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Game Day Preview
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The closer game day comes, the more light is shed on the inevitable actions that either Boise State or Texas Christian will have to take in order to surface as the victor and as the number two, pending the Sugar Bowl results, to Utah as college football’s mid-major powerhouse.
The steps have been made and both Broncos coach Chris Petersen and Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson. Each believes he knows what his team will need to do in order to emerge the victor. And each respects the other’s ability to surpass the existing talent that has held their teams above many of the top BCS programs and heralded the San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl as one of the top, if not the best, contention during the 2008-09 season. Kickoff is today, Wednesday Dec. 23, at 6:00 MST and here is what the Broncos will have to do to trump the other.
Offense
BSU’s ability to perform not just individually, but as an unstoppable unit has been the blue collar cornerstone of their program and is not something they are willing to relinquish despite their super-recruits over the past couple of years. They are the epitome what taking average to above average talent and making them shine.
The rushing game will do exactly what it has done all season. Keep the defense honest. This will be especially true against TCU’s first ranked rushing defense and second ranked total defense in the nation. Senior running back Ian Johnson will be granted one last opportunity to display what he has achieved over his historic four active seasons at BSU. He will be attacking the Western Athletic Conference’s rushing touchdown record held by Marshall Faulk set during his days at San Diego State, tied with Johnson at 57 TDs.
Sophomore running back Jeremy Avery and redshirt freshman running back Doug Martin will add a second level to Johnson’s rushing attack.
The Broncos offensive line will also be a factor, attempting to stop the speed and size of an aggressive TCU defense that hits their opponents hard and leaves them hurting. Freshman Nate Potter will have his hands full against Horned Frogs All-American defensive end Jerry Hughes who leads the nation with 14 sacks.
Both the o-line and running backs for the Broncos will be key for redshirt freshman Kellen Moore to buy enough time to work his magic. Moore completed 70 percent of his passes, 3,264 passing yards, and 25 touchdowns during his debut season.
Defense
BSU will have to find a way to stop senior quarterback Andy Dalton who averaged 240.2 yards per game and a stable of running backs, along with Dalton, who combined for 2,588 total rushing yards this season.
Broncos freshmen Byron Hout and Billy Winn will be splitting time in the stead of injured senior defensive end Mike T. Williams who brought a level of leadership to the BSU defense. Containing the Horned Frogs powerful option ground attack will be important and they will likely test the Broncos line early.
The secondary will also play an important factor to stopping an rushing unit that will likely find their way past the BSU d-line.
Sophomore Jeron Johnson and senior Ellis Powers lead the Broncos in tackles. Johnson recorded 84 and Powers with 71 during their 2008 campaign. Powers’ ability to get to the ball quickly, recording 8 tackles for loss for 43 lost-yards, will be a pertinent part to the rushing defense for BSU.
The Broncos are a three-point underdog in this bowl season inaugural match-up. They are capable of putting up points and stopping strong teams. Don’t be surprised to see them dominate on the defensive side of the ball despite many critics claims that they are outmatched.
Kirk Bell
