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Brockel, Kaiserman likely out for season

Trent Lootens — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:12:19 +0000

JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER. Freshman receiver Kirby Moore will carry a heavier load as the season progresses due to injuries the Broncos have sustained on offense.

Boise State routed Idaho last week 63-25, but at a high cost for BSU.

Senior fullback and NFL prospect, Richie Brockel, injured his foot early in the game against the Vandals. When he returned to the sidelines he was in street cloths and on crutches. The diagnosis at this time is not exactly known, but according to BSU head coach Chris Petersen, Brockel will miss the remainder of the season, ending his career at BSU.

“It means a lot because Richie brings more intangible things than he does even physically,” Petersen said of his missed captain. “He’s a physical tone setter for us on offense. He’s also the voice of reason and he’s the most mature guy that we have on the entire team.”

Brockel is the unsung leader of the offense on and off the field. Losing a player of that caliber late in the year is hard for a young team, but his presence will still be with the team wherever they go.

“He was a pretty vocal guy in the locker room and during the pre game,” freshman wide receiver Kirby Moore said. “Losing Richie is a big deal.”

Austin Pettis, who had four touchdown catches against Idaho, knows just how much Brockel meant to this team and is still trying to cope with the fact that the captain will not be in the huddle again.

“It’s a lot of leadership that we’re losing on the field, but he’s still going to be a part of this team no matter what,” Pettis said.

The Broncos must now turn to sophomore fullback, Dan Paul, from Boring, Oregon. The sophomore has played sparingly during the season and has big shoes to fill in the absence of BSU’s only starting offensive senior. Coach Petersen feels confident Paul will step up and keep the Broncos playing at a high level.

“Dan’s been making great strides all year long and I think he’s in a place where we need him to be to take that next step and really carry that flag for Richie,” Petersen said.

Another unfortunate loss came to up-and-coming freshman running back Matt Kaiserman, who broke his leg late in the Idaho game after throwing his first touchdown on a trick play to tight end Kyle Efaw. Kaiserman’s injury is a significant blow to the already beleaguered BSU backfield. The running game lost junior D.J. Harper to an ACL tear earlier in the season against Fresno State. The Broncos are now down to only two productive backs with Jeremy Avery and Doug Martin.

“Kaiser’s going to be okay down the road. It’s just such a bummer for us and for him. He’s had a hard year anyway getting going and we were just starting to get him in the mix in a bunch of different things,” Petersen said.

Sophomore receiver, Tyler Shoemaker, was also injured during the victory over rival Idaho and also left on crutches after the game. His status is questionable for this weekend’s game at Utah State. Petersen said they’re still waiting on the doctors to evaluate him before they make any decisions going forward. Kirby Moore will likely step into Shoemaker’s slot position this weekend against USU.

The rivalry renewed: Boise State and Idaho ready to rumble

Kirk Bell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:51:58 +0000

COURTESY/MCT CAMPUS Broncos’ cornerback Kyle Wilson deflects a pass to Vandals receiver Max Komar during their 2007 meeting at Bronco Stadium. Both players will meet for the last time this weekend at Bronco Stadium for the annual in-state rivalry game

This week marks the most exciting Boise State (9-0, 4-0 Western Athletic Conference) vs. University of Idaho (7-3, 4-2 WAC) football match-up in recent history. The last time the Vandals played close to the Broncos was 2003 at Moscow, Idaho where the Vandals held the Broncos to just 24 points, losing by just two touchdowns, 24-10. The last time the Vandals beat the Broncos was 1998 at Bronco Stadium in an overtime showdown, 35-36.

Vandals’ head coach Robb Akey started the week with a comment during the weekly WAC teleconference that may have given the Broncos a little more inspiration for rivalry week.

“I want to be the least popular individual with all the WAC administrators after we get done on Saturday,” Akey said. “Because if we take care of business then there’s not going to be a BCS bowl for the Boise State and no BCS money coming to the conference.”

Since the Vandals have found a groove and knack for the comeback, the fans – as well as the Broncos – have something more than what has shown to be a disappointing rivalry over the past few years to look forward to.

“I always think it adds a little more to it when both teams are in bowl situations and are having a lot of success. It will just add to it and it will be pretty cool,” BSU sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore said.

The Broncos have noticed a stronger showing of Vandal fans coming out of the woodwork with the recent success. The display of black and gold pride has become more common with their recent success.

“You actually start to see more Vandals fans coming out now,” Broncos’ junior wide receiver Austin Pettis said. “I didn’t know that a lot of my friends were a little bit Vandals fans…A couple more coming out and rooting for the Vandals this weekend. We’ll see. It’s always fun when you’ve got people going against you.”

Never downplayed for the Broncos

Even with the Broncos dominating the rivalry, it is never overlooked on the calendar. BSU athletes get up for the game every year, noticing a different feel and excitement that might not otherwise show during other opponents.

“They always play us tough,” Moore said of past contests. “Now I think that everyone else will be aware that they’re going to give us their best shot. They’ll be playing well.”

Moore and the rest of the BSU squad noticed in past meetings that there is a mystique about rivalry week that makes each team put its best foot forward. Broncos’ junior safety Jeron Johnson has taken notice to the recent boom from up north.

“It’s always exciting when you play in a rivalry game,” Johnson said. “I don’t care if they haven’t won a game in thirty years. If they were to come in here on a rivalry day, they’re going to give us their best shot. It just adds a little bit to it that they’re way better than what I’ve seen since I’ve been here the past four years. So it’s going to be a good game.”

Broncos following the rivalry

Some of the Broncos are a little more aware due to being close to or residents of the state. Head coach Chris Petersen heard of the rivalry being just as driven – if not more so – than the annual “Civil War,” in Oregon between the Ducks and the Beavers of Oregon State during his time with the UO program.

Local product from Meridian Tyler Shoemaker, BSU sophomore wide receiver, grew up around the rivalry.

“For as long as I can remember it’s been a big game…Idaho every year is a big game,” Shoemaker said. “It’s good to have that background to see the rivalry that’s grown.”

Moore was fortunate enough to have former Bronco Dan Gore as a neighbor and heard about the rivalry before coming the Boise. Prosser is just 175 miles from Moscow, making the rivalry geographically noticeable.

Looking back – scores from past contests

2008 – Moscow – Broncos 45 Vandals 10

2007 – Boise – Broncos 58 Vandals 14

2006 – Moscow – Broncos 42 Vandals 26

2005 – Boise – Broncos 70 Vandals 35

2004 – Boise – Broncos 65 Vandals 7

2003 – Moscow – Broncos 24 Vandals 10

2002 – Boise – Broncos 38 Vandals 10

2001 – Pullman, Wash. – Broncos 45 Vandals 13

2000 – Boise – Broncos 66 Vandals 24

1999 – Pullman, Wash. – Broncos 45 Vandals 14

1998 – Boise – Broncos 35 Vandals 36 (OT)

1997 – Moscow – Broncos 30 Vandals 23

1996 – Boise – Broncos 19 Vandals 64

From the Blue to you: Carpe Diem Bronco fans

Brendan Sherry — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:50:55 +0000

JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER

Last year Bronco fans hoped an undefeated season and an impressive win over Oregon would be enough to earn Boise State another trip to a BCS bowl. After all, the last time that Boise State went to a BCS game, they were undefeated and had a big win over Oregon State. The two seasons were comparable, an unblemished record and a key victory over a PAC-10 team. Things were looking good for Boise State until a team from the Mountain West Conference also ran the table and took BSU’s title as “BCS Buster.”

This year was supposed to be different. Boise State was the highest ranked team from a non-BCS conference before the season. The experts were saying that if BSU took care of business, they would be a lock for a BCS bowl by the end of the season. Once again, the Broncos had the opportunity to go undefeated and have a trademark victory over a good PAC-10 team.

Unfortunately, for the Bronco faithful there is another team from the Mountain West that appears to be raining on their BCS parade. This time it is TCU. The Horned Frogs have put together an impressive resume en route to a 7-0 record. With victories over two BCS conference teams and a win last week over a ranked BYU team, TCU has jumped Boise State in the latest BCS Polls.

It just didn’t seem fair Sunday when the Broncos dropped to seventh and were left looking up at the sixth-ranked Horned Frogs. They did everything the experts told them to do; they had a convincing win against Oregon and they were taking care of the rest their schedule. But the drop in the rankings indicated the Broncos did something wrong. Surely if they fell in the rankings they must have had a close call or some other reason to drop. Instead the Broncos came out and had one of their best performances of the year in Hawai’i.

The release of the latest polls made it feel as if a BSU return to the BCS would be impossible. Everyone on sports talk radio and television has seems to count Boise State out, and name TCU as the heir to the BCS Buster crown. But fans must not worry. There is still plenty of football to be played.

It can be tough to remember that it is the middle of the season and the Broncos still have six more games on their schedule. However, it is important to realize that it wasn’t so long ago when schools like California, Ohio State, BYU and Mississippi were all ranked ahead of Boise State. Now all of those schools have two losses and are out of the big picture. College football has more parity than ever and there will likely be enough upsets in the upcoming weeks to stir the top 10.

Broncos fans must sit back enjoy the fact that there is a top 10 program in town. The BCS continues to get more confusing every waking minute and things don’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Watching the way the polls change every week can be stressful but the week to week drama is what makes college football great. Boise State fans should start drinking the Kool-Aid of Coach Petersen and take the season one week at a time.

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From the Blue to You: Game atmosphere in need of a makeover

Trent Lootens — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:36:00 +0000

JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER

Since the first game against Oregon, the pre-game festivities at Boise State have been sub-par, at best.

Bronco Stadium’s parking lot – once full of tailgaters and fans – has since been partially abandoned and left for those who paid the price for a parking pass next to the stadium.

The last two home games against Miami (Ohio) and UC Davis have been less hyped and have led fans at Boise State to seek different options for tailgating. By looking at the parking lot before the games it’s easy to notice the difference.

BSU is disadvantaged in terms of tailgating because it’s a dry campus. No alcohol in the stadium – except for the Stuckle Sky Center – forces fans who want to drink before the games to hide their booze in a cup or go across the street to the End Zone or Suds Tavern.

Making a profit remains first and foremost on everyones mind, but doing it at the expense of the game atmosphere makes no sense.

Obviously, the parking passes aren’t being bought or else Bronco Stadium’s parking lot would be packed full for every game. This illustrates the possibility that the passes are over priced and nobody wants to spend the money.

Before a college football game, the spaces surrounding the stadium should be full no matter what. This should be a good thing for the university because it keeps spectators close to the stadium buying the team merchandise and apparel.

BSU is in the middle of a metropolitan area, making it difficult to find parking. Bronco Stadium should be the solution to the problem. If they can’t sell parking passes for the current price, the price should be lowered.

Game atmosphere means a lot to college football. BSU used to have it, but now it seems to have disappeared.

Schools such as the University of Idaho and the University of Oregon have game atmosphere details figured out.

It’s nearly impossible to find a parking space at either the Kibbie Dome or Autzen Stadium three hours prior to kickoff. It’s on a first come, first serve basis and the schools are able to thrive before, during and after their home games.

Schools like Idaho and Oregon make their parking lots available to fans who care the most and want to be there, not just for the fan who has the extra money to spend.

BSU fans are desperate to make a change and get the pre-game party to where it needs to be.

Fans are entitled to a good game atmosphere when they pay money for their tickets before the game. BSU needs to find a way to fix the problem before people completely give up tailgating at the games and move strictly over to the End Zone and Suds Tavern.

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Red zone continues to haunt BSU

Trent Lootens — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:06:03 +0000

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JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER Boise State tight end Kyle Efaw runs after catching a pass from Kellen Moore during the Boise State vs. UC Davis game

Boise State hasn’t scored a point during the first quarter in the last two games against Bowling Green and UC Davis. Like a train, the offense takes a while to start moving, but once it gets up to speed, it’s hard to stop.

Second quarters are a much different story for the offense. Look back on the past two games, when BSU has exploded in the second quarter scoring 42 combined points – 29 of those against BGSU.

The game against UC Davis left the Broncos with a bad taste in their mouth even though they were able to take a shutout into halftime up 13-0.

“Guys are taking this seriously. Even though we won that game it still felt like a loss,” senior fullback Richie Brockel said, his expression serious. “We want to come back and put things together quickly to avoid situations like that in the future.”

The situations Brockel is referring to are in the red zone. In the past, the Broncos have been lights out inside opponents 20-yard line. This season, though, the Broncos have struggled in the red zone. Currently ranked No. 80 in the nation for red zone efficiency behind fellow Western Athletic Conference teams No. 66 Idaho, No. 18. Louisiana Tech and No. 1 Utah State, who is tied with several teams for the top spot.

Against UC Davis, the Broncos had several chances to put the game out of reach, but failed to produce when it mattered most, on the goal line.

“On the goal line we just weren’t clean enough. Davis did a good job of attacking gaps and taking some chances to help themselves,” Boise State head coach Chris Petersen said. “We didn’t have a body for a body. We did on paper, but our guys weren’t getting there.”

Not being able to produce on the goal line is a serious concern for BSU. They failed to convert on many goal line chances against Oregon that could’ve put the game away for good and the same goes for UC Davis. Having to rely on fade routes to Austin Pettis due to the ineffectiveness of the goal line offense is not how coaches like to do things at BSU.

From the first drive of the UC Davis game it was apparent the Broncos still have plenty to work on.

After moving methodically down the field on their first drive the Broncos were stuffed on UC Davis’ 1-yard line after having a first-and-goal opportunity. The turnover on downs was not the way the Broncos had drawn up the beginning of the game.

“I believe if we score on that first drive it’s a different fell for the whole rest of the game,” Petersen said.

Getting the red zone offense together before BSU’s clash with Tulsa next Wednesday night on ESPN is top priority. Tulsa throws the ball 80 percent of the time and is capable of putting up piles of points. If the Broncos can’t match Tulsa’s offensive production it could be a long night for BSU.

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Broncos hold on during ugly win

Trent Lootens — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:29:49 +0000

JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER Junior receiver Austin Pettis struggles to grab a pass from sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore in the end zone. He successfully catches a touchdown pass two plays later.

The national hype might have finally reached the Boise State Broncos who were looking for answers the entire game in route to a 34-16 win over an inspired UC Davis team.

Boise State, No. 5, struggled to find any kind of consistency Saturday night against UC Davis (1-3). Offensively BSU (5-0, 1-0 WAC) looked anything but in sync and couldn’t get any type of a run game established because of the physicality of UC Davis at the line of scrimmage.

The Broncos’ first drive started out exactly how they’d drawn it, but after moving the ball to the Aggies’ 5-yard line the once-promising drive hit a brick wall because of a turnover on downs. That drive would set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Their red zone troubles continued throughout and UC Davis kept what was supposed to be a massacre of mammoth proportions in check and turned it into BSU’s biggest test since Oregon.

“I first would like to say our hats off to (UC) Davis,” Boise State head coach Chris Petersen said obviously frustrated after the game. “They played like I thought they would. They were coached like I thought they would be. I thought they had an excellent game plan and I think those kids played some inspired football.”

Kellen Moore was 22-of-31 passing for 285 yards and tossed three touchdown passes. He was matched by UC Davis’ junior quarterback Greg Denham who had

JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER Sophomore defensive tackle Chase Baker finishes off a sack of U.C. Davis quarterback Greg Denham in the Broncos 34-16 victory Saturday night.

the best game of his career. Denham was unfazed by the BSU pass rush and did a great job getting the ball out before the rush could get near him.

“It was frustrating especially in the first half when he was getting rid of the ball so quickly,” BSU junior defensive end Ryan Winterswyke said.

UC Davis ran up 234 total yards against a Kyle Wilson-less defense. Wilson didn’t play because of a shoulder injury he sustained earlier in the week during practice. Not having Wilson could have played a role in BSU’s defensive struggles, but bad technique along with several pass interference penalties kept many Aggie drives alive.

“I don’t know if it was missing Kyle, but we weren’t clicking on all levels,” Winterswyke said. “Kyle is a great player and of course he’s the leader of the defense and without him out there we kind of took a step back. No matter what we still need to play better.”

Junior receiver Austin Pettis did most of the work through the air for the Broncos. Pettis reeled in 10 catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns. His two touchdowns came from nicely thrown fade routes by Moore when the Broncos were unable to punch the ball into the end zone on the ground.

“Usually me and Kellen have that connection. Tonight it took us a few tries, but we finally got it,” Pettis said.

Junior receiver Titus Young had six catches for 83 yards and a score. His sole touchdown catch was a 42-yard strike on the Broncos’ first drive of the third quarter to put the BSU up 20-3 with 11:51 remaining in the third quarter.

UC Davis receiver Sean Creadick caught two touchdown passes in the second half from Denham and at one point closed the Broncos’ lead to 27-16.

Sophomore running back Doug Martin extended BSU’s lead to 34-16 with 0:38 left in the fourth quarter, the running backs only score of the day.

After the game, Petersen expressed his concern over his players’ inability to convert when they needed to most and vowed to change whatever went wrong before their next game against Tulsa.

“I’m frustrated with a couple different phases. Too many penalties and when you can’t score within the four or five-yard line when you have multiple tries. That’s frustrating. We’ll have their attention without question and have a few things corrected,” he said.

BSU’s defense is ready to prove itself

Trent Lootens — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:41:03 +0000

TAYLOR RUTLEDGE/THE ARBITER Sophomore defensive linemen Billy Winn and Shea McClellin, former Senior linebacker Kyle Gingg and junior linbacker Darrell Acrey await a play against Hawai’i at Bronco Stadium during the 2008 season.

In Boise State’s first two games the defense surrendered only 69 combined rushing yards against offensive powerhouse Oregon and the outmanned Miami (Ohio) Redhawks. BSU had no reason to expect what happened Week 3 against Fresno State.

Fresno State junior running back Ryan Mathews torched the Bronco run defense for 234 yards on 19 carries. Mathews had three touchdown runs of more than 60 yards — two coming on back-to-back drives at the end of the second quarter and another early in the fourth quarter to keep the Bulldogs down by only one score.

The Bulldogs ended the day with 320 total rushing yards — 282 yards higher than Miami (Ohio) was able to conjure up with 38 yards on the ground.

FSU out gained BSU 507-to-480 in total yards and had the momentum for nearly two quarters. Thanks to big plays from junior WR Titus Young and junior RB Jeremy Avery, the Broncos were able to stave off upset and continue down the road toward their dream season.

“Our guys played very well for a majority of the game and then Fresno made those big plays, Boise State head coach Chris Petersen said. “You know Fresno’s going to make some big plays, but you want to eliminate those huge plays. One of the hardest things we have to do is tackle in space. We work on it all the time in practice, but it’s a difficult thing to do on the field.”

Fresno might have been a step back for BSU’s defense, but it may also work to their advantage. Escaping Fresno taught the Broncos a lesson. It taught them to be prepared for anything and that they can never expect what an opponent will do when they have nothing to lose.

“Our eyes were down and we weren’t wrapping up. He’s (Mathews) a good player and there’s no question about that. He’s strong and fast and when you go against a player like that and your technique’s just not right you see what can happen,” Petersen said cautiously.

It was not necessarily back to the drawing board for BSU’s defense. Defensively, the players were just as aware of what went wrong in Fresno as the coaches and knew what needed to be fixed to maintain their coveted defensive play.

“Our main emphasis is on tackling and running to the ball” sophomore defensive tackle Billy Winn said. “We didn’t emphasize that enough the previous week and we will work hard to clean it up for Bowling Green.”

Bowling Green presents a much different threat to the Broncos’ defense than Fresno State. Bowling Green is a throw-the-ball-first kind of team and relies heavily on the game through the air. Bronco players might say the best way to defend a team like this is to get pressure on the quarterback.

Getting pressure on the quarterback has been addressed by the coaches and the answer to the question is sophomore defensive end Shea McClellin. McClellin’s year was cut short last season due to injury, but recently has shown coaches and teammates that he’s ready to play a large role in the defense.
“He has a real good pass rush and he’s an exciting fluid football player who’s quick. It will be exciting to have him on the other end spot,” fellow starting defensive end Ryan Winterswyk said.

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A tale of two teams: Rivals run for first in WAC conference

Kirk Bell — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:21:21 +0000

ARBITER FILE PHOTO Bronco's hoist WAC Championship trophy after win against Fresno State last year.

Two coaches. One conference. The face of the WAC.

The Western Athletic Conference carries two separate identities. There is the handlebar mustache of Fresno State head football coach Pat Hill, who represents the nitty-gritty, take-it-to you mentality of a hardnosed program.

Then there is the methodic mingling of Boise State head football coach Chris Petersen, who carries a similar, yet less rough-and-tumble on the surface, Broncos team. The faceoff happens in Fresno, Ca Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:00 p.m. MT.

“I think Friday’s game really is a game against two teams that have shaped the last ten years of the WAC,” conference commissioner Karl Benson said. “…It’s going to be a great showcase opportunity for the WAC against two premier programs.”

THE HISTORY

Bulldog Stadium has hosted multiple loses under the reign of Pat Hill who hosts his13th season as the skipper of FSU football. The last time the Bulldogs could claim themselves victors over BSU was Thursday, Nov. 2005. They brought down the Bronco machine 27-7 in Fresno.

The ninth meeting of the two teams this decade could quite possibly be the Bronco’s toughest road match this season. It is the first conference game of the 2009 WAC season for both programs.

“We have so much respect for Fresno,” Petersen said. “We know how tough they are. How tough it is to play down there. It will be a hard fought game. It will be a physical game without question. And all that on a short week.”

Each team competed last Saturday with the Bulldogs getting the tougher end of the straw. While BSU walked all over a lackluster Miami (Ohio) Redhawks team to the tune of 48-0, FSU battled into double overtime against the Wisconsin Badgers on the road. The Bulldogs could not upset the Badgers, dropping the game 31-34.

“I think we’re going into this game, offensively, very healthy,” Hill said. “Defensively we’re a little banged up but offensively we go into this game very healthy. But we’re going to need them all.”

The offense brings a slightly different look that most have seen in the past. FSU is known for their powerful style of play. The program has tried, successfully, at taking down teams by playing its style of football.

The loss of graduated and NFL-bound Bear Pascoe, along with now Denver Bronco third string quarterback Tom Brandstater, the Bulldog’s offense has made some adjustments. The kinds of adjustments that are, according to Hill, best suited to the types of players they have this season.

“We’ve got six receivers and four running backs now,” Hill said. “…We don’t have the tight ends that we have had in the past. We’ve had to spread the ball around and it’s worked well for us. But we’re still working and developing our offense.”

Part of that success has been due to FSU junior running back Ryan Mathews who has averaged 106.5 ypg in the last two games following a season ending knee injury during 2008. His supporting cast of running backs are racking up yards. They are averaging 244.5 rushing per game so far this season.

“Typical Fresno State team,” Petersen said. “Those guys just play hard is the thing that jumps out at you…I think that this is a heck of a Fresno State team. I really do. They’ve got a couple of guys that we have seen over the years that are back and healthy and playing hard.”

The Bulldog’s have replaced Brandstater with junior quarterback Ryan Colburn. Despite four interceptions, Colburn has tossed five touchdown passes, has completed 60 percent of his passes and has averaged 225 yards in his first two starts.

The FSU offense has put up 979 yards so far and given only an average of 322 ypg to their opponents.

BSU’S DEFENSE MATCHES UP

Despite throwing up respectable offensive numbers early on, the Bulldogs will face the toughest defense they have seen to date. The Broncos are currently ranked sixth in the nation for their defensive efforts against Oregon and Miami (Ohio) and have allowed 34.5 ypg on the ground with 1.6 ypc. Hill attributes BSU’s success against the rushing attack to their fine tuning of the defensive line.

“I’ve always thought they play good defense. Especially last year they were very, very good,” Hill said. “…I had a lot of people contact me before the Oregon game. I told them don’t be worried about offense. They’re defense is going to be the one that controls the game. And sure enough they did. They are very good at the defensive front…I think Boise State is much better up front than Wisconsin after watching the film.”

The progression of the Bronco’s defense has been crucial in their evolution in a conference that has been known for gaudy offensive numbers. The Bulldogs hope to finally do more than nip at the heels of BSU coming into Friday night’s in-conference collision.

“I think both teams [BSU and FSU] have performed very well out of conference,” Hill said. “…We have not executed as well as they have…Right now we’re trying to catch Boise State. I think everybody else in our league is also. Kind of what is happening right now in the Pac 10. You get your opportunities. You get one shot and this is our shot Friday night.”

The game will be shown nationally on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. MT.

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Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Blue?

Brittney Johnson — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:36:05 +0000

Boise's Blue turf holds a 64-2 record since 1999

Famously known around the country as “The blue” or “Smurf Turf” the blue field of Boise has become more than just a gimmick. Where else in the nation is there such a mystique created around the color of the field that transcends to a crazed fan based and an excellent football program? Shockingly, with all the hype surrounding the unique playing field, big name programs have not made the trip to play the Broncos on the beloved blue field.

Oregon deserves kudos for signing a home-away contract with the Broncos, but who will step up to the plate next — perhaps USC, Texas, Florida, Michigan or Notre Dame.

Love or hate the blue, the record is jaw dropping. From 1999 to 2008 the Broncos garner an unthinkable 97 percent home, winning record with 64 wins and 2 losses. The next two teams are University of Oklahoma and University of Texas, respectively.

What would happen if year-in-and-year-out, the Broncos were able to schedule home and away games with some of the biggest named schools in the country? Next year the Broncos will get an opportunity to face Virginia Tech at a “neutral”, but much closer to the Hokie campus, Fed Ex field in Washington D.C. This is a move for money more than schedule. While the money being pumped into the school is great the Bronco fans are losing out on an excellent home opponent in the Hokies. I really respected over the past few years that Boise State wouldn’t settle for anything but a home and away series, yet with the economy money is more important than pride, sadly.

Boise State is a dominant enough program to schedule home and away matches with equally as dominate teams, yet it doesn’t happen often or even at all. Why is it that the team with the best winning percentage over the past decade cannot get teams to travel the Boise Blue to play?

Playing at the blue is a lose-lose situation for teams such as University of California, University of Notre Dame, and University of Texas, just to name a few. When playing the Broncos, who are too lightly, named a mid-major, teams from big conferences with big names are expected to beat a non automatic qualifier like Boise State. If they win they simply would get a pat on the back while if they lose it could quiet possibly be a devastating to a fan base and a program. Now I’m not saying this mind set would be consistent with teams as the Broncos continue to gain respect nationwide, but there are still many non believers out there. Which leads to who really is afraid of what could happen on the blue?

Fans that crowd the stadium to capacity game in and game out make the venue at Bronco Stadium what it is. Not only does the diehard fan support help the Broncos pull through in sometimes, but often rare, close home games like 2007 vs. Nevada. The constantly sold out crowd helps tremendously with recruiting. When a recruit walks into a 70,000 seat stadium but only part is full it gives a different effect than walking into a sold out stadium, let alone the world’s first blue football field.

The Smurf Turf Crazies also make the crowd noise almost unbelievable in the sense that opposing teams can’t believe that the noise they are hearing is generated from around a 34,000 person crowd. In 2007 Wyoming even went as far as accusing Boise State of pumping in crowd noise. Bronco fans, give yourself a pat on the back! Where else in the country is crowd noise so “unbelievable” that a coach feels the need to call out the school after the game? There is a reason Boise State has such a dominate home record and it comes with great coaching, solid recruits, excellent training, and talented players, yet there is a thing called intangibles that can cause things to either click like clockwork or fail to deliver. Boise State has the intangibles to tie everything together. From packing Bronco Stadium game in and game out, to students camping out for tickets for close to 15 hours, to traveling in masses down to Phoenix and having more fans at the 2007 Fiesta Bowl than fit into Bronco Stadium. Bronco fans deserve a huge round of applause for its help to strengthen a national renowned football program and to create the “it” factor of the blue. Look for the elements of the blue field to be displayed in magnified perfection when Oregon travels to Boise for the first game of the 2009 season.

For those who have never experienced a football game on the blue field, what are you waiting for? For teams who refuse to sign a home and away game with Boise State, what are you afraid of?

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The Editor’s Debate: The Arbiter’s Kirk Bell and the Oregon Daily Emerald’s Ben Schorzman go head to head.

Kirk Bell — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:56:23 +0000

To preface the game between Boise State and Oregon, these two sports savvy Editors debated about which team is more likely to win and why.

Ben Schorzman: Although the Broncos are virtually unbeatable at home, the Ducks bring a completely different type of game to Boise than most do. The team is at least three deep at running back (not including Jeremiah Masoli when he runs) and Ed Dickson is arguably one of the best tight ends/athletes in the Pac-10 Conference. Oregon beats teams by spreading them thin then attacking the holes created. And Oregon has the athletes to attack a very young defense.

Granted, the Broncos are familiar with Oregon because of the game in Autzen last year, so any surprises in what they will run will be very small. Defensively, Oregon’s defense will have to come up with some stops after what Kellen Moore did to them last year. The secondary surrendered big play after play, and that was a defense anchored by All-American Patrick Chung. In the end, I think Oregon has just a little bit more experience and athletes at the skills positions and will overcome the hostile environment of a Thursday night in Boise on national television to win a close game worthy of the hype.

Kirk Bell: In this match-up I don’t believe there is a clear-cut favorite. Both the Ducks and the Broncos are in similar positions in terms of talent in their programs and each have key areas in which they thrive.

Boise State has major questions in regard to their offensive line that can only be answered on the field come Thursday. Center Thomas Byrd and tackle Matt Slater, both had starts through last season, when Byrd started all 13 games for the Broncos and Slater with six starts and reps in every showing. Moore should feel comfortable in the pocket pending they have themselves congealed come game day.

Wide receivers Austin Pettis, Titus Young and Tyler Shoemaker each bring a different look that could cater to Moore’s ability to place the ball virtually anywhere he would like. Pettis brings hands and reach similar to Plaxico Burress, Young with breakaway speed and Shoemaker with the size as a slot receiver who has shown promise during scrimmage and fall camp.

Defensively, safety Jeron Johnson consistently puts receivers on edge with his ability to place well timed hits, despite belief by Ducks fans that he played dirty at Autzen last year, he will still play with the same physical prowess that he ever has. If you look at the film from last season there is good argument on his behalf that he was only half a step away during that so called dirty hit.

Preseason All-American, Kyle Wilson, will stay attached to any receiver he lines up against and has a 4.3 40 to match. Brandyn Thompson maintained himself well last season with four interceptions and five tackles for loss last year.

The biggest question mark is at nickel back with junior college transfer Winston Venable. He has looked good all fall camp but has some things to prove against an explosive Oregon offense. He said that this will be his testing ground for the rest of the season. And what a test it will be.

Ben: I agree that this game could go either way depending on who shows up. Oregon’s biggest question mark has to be the offensive line with the departure of three linemen to the NFL. The Ducks thrive on the run, and if the line cannot hold their assignments, the entire offense comes to a grinding halt.

But don’t underestimate what the Ducks did to the Broncos in the fourth quarter of last year’s game. They were able to exploit something they saw in BSU’s defense to almost come back to tie the game up. Scoring 19 points unanswered points in a quarter is a great feat, and granted they still lost, I don’t think Oregon will be as unprepared for the Broncos as last year.

Kirk: There is no doubt that the Broncos were caught off guard during the ousting at Autzen. The Ducks were able to bring a look into the game by burning the redshirt of Darron Thomas who dealt blows with his arm where Boise State had been battling the running game all day. LaGarrette Blount and Jeremiah Johnson combined for 193 yard and two touchdowns by the final whistle.

BSU’s defense brings back much of their talent from last season that may be overlooked due to their youth. The Broncos finished their season ranked No. 20 on team defense, allowing only 308.14 yards per game. I predict that they will finish in the top twenty once again due to the reps the young defensive line has had and the stellar play of the defensive backs. The 4-2-5 defense they have adopted brings the speed they are known for and places strength at the safety positions that make going up the middle very difficult.

I don’t believe that Jeremiah Masoli will be able to deliver through the air. Oregon tight end Ed Dickson posed problems for the Broncos last year but will very much be a focus for BSU against the Ducks passing attack. This could allow for more focus on Masoli and Blount as they prepare to take BSU down by rushing their way to victory. Don’t count on them getting over 350 yards of offense throughout the game.

Ben: I will disagree with you on Masoli not being affective through the air. Oregon’s offense is set up to exploit whatever the defense offers. They do not go to the line with just one set route each receiver is running. The wide outs have the freedom to take whatever the defense is showing and run the best possible route. Masoli may not have a ton of passing yards, but his completion percentage will be high because the Ducks will work medium to short routes to take chunks of yardage.

I predict the score will be 38-31 Oregon. Both of these teams are both known for putting up a ton of points and yards on opponents and although the defenses will play a key role, they will get beat occasionally. Boise State has a knack for playing in tight games under the spotlight, and I don’t think this will be any different. I expect a late touchdown by Oregon to be the difference.

Kirk: The Boise State secondary should not be underestimated. The only component missing from the Broncos defensive puzzle is Ellis Powers. Powers has been replaced by junior college transfer Winston Venable and he is being held with high esteem by his peers. The only downfall is that he has never played against a program like Oregon’s. But he should be very well prepared after going against the shiftiness and confusing looks that the BSU offense shows every day.

The Broncos defense had 22 interceptions last season, fifth best in the NCAA. Of those 22 picks, 20 of them were made by existing Broncos.
BSU also brought down the quarterback 34 times last season. Of last season’s tally, 20 were by existing active players on the roster.
The final score will be 41-31 Boise State. The Ducks will keep it close through the first half of play and the Broncos will pull away in the second.

Masoli will have a tough time moving the ball against a tough passing defense and will have to resort to running the ball. The ground game might be Oregon’s strong point with Blount to accent Masoli’s ability to move outside the pocket but, by the end of the day, the Broncos will prevail with a better all-around offense and defense due to experience on both sides of the ball.

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