The Boise State football team is entering week 11, but it’s interim head coach Spencer Danielson’s first week as head coach for the Broncos.
After Andy Avalos’ departure on Sunday, Nov. 12, Danielson is now responsible for finishing out the year.
“I love this place and why, because I love the people, I love these kids, my family, love it dearly,” Danielson said. “For me, my only focus is to finish this season strong for our players and for this community. A community comes and packs out that house when we’re 4-5 to play New Mexico, we’re going to play for those, we’re going to play for this community.”
With Mountain West championship hopes still alive, the interim head coach and what has become a ragtag group of young talent must win out the remainder of the season to even have a chance of appearing in the title game.
Danielson said he’ll maintain play calling duties for the defense to keep consistency. With that said, defensive senior analyst Ron Collins will be up in the sky box to assist as defensive coordinator for the team.
Rolling into week 11, the Broncos will travel to Logan, Utah to face off against the Utah State University Aggies in another must win game.
In the Mountain West, the Utah State offense ranks No. 1 in yards per game with 448.3 and No. 2 in points per game, scoring 35.5.
Most of those yards come through the air, as Aggies senior quarterback Cooper Legas has had a great season thus far, throwing 18 touchdowns to eight interceptions while completing 64.7% of his passes.
His connection with junior receiver Jalen Royals has been consistent all season, as he’s on track for a 1,000+ yard season.
This could spell trouble for the Boise State defense, as they’ve allowed the most passing yards total and per game in the Mountain West.
Utah State also has a committee of running backs who’ve racked up 1,535 yards this season. The squad is led by junior Rahsul Faison, who is averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
For the Broncos offense, the quarterback decision has been made for them by a stroke of bad luck.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Maddux Madsen is out for the foreseeable future, making redshirt sophomore Taylen Green not only the starter, but also the finisher for the University of New Mexico matchup.
“I’m fired up for him this weekend,” Danielson said. “I think Taylen Green is going to have a great Saturday night. He’s going to lead this team, lead this offense and help lead this whole team. He’s going to and we’re going to empower him to.”
Green has seen a lesser and lesser role in the Broncos offense as the weeks have gone by, however he still leads the team in passing yards at 1,205.
He has been running the ball harder to this point in the season, rushing for two touchdowns over the last three weeks.
The big question this week is: will sophomore wide receiver Eric McAlister return to play against Utah State?
“I haven’t had that conversation yet with Eric fully,” offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan said. “Ultimately it’s going to be his decision… We’ll address it if it gets to that point.”
There have been rumblings that since the departure of Andy Avalos, the young receiver wishes to return to the team and finish out the season.
McAlister averages 18.6 yards per reception and leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns.
Last week the offense didn’t necessarily miss him on the field, however the University of New Mexico doesn’t have the best pass defense.
Utah State on the other hand, allows 230 yards per game through the air and has racked up 10 interceptions this season.
Regardless, it will be interesting to see how Danielson leads the team when it comes to offensive decisions.
Hamdan will maintain his role calling plays, but this begs the question: will we see Green sling the ball if this game becomes a shootout?
This week will be the first time since week 4 against San Diego State University that the Broncos will feature one quarterback through all four quarters, barring injury.
Score Prediction: 41-34 Boise State