@robertsrandoms
robert.taylor34@gmail.com

The idea behind Robert's Random is for me to write about whatever I'm thinking about whenever I'm thinking it. I try to write 3-5 times a week, but sometimes real work gets in the way of that. Sometimes I'll share whatever random thought I might have that day but most of the time, I like to write about things going on in the news. I'm a total news junkie, I spend a lot of time online at various news sites. If I find a story where someone does something totally stupid or I wonder "what were they thinking?" I don't mind pointing it out incase others missed it or taking my best guess at what they were thinking. I like to laugh, I like to make others laugh. There's so much serious and wrong stuff going on in the news that when I find an unusual or light story, I like to use it. And while real life news events might be the focus of many of my blogs, I'm just trying to entertain you, make you laugh and maybe even think about something you didn't know before reading. I'm not trying to break any serious news or deliver any hard-hitting coverage. You'll have to read a paper or watch one of the network shows for that.

So long, coach Pete

Posted Friday, December 6, 2013, at 2:00 PM

Dear coach Pete,

I've always hated what you've built at Boise State, but I've always admired and respected how you went about building it.

It's not your fault your school's fan base is made up largely of people who never went to your school or have any idea that outside of the success your teams have achieved on the field, Boise State offers very little to be proud about.

I wanted to enjoy your success and cheer openly for your team. Before I decided to attend the University of Idaho, I had every intention of moving away for college, graduating, then returning home and following the Boise State Broncos. But I got tired of hearing everybody in the area dis my school every time I went about my business wearing Idaho apparel.

I get rivalries, and I laugh when my friends who actually graduated from BSU give me a hard time about the one-sided string of victories your team has put up against the Vandals. That's funny because that's what rivalry games are about. It's less funny when the three people literally bagging my groceries at the super market are laughing at me for wearing a Vandal ball cap. Or the girl behind the fast food counter makes fun of me for wearing an Idaho hoodie. I mean, really? The next thing out of your mouth is going to be you asking me if I want to supersize my order and you're laughing at me for where I chose to attend to obtain my higher education?

Can you see why cheering for the Broncos would be impossible for me to do? And you gave your fans plenty to cheer about. I've been all over the country. Before you started coaching at Boise State, the only thing people knew about Idaho was that we have potatoes. Now they know we have potatoes and a blue field where a team that doesn't lose very often plays. You literally put a city on the map with the success of your football team.

You haven't just had success, you've had 92-12 success. You actually have a real shot at setting the all-time head coach wins record if you can keep at your current pace for the next several decades. You can literally go down as one of the best to ever coach the game and you got your start right here in Idaho. (It's going to take a few national titles in addition to more victories to do so, but you're well on your way in the right direction.) Boise State fans should be happy they had you for eight seasons because the truth if you've always been too good of a coach to be coaching at a school with no real shot at a national title.

Bronco fans should love and admire what you've done for their program and wish you well at Washington. If you ever visit Boise again, it should be the one place on earth where your money is no good. Fans should respect your decision to leave and move on with your career. You've definitely earned the right to move on to bigger and better things. Boise State fans should be thankful you stuck around as long as you did.

But Boise State fans are bandwagon fans and new to the sport of football. After all, they are the same fans who honestly believed and didn't understand why your 2006 team weren't national champions over 13-1 Florida, so it's hard telling how they will react to news of your departure.

As an Idaho resident, I'm honestly sad to see you go. Even though I wasn't a fan of your team, I was a fan of your work and it was fun knowing that one of the top three coaches in American coached in Idaho (Nick Saban than Petersen and Urban Meyer in some order).

The talking heads on TV are already asking how you'll be able to recruit in Seattle, as if who you recruit actually matters to your on-field success. You've proven time and time again that you can win with anyone you have. Your ability to develop players and to prepare them for game day is the biggest reason you've won 92 games in the past eight seasons. You can develop players and prepare them for game day anywhere, Washington just happens to be the next benefactor of your services.

You're one of the few coaches in the country that can take your team into almost any stadium, win, and then beat your own team with the opposing team's roster the following week. You're going to be missed at Boise State, I just hope BSU fans continue to appreciate your work long after you're gone.

It's going to be fun watching you coach in the Pac-12 and see if you can duplicate or supersede the success you had in Boise. I wish you nothing but the best of luck. But even if you do, the citizens of Seattle will probably never love you as much as the people of Boise love you. I hope you appreciate the support they've shown you just as much as they appreciate the support you've shown them by sticking around so long.

Sincerely,

A Vandal Fan

Comments

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Best part of this deal is that the new coach will have his own OC, So long Prince!!

-- Posted by OneWayToThink on Fri, Dec 6, 2013, at 2:40 PM
Coach Pete had a multi year contract, which he signed with good intent. Honorable people honor contracts. You don't sign a multi year contract, then go looking for greener pastures in my estimation. Of course, I'm an old **** so maybe that's the way people do things these days :-( Now that he is committed to Washington, it makes me wonder whether many of those who signed intent letters will also back out of their agreements...

-- Posted by oldrider on Fri, Dec 6, 2013, at 2:48 PM
You should be ashamed for thinking that you are better than others who work less "important" jobs than you. And how do u know that the people who you are putting down aren't from a U of I education? Hope it at least makes you feel better about yourself to tear others down. Merry Christmas.

-- Posted by SeaAngel573 on Sat, Dec 7, 2013, at 9:36 AM
What an attitude the author of this piece has! Students and alumni of Boise State have been getting the "Idaho is so much better than Boise State" attitude ever since Boise State was made a university. That is what is behind the rivalry and the animosity. I am sick and tired of it. Please, please, please get over yourselves.

-- Posted by janetinbuhl on Sat, Dec 7, 2013, at 2:41 PM
It sounds like sour grapes to me, Robert. You just can't stand it that U of I has been an easy win for BSU for many years, so you just had to go with trash talk about not only BSU but Boise residents and others who support BSU.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Sat, Dec 7, 2013, at 4:02 PM
I have EARNED the right to say what I wish about either Idaho University discussed here. I hold four college degrees (two from Idaho, and two from Boise State). In earning these degrees, I lived on both campuses while I was a student. Thus, for you readers out there, this is my prelude to post my comments as follows:

Both schools have much to offer any student who wishes to continue their higher education goals, while staying in the State Of Idaho. And, like any where else in the USA, there are both positives and negatives about each school and their respective surrounding communities.

Historically however, Idaho is a TRUE University setting; whereas Boise State remains to this day, basically a 'commuter college' wherein people drive to class, attend a few events, and then go home. At Idaho, students are totally immersed in the college lifestyle (for the most part). This is one of the biggest differences apparent between the two Universities. People chose the fit that is best for their circumstances.

Now...before the BSU fans (with little or no known historical information to draw upon) start to talk smack about football, let me provide you with some valid information before you run your mouths off.

Longest win streak(s):

12, Boise State (1999--2010)

12, Idaho (1982--1993)

Idaho followed with 12 straight wins from 1982--93 and won 15 of 17 before Boise State began its current 12-game winning streak in 1999, in which BSU has dominated the Vandals.

source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boise_State%E2%80%93Idaho_football_rivalry

So...you newbies should know that everything runs in cycles...the actual wins/loses records between the two schools is actually pretty close, with BSU having the slight advantage now.

In retrospect, The Idaho football program began competing in 1893. For those who are mathematically challenged, that is 2013-1893 = 120 years of football teams.

Originally a junior college, Boise State's football program moved up to four-year status in 1968 and competed as an NAIA independent for two seasons. The Broncos were accepted into the NCAA in October 1969.

So...2013-1969 = 44 years of football teams.

Just to give you some perspective.

All the Boise fans know and can talk about are the final chapters of the book...Please, keep in mind that the FLAGSHIP University of Idaho, has been playing football for almost triple the amount of time, historically, as your home town school.

The turning point lately has been the enormous amounts of money thrown at the Boise State University football program. When you can pay your coach over $650/hour, every hour, every day of the year, of course everyone expects a team that always wins...and frequently did so...but alas those days may also soon be relegated to the history books, just like the period of time from years 1982--1993 for the University of Idaho.

All collegiate football programs are "all about the money" now...thus, it is highly doubtful that these teams will ever meet up again. Think University of Texas versus Texas A&M...now that is a true historical football rivalry, and both have had their days in the sun, and days in the shade.

Thank you for getting a little bit better acquainted with the whole picture here, and not just the last couple of years. I wish both teams success and personal enjoyment from playing the game. After all, isn't that the whole idea for contributing to a team effort?

-- Posted by DegreesFromBothIDSchools on Mon, Dec 9, 2013, at 8:57 PM
Re: janetinbuhl:

The door swings BOTH ways!

Have you not noticed this fact?

Curious, so...where is your degree from?

(If you have one?)

-- Posted by DegreesFromBothIDSchools on Mon, Dec 9, 2013, at 10:21 PM
Just because you have multiple degrees doesn't mean that you are that bright so "DegreesFromBothIDSchools" let me ask you this. Do you realize that there are more than just two Idaho universities?

I am personally tired of U of Idaho graduates trashing BSU. Yes BSU has a lot of money to put into football because, guess what, they earn it by winning football games. They don't get more money from the state. They get money from winning.

Nobody cares in 2013 if the U of Idaho beat Boise State in 1993. Boise State is younger and has grown from a junior college, to a college, and then a university, surpassing the U of Idaho in football. U of I fan aka DegreesFromBothIDSchools, get over yourself.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Mon, Dec 9, 2013, at 11:11 PM
To: Sam_1776

"Just because you have multiple degrees doesn't mean that you are that bright..."

hmmm, I don't believe I implied that...I was prefacing the fact that I had attended and graduated from both of those Universities, and...you don't even know me, nor what those degrees were earned in.

Yes, I do know there are more than two Universities in the state of Idaho, and I've actually been to all of them, and most of the Colleges as well, you see...I grew up in Idaho, so I have had the chance to visit them and also friends attending those schools.

And...nobody cares in 2013 about BSU's prior wins either. Oh...I forgot, let's still wave the flag about that win over Oklahoma in 2007. You are living in the past as well my friend.

"Yes BSU has a lot of money to put into football because, guess what, they earn it by winning football games. They don't get more money from the state. They get money from winning."

Good luck with that... 8 and 4 might look very good to you next year!

"Boise State is younger and has grown from a junior college, to a college, and then a university,"

Yes...I know the linage, I'm from Boise.

Here's something back to you: "get over yourself."

And we are also tired of Boise State University (note: the school no longer refers to itself as 'BSU' as that belongs to Ball State University, this was an intra-campus edict from the President in the mid 2000's) fans trashing the University of Idaho. There, now we are even. Happy???

-- Posted by DegreesFromBothIDSchools on Tue, Dec 10, 2013, at 10:51 AM
You seem to be overwrought, much like a person that used to haunt the blogs until he promised to not return a few months ago. He would engage in histrionic conversations like your last two posts.

Your comment to JanetinBuhl was unnecessary. You know nothing about her and she doesn't have to justify herself to you.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Tue, Dec 10, 2013, at 7:21 PM
Sam_1776:

You are making assumptions about my gender. But it doesn't really matter...to borrow from you:

"You know nothing about her and she doesn't have to justify herself to you."

-have a good life.

Thank you for the psycho-analysis. I'll be sure to share that with my therapist. lol. Night!

-- Posted by DegreesFromBothIDSchools on Tue, Dec 10, 2013, at 11:35 PM
DegreesFromBothIDSchools you bore me.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Tue, Dec 10, 2013, at 11:44 PM
I don't know coach personally, but he strikes me as an honorable, hard working man.

The measure of a schools success is its ability to inspire all students to recognize their value, graduate, innovate and make significant contributions to their chosen fields over the course of their lives.

In another perspective, Boise State University has produced two Rhodes Scholars. I don't believe the schools football record had any bearing on their selection.

-- Posted by Dave Thompson on Wed, Dec 11, 2013, at 11:03 AM
I got my Masters at Boise State. IMO it had a great program in my field of study. It also has a great football program which I enjoy following.

I think that Coach Peterson was a big part of creating that program. I admire him, although I haven't liked all of his decisions. I'm looking forward to seeing who his replacement will be.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Wed, Dec 11, 2013, at 11:24 AM
Wow, way to show your true colors. So you went to two Universities, obtained four degrees, are probably in your twenties or older and you're still this immature and childish over a game? Congratulations, my nine year old could probably teach you a few life lessons that would serve you well. You wreak of arrogance and I will never read anything you write ever again (avoid you like the black plague). Your entire post was riddled with hypocrisy from the very first word. Happy Holidays!

-- Posted by Grow Up? on Wed, Dec 11, 2013, at 7:02 PM
THANK YOU GROW UP .........THAT WAS NEEDED.......4 DEGREES MEAN NOTHING IF YOU DONT HAVE HUMILITY AND COMMON SENSE,,,,,,,IT'S NOT THAT HARD TO DO............HAVE A GOOD ONE !!!!!!

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Dec 11, 2013, at 7:26 PM
I just wanted to clarify that my comments do not appear as DegreesFromBothIDSchools. As you can see from this post, all my comments are displayed from the screen name RTaylor.

Also, while I have degrees from two state schools, Boise State is not one of those schools. I have two degrees from the University of Idaho and an associate's degree from the College of Southern Idaho. With all jokes aside, I'm a big proponent for community colleges.

-- Posted by RTaylor on Wed, Dec 11, 2013, at 10:37 PM
Well the person who posted under degrees from both schools certainly stated very clearly they had 2 from each so which is it???????

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Dec 12, 2013, at 11:04 AM
The person calling himself/herself DegreesFromBothIDSchools has a bias against BSU and a tremendous ego just like your blog, RTaylor, exhibited.

It's not surprising that people would get you confused.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Fri, Dec 13, 2013, at 8:19 AM
I understand how that could happen. I also happen to have four degrees, so I almost got confused myself.

-- Posted by RTaylor on Fri, Dec 13, 2013, at 2:19 PM
Ya'all know Coach Pete turned down USC a couple of times in the past, right? He's trying to be (or maybe going to be) an NFL coach someday. I dunno if he's that good, because frankly I don't care...not a BSU fan. But I think his goals are pretty obvious and building up his resume is a pretty good idea. I will agree though that since I've lived here, BSU has gotten a little big for their britches. And not just concerning football. Even their tuition has gotten a little over the top for the school size and programs they offer. And I agree with Roberts assessment of the color field and can add more...blue field...so what! There's high school teams in this country that have colored fields. Go down to TX (though I don't know why you'd want to) and there's rural communities with colored fields. I have to admit though, since BSU football has been doing well, it's brought good $$ to ID. If the new coach does just as good, then I'll be a little more supportive of BSU, because then it will show they have heart as football team.

-- Posted by Darksc8p on Fri, Dec 20, 2013, at 4:03 PM

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