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LANDOVER, Md.--

But the Broncos are used to having to prove themselves. And they're well aware that their low-profile league means they're held to a higher standard than their BCS conference brethren.

"We look at every game as a one-game season," senior cornerback Brandyn Thompson said. "The next game is a one-game season. Now we've got to win the rest of 'em."

He's right. Had Boise State lost Monday, it would have had no shot at winning a national title. Zero.

If No. 1 Alabama stumbles this Saturday against Penn State, the Tide would have an uphill road to winning a second straight crown. But it wouldn't be impossible. Ditto for No. 2 Ohio State against Miami.

But Boise State, because it's not a BCS conference member, can't afford a single misstep. Impressive as it was, Monday night's win was merely defense exhibit A.

"This is just the first step, but it's a big step, because it sets us up for a lot of things," said senior receiver Austin Pettis, who caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Kellen Moore with 1:09 remaining.

Barring something unforeseen, Boise State has one more major hurdle to a second straight undefeated regular season: a Sept. 25 home game with Oregon State. Among Western Athletic Conference foes, only Fresno State seems capable of challenging the Broncos--and that game will be played Nov. 19 on Boise State's signature blue turf.

Through their recent excellence (113-17 since 2000), the Broncos have become a litmus test for college football aficionados. They've been the people's team since their Jan. 1, 2007, overtime Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma, after which running back Ian Johnson famously proposed to his girlfriend.

And with 21 starters back, Boise State opened the season ranked No. 3 by The Associated Press. Monday night did nothing to refute that. Said Moore: "We're certainly proving people right, right now."