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Despite distractions Broncos focused on Utah State
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Taking it one game at a time has been a very popular trend for the Broncos this season, but with distractions due to the BCS, and rumors of a departing coach, it may be easier said than done.
The Broncos 8-0 (4-0 in the Western Athletic Conference) up until this point have tried to avoid the BCS speculation, but now that they have moved up to 10 in the latest BCS standings, they can no longer ignore it.
“Things can change so rapidly, in some ways expectations are good, and in some ways they are bad,” Head Coach Chris Petersen said. “You can just focus on this week, and this day and try to do your best.”
Petersen understands the BCS is out of the Broncos’ control. What he can control is whether he will return to the Bronco sidelines next year.
Two high-paying and attractive coaching positions will open when the season comes to an end. These include positions with the Washington Huskies, who decided to part ways with Tyrone Willingham after another disappointing season, and the Tennessee Volunteers, who decided not to bring back Phillip Fulmer after 17 years.
Both are BCS schools with a lot of money, and both have a short list of candidates that likely include Petersen’s name.
“I just really have no opinion on that stuff right now, we are all about this season,” Petersen said on Monday. “I don’t think it’s a bad thing when people are talking about that, it just means that we are doing well.”
Petersen and the Broncos must do their best to stay focused for their upcoming game against Utah State on the blue turf. The Aggies 2-7 (2-3 in the WAC) are coming off their biggest win of the season against Hawai’i after losing a heartbreaker to Fresno State the week before.
“They lose a heartbreaker a couple weeks ago, and come back and answer with a big win, that just tells you that those players are believing and getting better,” Petersen said. “I think they are very physical on defense, they got some guys that can really run.”
One of the guys who can really run is Aggie quarterback Diondre Borel, who ran for 113 yards in the Aggies 30-14 upset victory over Hawai’i. Borel also threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in that game.
“He’s the best runner we’ve seen thus far, he can throw the ball, and he is elusive. He makes things happen, which is very scary for our defense,” Petersen said.
The Broncos will likely face a bigger test than they previously expected with the addition of Borel to the Aggies. But the Broncos have faced mobile quarterbacks all year, which gives them a slight advantage.
Taking it one game at a time and avoiding distractions is the Broncos’ key to success, and if anyone knows how to prepare and keep a team focused, it’s Chris Petersen.
TRENT LOOTENS
Sports Journalist
