning. They rattled off a 12-2 season that included another Fiesta Bowl win, proving once more that the Group of Five is their domain. Sorry, Marshall.

Now, it appears BSU could improve on last year. With nearly every starter back and a nasty defense, the title of king of the Underdogs (and with it, a New Year’s Day bowl slot) is the Broncos’ to lose.

Still, some questions remain. Boise has to replace running back Jay Ajayi and quarterback Grant Hendrick, and if that proves to be more difficult than expected, there is an opportunity for one of the non-power teams who have been flirting with challenging the Broncos to slip in and take the next step.

Which team is ready to challenge Boise State for top-dog status?

BYU hosts Boise State in Week 2 and poses one of the biggest threats to an undefeated Broncos season. The Cougars return one of the most exciting players in all of college football, quarterback Taysom Hill. BYU is talented enough and has a deep enough schedule to allow a slip up and still end up playing on New Year’s Day.

Then there’s the Northern Illinois Huskies. Since 2010, the Huskies have 57 wins, including a BCS bowl appearance, and have done it under three different head coaches and quarterbacks. The problem has been winning the big one; with a sure loss at reigning national champion Ohio State, the Huskies will need to be perfect (or damn near it) the rest of the way. It’s a tall order, considering they’re not even the favorite to win the insane MAC West.

Another team that could be ready to rise to the occasion is Cincinnati.

The Bearcats have had an impressive decade — 87-41, 10-14 vs. Top 25 teams and a pair of BCS bowl appearances — and are led by potential first-round pick quarterback Gunner Kiel. The American is UC’s to lose, and the Bearcats have the offense to rack up style points even with a relatively weak non-conference slate. That is, of course, if the defense can finally step up under Tommy Tuberville.

Even though Georgia Southern is an FBS newcomer, the Eagles could be the next great non-power dynasty in the making. The Eagles stunned many last year when they kept on winning in their first season in the FBS. The Sun Belt is once again theirs to rule, and with non-con games against Georgia and West Virginia, the Eagles — which have a knack for beating everyone — could already be ready to take the next step.

Let’s hear your thoughts below. Who do you think could challenge Boise State as this year’s Top G5 team?