Following is a verbatim transcript of an actual fictional conversation I recently had with a Boise State football fan, Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce and a recent California transplant now residing in Jerome.

Me: So, does Boise State deserve a BCS bowl bid if it finishes the season undefeated?

BSU fan: Heck yes. The Broncos have been destroying every team in their path this season. Their offense is loaded and their defense is stuffing everyone.

Paul Pierce: 'Deserve' is a tough term. By the BCS criteria, yes, they deserve to go with an unbeaten season and Top 12 ranking. But it's hard to say how good this team really is. Remember, if it wasn't for an errant official's whistle on Saturday, the Broncos would have trailed 14-0 to Idaho. Idaho.

California transplant: How 'bout those USC Trojans?

Me: How do you think BSU would fare if it were in the loaded Southeastern Conference?

BSU fan: Undefeated baby! OK, so they might have a tough time with Florida and Alabama, but they'd totally beat Georgia, LSU and the rest of the SEC squads.

Pierce: Who knows. But it's hard to imagine BSU getting through unscathed. Honestly, it's tough to see them losing less than two or three games in the SEC. That's a tough row to hoe.

Transplant: Man, can that Pete Carroll coach or what?

Me: OK, so how would the Broncos fare in the Mountain West Conference?

BSU fan: First place all the way. We've owned BYU and Utah in recent meetings and there's no reason to think that would change.

Pierce: I think BSU could easily handle the bottom six teams in the MWC. BSU-BYU would be a fun game. I'd probably give a slight edge to BSU. But getting past Utah would be tough and the speed of TCU would give BSU fits. I'd say anywhere from 6-3 to 8-1 for the Broncos in a MWC schedule.

Transplant: Best college football player ever? Reggie Bush. No doubt.

Me: Do Nevada and Fresno State have a legitimate chance to upset Boise State?

BSU fan: No way. Both teams are decent, but the Broncos will win those games by at least two touchdowns.

Pierce: Probably not. Nevada would be the more likely upset, but the Wolf Pack always seems to choke against the Broncos. In 2006, a lot of folks thought Nevada would spoil BSU's unbeaten run in the regular-season finale. But Boise rolled to a 38-7 road win on its way to the Fiesta Bowl. As for Fresno State, the Bulldogs pretty much quit after their loss to Wisconsin in Week 2. They might be fired up on Nov. 28, but BSU just doesn't lose to WAC foes on the Smurf Turf.

Transplant: Remember that USC-Frenso State game a few years back? What a dandy.

Me: If you had a vote in the Associated Press poll, where would you rank Boise State this week?

BSU fan: Definitely top 10. Maybe even top five. I'd probably peg them seventh, just ahead of Utah.

Pierce: Tough call. A 10-0 record is nothing to sneeze at. But outside of Oregon, no BSU opponent is ranked in the top 60 in Jeff Sagarin's college football ratings, used in the BCS formula. In fact, 10 of the Broncos' foes are rated 80th or worse. I certainly think they're a Top 20 team. But No. 9 may be five or six spots too high. It's just hard to say with the lack of quality wins.

Transplant: I know which team I'd rank No. 1. Go Trojans.

Me: Thanks guys. Oh, one last question for Paul Pierce. Remind me again, what's your nickname?

Pierce: The Truth.

Me: Hmmm. The same thing could be said about your answers.

Mike Christensen may be reached at 208-735-3239 or sports@magicvalley.com. He invites those upset by The Truth to get tickets for the Celtics' Feb. 19 game at the Utah Jazz and boo him all they want.