ESPN reports that Boise State's head football coach Chris Petersen has received a salary increase. Details are in the link. Boise State has had a great run in terms of productivity over the last few years, and this is a great reason (or excuse) to document how productive Boise State has been over the last few years.
The 2008 Boise State Broncos were 12-0 during the regular season but were unsuccessful against TCU in the Poinsettia bowl - losing by one point. Using the NCAA FBS production model the 2008 Boise State Broncos were the 6th best team in terms of overall production with the 15th best offense and the 8th best defense.
In 2009 the Broncos were 13-0 during the regular season and avenged their 2008 Poinsettia Bowl loss by defeating TCU 17-10 in the Fiesta Bowl. Boise State was the 2nd most productive team overall, with the 13th ranked offense and the 2nd ranked defense. All of this against a strength of schedule of 71.21, which is easier than an average schedule.
In 2010 Boise State finished the regular season 11-1 (only loss was an overtime loss to Nevada) and defeated Utah in the Maaco Las Vegas Bowl. The Broncos were the #1 most productive team in college football on both sides of the ball and thus were the #1 team in terms of production in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. All of this was done against a strength of schedule of 69.69, which is an easier schedule than average.
This season, Boise State has taken a step backwards, which is natural given their superior performance last season. Boise State is currently 7-0, and ranked 5th in the BCS standings. Boise State is ranked 9th overall in the NCAA FBS model and 9th in offense and 23rd in defense against a strength of schedule of 55.1 (currently).
Given the large salaries given to NCAA FBS head coaches - in terms of just production - Peterson is well worth the money. Of course, those following who remember their Prin. of Microeconomics will note that production (or more specifically marginal productivity) is not the only feature that impacts an employees salary - the other is marginal revenue.