From the Blue to you

Chase Baker contributed to Boise State's dominant defense against OregonPHOTO BY JOSH RASMUSSEN

All things began to move slow motion in my head. I was positioned just right to see LeGarrette Blount approaching with the north-end-zone big screen repeating the mid-field instance. Blount stared right through me then continued to the stands where taunting and ridiculous fans were pushing the issue with verbal attacks.

The season suspension and end to his short collegiate career isn’t the sad part. He got what he deserved. Hout isn’t the sad story. Though unjustified, Hout did taunt an emotional and fiery Blount who was quick to retaliate. I don’t feel bad for him either.

I do feel bad for the national attention the Broncos’ defense did not receive following the walloping they handed down to the Ducks.

Sure, you saw us (The Arbiter) talk about it, the Idaho Statesman, Idaho Press Tribune and sports poet Dustin Lapray all make note of the occasion, but the highly-anticipated, offensive battle everyone expected was shut down by a BSU defense that didn’t allow a first down until 7:07 in the third quarter and held Oregon to just one play beyond third down.

This was a defense that held a lackluster Blount to -5 yards to accompany the 31 total rushing yards by the Ducks.

And the Broncos shut down the guarantee Oregon tight end Ed Dickson made by saying he would show up to Bronco Stadium and leave his imprint on the smurf turf.

None of this was displayed.

The offensive line, which was one of the biggest question marks before the game, pushed around the Ducks’ D and allowed running backs D.J. Harper and Jeremy Avery to combine for 162 of Boise State’s 164 total rushing yards. The Broncos successfully contained a defensive rush by the Ducks that tallied 38 sacks last season.

This time, their defense got to sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore only twice in 89 plays.

The Broncos pounded the ball and kept Oregon on their toes. The BSU offensive line manhandled Ducks attackers with ease and only once or twice looked overpowered or lacking in solidarity. They played as a solitary unit throughout and moved well, providing good protection and proper blocking for the backs.

The next step for the Broncos is to perpetuate their defensive success from week to week. The offensive line must continue to stay healthy and emerge as a concrete block for Moore, Harper and Avery.

All in all, I give the Broncos a hard B for their performance on Thursday. When the offense was clicking, they executed extremely well. The o-line had some slight hiccups – specifically, the chance to score on their first drive, which turned from a 1-yard goal line stand to a fumble to a sack to a 29 yard line followed by a botched field goal.

Keep in mind, this was the first game of a long season. There is plenty of time for the team to workout its small, remaining kinks.

Offense: B-

Defense: A+

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