RENO, Nev. — The president of the university spoke up for Boise State, going where coach Chris Petersen won’t. Someone had to make a statement for the Broncos, who do nothing but win even if the computers at the Bowl Championship Series don’t appreciate perfection.

Now the No. 3 Broncos have what figures to be the best chance to speak for themselves Friday night when they meet once-beaten Nevada in the biggest game ever played in the Biggest Little City in the World.

At stake could be something far greater than a conference title. Depending on what happens earlier in the day, it’s conceivable that Boise State could be playing for a spot in the BCS title game, something no team from the Western Athletic Conference could ever have thought possible.

Not that Petersen would ever admit the impossible is closer to possible than ever before.

“There is a lot riding on this, no question,”‘ Petersen said.