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Unity
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Losing is not an option for Boise State from multiple angles during bowl week leading up to their clash with the Texas Christian Horned Frogs on Dec. 23 at Qualcomm Stadium. Players were able to reflect on past success, failure and the forged friendships throughout their 2008 season and the memory of an immeasurable attachment that has been formed.
The team concept means much more to the Broncos than many others who grace the collegiate gridiron. One word sums it all up at the end of the day.
“Unity,” BSU offensive tackle Andrew Woodruff said. “Just the friendships we’ve developed with the coaches. These guys will always be my friends.I don’t think there are many teams that have this sort of connection. I’m going to miss these guys.”
Broncos running back Ian Johnson describes his friendships as some of the most difficult that he will have to walk away from.
The offensive line has made the largest strides off the field and during the battle up front. They have battled injury, early inconsistency and come out the victor.
“I think these guys are unbelievable just because they are able to buy into their roles of starting one week and not starting the next. Playing different positions,” Woodruff said. “They’ve become a tighter knit group because of that.They just have worked so hard as the games have progressed.”
Quarterback Kellen Moore’s one sack out of every 34 passing attempt is testament to that. Another telling statistic would be BSU’s improve rushing attack during the second half of the season, putting up 1,101 rushing yards the second half of the season to the their 851 yards during their first six games.
Ian Johnson believes that working off of each inner-team competition and turning it back on TCU will factor into their rushing game as well.
But this game has been a lot more business.
“It was easier to overlook [East Carolina University],”Johnson said. “Now this time we’ve got TCU and we know what kind of team they are. We know how good they are. No one is saying we are going to win this game and we’re actually underdogs. So our team is going out here with the idea that we’re underdogs.We’re going to go out there and show the nation what we are all about.”
Early season criticism of the Broncos offensive line have been muted and the first big bowl game jitters are the worries of many fans.
“They’re prepared,” Woodruff said. “I’m not going to let that take over they’re mindset.I think they’re just ready to go out there and show the country what they are capable of doing."
Kirk Bell