First, a bit of context. I think every fan base has certain unique characteristics that distinguish it from other fan bases.

When I covered Georgia Tech, I thought the fan base had something of an inferiority complex when it came to Georgia, which is far more popular in the state. The more I thought about it, however, I came to believe that the Yellow Jackets faithful had an elitist attitude.

This is one of my favorite topics, though it often leads to heated debates with co-workers, friends and colleagues.

I have long argued college athletes, but football and men’s basketball players in particular, are getting a bum deal from the colleges they attend.

Stick with me here as I take a little detour to illustrate my points.

I make a similar argument against salary caps in baseball and football, for that matter. I am a big believer in the players collecting as much of the money they generate as possible.

Tonight’s scrimmage

All eyes will be on the linebackers as position coach Jeff Choate said he would like to make a decision on his starters tonight.

It is a three-way battle for two spots at linebacker.

Hunter White, Derrell Acrey and Daron Mackey are competing for one spot. Aaron Tevis, J.C. Percy and Tommy Smith are battling for the other starting spot. Boise State is likely to only have two linebackers on the field most of the time as they play with an extra defensive back.

Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli doesn’t like the thought of shaking hands with Boise State players before the Sept. 3 season opener.

Here’s what Masoli told John Hunt of The Oregonian:

"That's unique. ... I don't like it. I don't even like shaking hands when you get out there with the captains for the coin flip."

For the full story, click here.

You know what: I can’t say I blame him.

The New York Times is counting down college football programs from No. 120 to No. 1. Boise State checked in at No. 17 in the Quad Countdown.

It is a pretty good (and up-to-date) account of the Broncos.

The piece isn't as optimistic about the Broncos' chances as other analysts are. The piece predicts the Broncos will lose Sept. 3 against Oregon and drop another game in the first half of the season.

The buzz at Minnesota Vikings’ training camp is all about the addition of quarterback Brett Favre — and the possibility that the veteran is the missing piece in a potential Super Bowl run.

Vinny Perretta’s goal is much simpler: Make the team. Or at least the practice squad.

An undrafted free agent wide receiver out of Boise State, Perretta got a first-hand look at the Favre circus Tuesday. I spoke with him as he watched the end of the Favre press conference.

Watch for yourself. Click here.

Must say I disagree with Craig James' assessment that replacing Ian Johnson is the biggest question mark for the Broncos. I think the No. 1 question for the Broncos is offensive line play, followed by interior defensive line play.

You can follow Murph's Turf on Twitter.

Straight from the "Can you believe this department?"

In order to deal with the current economic crisis, New Mexico State is asking fans to donate food to help feed the football team.

I know times are tough, but this is ridiculous. If you can't afford to have a football program, you shouldn't have a football program. Maybe the economic crisis will make some colleges realize that.

What to look for in today’s scrimmage

Boise State holds its first scrimmage of fall camp today (3 p.m.) at Bronco Stadium. It is the first chance for fans to see the 2009 Broncos — and for coaches and players to assess their play in something close to a game atmosphere.

Coach Chris Petersen said Wednesday that he wants to see increased intensity from his squad, while recognizing that “we’re not going to be a unit that’s jelled in all three phases.”

There is clearly no love for Boise State in Eugene, Ore. Senior tight end Ed Dickson is the latest Oregon player to express contempt for the Broncos, who defeated Oregon 37-32 last year.

"When I think about Boise State ... they will be in the category of one of those teams that really doesn't rub right with me," Dickson told The Oregonian.

Boise State safety Jeron Johnson was ejected for his hit on Dickson in the fourth quarter of last year's game.