Beware the blue turf of Boise State. The Western Athletic Conference powerhouse and traditional BCS-buster has posted an incredible 64-2 home record over the past decade en route to 108 victories and three perfect seasons.
And the Broncos do it a variety of different ways. While most college football fans still look back fondly on Jared Zabransky’s 2007 antics in topping Oklahoma 43-42 in the Fiesta Bowl— hook and ladder, anyone? — these Broncos will do it with defense.
In 2008, Boise State had the No.3 scoring defense in the country, swept through its conference schedule, and flirted with perfection yet again — but came up a couple of points short, falling 17-16 to fellow non-BCS power, TCU, in the Poinsettia Bowl.
By the way, they had a freshman quarterback, too. Lefty Kellen Moore didn’t look like a rookie while throwing for 3,486 yards and 25 touchdowns last year, and he looks to get even better with a year of experience in Chris Peterson’s offense under his belt.
But Peterson finds his team with five new starters on offense after the Broncos lost 10 starters on both sides of the ball. Moore might be staring into the “Smurf turf” a little more this year without veteran tackle Ryan Clady, who was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Moore also lost backfield mate Ian Johnson, who ended his Boise State career with 4,184 rushing yards and 58 touchdowns, despite a down year in 2008. Junior running back Jeremy Avery, who rushed for 614 yards and four touchdowns last season, will likely take up much of the slack.
The defensive front seven was also gutted, but the stellar secondary remains mostly intact, with the return of top prospect and performer Kyle Wilson. He lead the team with five interceptions while returning three punts for scores.
After making 40 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks last seasons, junior defensive end Ryan Winterswyk will lead a depleted defensive line.
The most underwhelming part of the Broncos’ resume is, as always, the schedule. With the rest of the WAC not putting up much of a fight — Boise State is 70-5 in conference play this decade — most of BSU’s season rests on its opener at home against Oregon.
An early win over a BCS team could push the Broncos to the legitimacy their decade of dominance has been striving toward. Otherwise, the lightweights that scatter across their schedule — Nevada, Tulsa, UC Davis — will likely leave the Broncos on the outside looking in yet again, no matter what their record says.
Head coach: Chris Peterson
Conference: WAC
2008 record: 12-1
Players to watch:
- Kellen Moore — Sophomore — QB
2008 stats: 3,486 yards / 25 TDs / 69.4 CMP% / 157.1 rating
Without Johnson in the backfield and two of his top receivers from last year, more of the offensive burden will rest on Moore’s shoulders. How he responds could determine the Broncos’ season. - Kyle Wilson — Senior — CB
2008 state: 5 interceptions / 35 tackles / 3 punt return TDs
With the loss of half of last year’s starters, Wilson has to continue to dominate on defense and special teams while replacements find their feet.
Game to watch: Sept. 3 vs. Oregon
It’s make or break in the Broncos’ opener against the Ducks. With no other big games on the schedule, Boise State needs a signature win to crash the BCS party.
The word on Boise State: This team has lost a lot from last year, but an easy schedule and homefield advantage almost guarantees another 10-plus win season. The only question is if they can get another shot at the big boys of college football with a BCS bowl game.
