Friday, November 30, 2012

Making the Pistol Offense Misfire

The stage is set for the final regular season football games of the year, and one of the best will be in Reno, Nevada, where the homestanding Wolf Pack will host Boise State.  Nevada coach Chris Ault has revitalized his team and his career in recent years with Ault's groundbreaking "pistol" offense.

There are two main keys to stopping the pistol offense in general and in stopping this year's Nevada offense that I will focus on.


#1:  Stefphon Jefferson, running back

Jefferson has, to this point in the season, been unstoppable.  He's done far better this season (142 yards per game) than Boise State's top rusher, D.J. Harper (85 yards per game).  If the Bronco defense wants to clue in on how good Jefferson is, he's better than Le'Veon Bell, whom Boise State could not stop en route to a season-opening loss vs. the six-loss Michigan State team.  Jefferson is #2 in the nation in rushing, ahead of Bell, who is #3.  You can bet Jefferson has the personal goal of finishing the season as the leading rusher in all of college football, and he'll look to do that against the Boise State defense.


#2:  Cody Fajardo, quarterback

One of the main reasons Boise State couldn't beat Nevada the last time these two played in Reno was that they couldn't stop quarterback Colin Kaepernick, especially on crucial downs.  Other than the fact that Kaepernick will go down in history as one of the top dual threats in college football, the main reason they couldn't stop him is simple:  they didn't play like they knew how to stop the option.

The best way to understand Nevada's pistol offense is to realize that it all centers on the moment of decision for the quarterback.  Upon the snap, the quarterback will often stand sideways and the running back will come behind him as if to take the handoff.  This is the be-all, end-all moment for the defense.  The quarterback will either hand the ball off, in which case the running back generally takes the ball up the middle, or the quarterback will pull the ball back.  At this point, the QB will either head to one side of the field, still with the option to pitch it to the running back, or he will step back and throw it.  

This moment of decision for the quarterback is what makes it so tough to defend, because at that point, the defense has no clue what is to happen.  The analysis below is based on that realization, and stresses the importance of being there at this moment of decision.

To be fair, very few college coaches have seen the option enough to know how to stop it, and fewer college football players have seen it.  For the secret, you have to turn to old-timers who are very familiar with it.  The #1 key to stopping the option is to tackle the quarterback.  Two years ago, Boise State players would wait to see if Kaepernick handed off the ball, then when he didn't ran downfield with Kaepernick, waiting for him to pitch the ball.  Big mistake.  

Nope, when Fajardo rolls out to either the right or left, the Bronco outside linebacker meeting him has to nail him every single time, whether he keeps the ball or hands it off.  Not three yards downfield, but right there at the line of scrimmage.  Every single time he rolls out, Fajardo should hit the turf.  The other Bronco players on that side of the field (the middle linebacker, the cornerback and the safety) need to be converging on the outside, where the ball will likely be pitched to Jefferson, and make gang tackling on Jefferson the order of the day.


And, if Fajardo hands the ball to Jefferson, more often than not, he'll be headed up the middle into the teeth of the Bronco defense.  To take the pressure of the middle linebacker already wary of outside pitches, it will be crucial for the Bronco linemen to fight off their blocks and make the play.

Nevada uses deception in the pistol as well as anyone, and the truth is that there is not time to react to the play once Fajardo either keeps it or hands it off.  The only way to slow down the pistol is to be there at Fajardo's moment of decision to take him down.

Sound simple?  Yes and no.  If Boise State's defense executes the above, absolutely.  If not, and that Bronco meeting Fajardo at the line of scrimmage tries to play both Fajardo and Jefferson, it results in big yards every time for Nevada.  Playing the option is not simple because the key defender tends to want to let his athletic skills come into play rather than doing his job.  

Many defenses will beef up their chances of stopping the option by placing eight or nine guys in the box in the area directly in front of the Nevada linemen near the line of scrimmage.  This makes it difficult for the offense to block everyone, and someone will shoot through the nail the ball carrier.  The pistol is designed to negate this strategy, as more receivers will line up on the outside, forcing the defensive backs to play outside rather than in the box.

This makes the play of the middle linebacker even more important, since most of the defensive backs are busy with their assignments of covering receivers and fighting off those blocks.  It also highlights that outside linebacker who must tackle Fajardo every time he rolls out.  If he can do that and take Fajardo out of the play at the line of scrimmage, and the middle linebacker comes over to make the stop on Jefferson, preferably with help from at least one of the defensive backs, the Broncos can take away the main strength of the pistol offense.

So too can the importance of the outside linebackers not be overstated.  In the photo above, Fajardo is not looking at Jefferson, but rather at the outside linebacker.  If the 'backer is moving inside to stop the handoff, Fajardo has a pretty good idea he can beat him to the outside.  So against the pistol, the outside linebackers have to stay home to thwart that threat.

Complicating matters considerably is the fact that Nevada runs the pistol at its most efficient--they invented it. Their players are well-schooled in executing the offense, and they run the option tremendously well. No one is going to completely stop the option. Boise State's goal is to hold rushes to no more than three or four yards, and to completely stop them on third down.

Fajardo is not one of the top passers, although at #39 he too ranks ahead of his Boise State counterpart (Joe Southwick at #45), he is probably on par with Kaepernick for most of his career.  What makes the pistol effective is the ability of the quarterback to throw; just when you think you have the option stopped, Fajardo steps back and tosses it for a first down.

As for the Nevada defense, they will play their best game of the season tomorrow, not only because they are playing Boise State and will be fired up, but because they are playing Boise State.  You see, Boise State's offense isn't up to par with past years, so even though the Wolf Pack defense isn't amongst the nation's leaders, they'll look like it because they'll be playing a less dangerous offense than others they've played this season.  The crowd in Reno will be wild in anticipation of a second straight home win over the Broncos and will be pumping their defense up throughout.

This will be the last meeting in this great rivalry for at least a few years, as Boise State is headed for the Big East Conference, another reason Nevada will be fired up, as they want to send the Broncos packing with a loss.  Hopefully, the teams can come to terms with an extended non-conference deal that can continue the rivalry.

The game will be televised live on ABC beginning at 1:30.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Former Boise State Broncos in the NFL--Week 12


Here are the results for former Boise State players in the NFL.  This will be updated as results come in.

Richie Brockel--Carolina Panthers (1 tackle in Carolina win)
Ryan Clady--Denver Broncos (starting tackle in Denver win)
Daryn Colledge--Arizona Cardinals (starting lineman in Arizona loss)
Tyrone Crawford--Dallas Cowboys (bye week)
Tommy Gallarda--Atlanta Falcons (no statistics in Atlanta win)
George Iloka--Cincinnati Bengals (no statistics in Cincinnati win)
Jeron Johnson--Seattle Seahawks (no statistics in Seattle loss)
Doug Martin--Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21 carries for 50 yards and 2 touchdowns and 2 catches for 13 yards in Tampa Bay loss)
Shea McClellin--Chicago Bears (2 tackles, 1 solo, and half a sack in Chicago win)
Quintin Mikell--St. Louis Rams (4 tackles, 3 solo, in Ram win)
Kellen Moore--Detroit Lions (did not play in Detroit loss)
Austin Pettis--St. Louis Rams (no statistics in St. Louis win)
Nate Potter--Arizona Cardinals (Lineman for Arizona)
Orlando Scandrick--Dallas Cowboys (bye week)
Kyle Wilson--New York Jets (6 tackles, 4 of them solo, and one punt return for one yard in Jet loss)
Billy Winn--Cleveland Browns (2 solo tackles and an interception in Cleveland win)
Titus Young--Detroit Lions (suspended by Detroit)

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Boise State #20 in BCS

Thanks to the idiotic Harris Poll voters, which kept UCLA and Oregon State the same despite both getting creamed yesterday, Boise State only moved from 22-20 in the BCS Standings.

Hope the establishment is happy.  Of course, maybe Boise State could lose to Nevada this week and move up next week (insert sarcastic laugh here)...

Boise State #17 in Harris Poll

Official--Kent State Will Be in BCS Bowl Unless They Lose

The voters of the Harris Poll moved Kent State from 25-18, right behind Boise State.  That, along with help from the computers, puts Kent State in position for a BCS Bowl provided they beat Northern Illinois.  The polls next week will determine the story, but unless they widen the gap between Boise State and the MAC, or pull the shenanigans they pull with Boise State, Kent State is in.

Boise State Needs To Beat Kent State By 350 Votes in Harris Poll

That's approximately the margin needed for Boise State to hold off Kent State in the BCS Standings.  It now appears that a non-AQ will be in a big bowl; we just don't know which one.

It Appears Winner of MAC Championship Will Be In BCS Game

It appears Boise State will be behind Kent State in the BCS Standings and Northern Illinois is right behind.  So barring something crazy next week in the polls, the MAC Champion will be in the BCS instead of Boise State.

BCS Projections


Note that these are the BCS raw scores.  The actual BCS average which will be reported takes this number and divides by three:

These begin at #12:



12:  Nebraska 51.86% + 52.85% + 52.50 = 157.21
13.  Florida State 56.20% + 57.13% + 32.50 = 145.83
14.  Clemson 48.81% + 51.19% + 38.00 = 138.00
15.  Oregon State 27.80% + 34.51% + 38.50 = 100.81
16.  Kent State 22.85% + 24.96% + 30.00 = 77.81
17.  UCLA 30.17% + 32.53% + 8.50 = 71.20
18.  Texas 21.15% + 19.96% + 25.50 = 66.61
19.  Boise State 32.47% + 28.92% + 0.00 = 61.39
20.  Northern Illinois 25.56% + 21.91% + 8.00 = 55.47
21.  Michigan 10.71% + 15.36% + 24.00 = 50.07

Coaches Poll Percentages for Relevant Teams


#14.  Clemson 48.81%
#15.  Boise State 32.47%
#16.  UCLA 30.17%
#17.  Oregon State 27.80%
#18.  Northern Illinois 25.56%
#19.  Kent State 22.85%
#21.  Texas 21.15%

Boise State #25 in AP

Boise State #12 in Blue Through and Through Top 25


When you see polls with wild week-to-week swings, it generally means the voters are reacting to the latest results rather than thinking through the process.  If they have the rankings right, the teams in fact shouldn't move much, as you will note week to week in this poll later in the year as the season progresses.  This week, the top seven has been in that top seven for five straight weeks, a sign that they have been ranked where they should be.

Remember as you follow the rankings that since both the Pac-12 and Big 12 had a request from Boise State to join their respective leagues and they did not invite the Broncos, the "strength-of-schedule" argument does not work against Boise State for those two conferences, and thus their teams will always be ranked behind Boise State with the same number of losses.  As it should be.  You can't deny a team a place in your conference and then complain about their strength of schedule.  

A team that beats another head-to-head on the field will always be ranked ahead of that team if they have the same record.  As it should be.  If the winner of that game has more losses, further evaluation regarding the closeness and location of the game needs to take place, as well as week-to-week evaluation of all season results.



1-1-1-1-1-1-2-2-1-1.    Notre Dame (12-0, beat USC 22-13; biggest wins over #12 Stanford, #13 Oklahoma, Michigan, USC and BYU)

2-2-3-3-3-3-3-4-2-2.    Alabama (11-1, blew out Auburn 49-0; biggest wins over #7 LSU and Michigan, lost to #8 Texas A&M)

13-11-7-5-4-2-1-1-3-3-3.  Kansas State (10-1, did not play; biggest wins over #13 Oklahoma, #23 Oklahoma State, #25 TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia, lost to Baylor)

4-4-2-2-5-4-4-3-4-4.    Oregon (11-1, slaughtered #16 Oregon State 48-24; biggest wins over #16 Oregon State, USC, and Fresno State, loss to #10 Stanford)

7-6-10-9-8-5-5-5-5-5.    Georgia (11-1, beat up on Georgia Tech 42-10; biggest win over #6 Florida, lost to #9 South Carolina)

12-10-4-4-2-6-6-6-6-6.  Florida (11-1, came back to beat #11 Florida State 37-26; biggest wins over #7 LSU, #8 Texas A&M, #9 South Carolina and #11 Florida State, loss to #5 Georgia)

6-5-8-6-6-7-7-7-7-7.    LSU (10-2, struggled to beat Arkansas 20-13; biggest wins over #8 Texas A&M and #9 South Carolina, lost to #2 Alabama and #6 Florida)

----------------------22-16-9-8-8.  Texas A&M (10-2, ran away from Missouri 59-29; biggest wins over #2 Alabama and Louisiana Tech, lost to #6 Florida and #7 LSU)

8-7-5-7-13-8-8-8-9-9.  South Carolina (10-2, defeated #17 Clemson 27-17; biggest wins over #5 Georgia and #17 Clemson, losses to #6 Florida and #7 LSU)

3--16-13-16-16-16-14-13-12-10.   Stanford (10-2, defeated #19 UCLA 35-17; biggest wins over #4 Oregon, #18 Oregon State, #19 UCLA, #21 San Jose State and USC, losses to #1 Notre Dame and Washington)

10-9-14-18-17-14-11-10-10-11.  Florida State (10-2, lost to #6 Florida 37-26; biggest win over #17 Clemson, losses to #6 Florida and North Carolina State)

15-13-11-10-9-9-12-11-11-12.  Boise State (9-2, did not play this week; biggest wins over Fresno State and BYU, losses to Michigan State and San Diego State)

17-19-16-11-10-11-13-12-13-13.    Oklahoma (9-2, rallied to beat #24 Oklahoma State 51-48 on overtime; biggest wins over #18 Texas and #23 Oklahoma State, lost to #1 Notre Dame and #3 Kansas State)

---------------------21-23-21-18-14.  Nebraska (10-2, defeated Iowa 13-7; biggest wins over Michigan and Wisconsin, lost to #19 UCLA and Ohio State)

---------------------23-24-22-20-15.  Kent State (11-1, defeated Ohio 28-6; biggest win over Rutgers, lost to Kentucky)

20-17-15-8-7-10-9-15-15-16.  Oregon State (8-3, fell to #4 Oregon 48-24; biggest wins over #19 UCLA and Wisconsin, losses to #4 Oregon, #10 Stanford and Washington)

15-23-20-20-20-19-17-16-16-17.  Clemson (10-2, lost 27-17 to #9 South Carolina; biggest win over Georgia Tech, losses to #9 South Carolina and #10 Florida State)


5-3-9-14-15-17-15-14-14-18.   Texas (8-3, lost to #25 TCU 20-13; biggest win over #23 Oklahoma State, lost to #13 Oklahoma, #25 TCU and West Virginia)

23-21-25-25-25-20-21-20-17-19.  UCLA (9-3, lost to #10 Stanford 35-17; biggest wins over #14 Nebraska and USC, lost to #10 Stanford, #16 Oregon State and California)

----------------------------------23-20.  Utah State (10-2, beat Idaho 45-9, biggest wins over #23 San Jose State and Louisiana Tech, losses to Wisconsin and BYU)

----------------------------------24-21.  San Jose State (10-2, beat Louisiana Tech 52-43; biggest wins over San Diego State, Louisiana Tech and BYU, losses to #10 Stanford and Utah State)

--------------------------------------22.  Northern Illinois (11-1, beat Eastern Michigan 49-7; biggest win over Ball State, lost to Iowa)

------------------------------25-22-23.  Oklahoma State (8-4, lost to #13 Oklahoma 51-48 in overtime; biggest win over #24 TCU, lost to #3 Kansas State, #13 Oklahoma, #18 Texas and Arizona)

14-12-18-17-24-----22----------25.  TCU (7-4, beat #18 Texas 20-13; biggest wins over #18 Texas and West Virginia, lost to #3 Kansas State, #23 Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Iowa State)

18-20-19-19-18-15-10-18-17-25.  Louisville (9-2, lost to Connecticut 23-20 in three overtimes; biggest win over Cincinnati, losses to Syracuse and Connecticut)




Dropped Out:  Texas Tech, Rutgers

Also Considered:    USC (7-5), Rutgers (9-2),  Louisiana Tech (9-3), Texas Tech (7-5), Tulsa (9-3), Fresno State (9-3), San Diego State (9-3),  Michigan (8-4), Cincinnati (9-3),  Northwestern (9-3), Ball State (9-3)

And the First Shot Is Fired Over the Bow...

Boise State is #47 in Sagarin...

He has Boise State victims BYU and Fresno State ahead of the Broncos.

Now that's logic hard at work.

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt12.htm

Computer Composite with Four Computers

I don't dare pick Sagarin or Massey, whose ratings are often all over the place.  I feel fairly safe with these four, however.  Based on those four, here is the incomplete Computer Composite:


1.    Notre Dame 25 + 25 + 25 + 25 = 100.00
2.    Ohio State 24 + 23 + 21 + 24 = ((92 + (47*2 =) 94)/2 = 93.00
3.    Florida 23 + 24 + 20 + 23 = ((90 + (46*2 =) 92)/2 = 91.00
4.    Oregon 18 + 22 + 23 + 21 = ((84 + (43*2 =) 86)/2 = 85.00
5.    Alabama 22 + 20 + 24 + 19 = ((85 + (42*2 =) 84)/2 = 84.50
6.    Stanford 21 + 21 + 18 + 22 = ((82 + (42*2 =) 84)/2 = 83.00
7.    Georgia 20 + 18 + 19 + 20 = ((77 + (39*2 =) 78)/2 = 77.50
8.    LSU 19 + 17 + 16 + 17 = ((69 + (34*2 =) 68)/2 = 68.50
9.  Kansas State 15 + 19 + 22 + 16 = ((62 + (34*2 =) 68)/2 = 65.00
10.  Oklahoma 14 + 15 + 17 + 18 = ((64 + (32*2 =) 64)/2 = 64.0
11.    South Carolina 17 + 16 + 15 + 14 = ((62 + (31*2 =) 62)/2 = 62.00
12.  Texas A&M 16 + 13 + 14 + 13 = ((56 + (27*2 =) 54)/2 = 55.00
13.  Nebraska 13 + 12 + 13 + 15 = ((53 + (26*2 =) 52)/2 = 52.50
14.  Kent State 12 + 12 + 12 + 10 = ((46 + (24*2 =) 48)/2 = 47.00
15.  Oregon State 11 + 10 + 6 + 10 = ((37 + (20*2 =) 40)/2 = 38.50
16.  Clemson 8 + 11 + 7 + 12 = ((38 + (19*2 =) 38/2) = 38.00
17.  Florida State 7 + 9 + 11 + 6 = ((33 + (16*2 =) 32)/2 = 32.50
18.  Texas 6 + 0 + 8 + 10 = ((24 + (14*2 =) 28)/2 = 25.50
19.  Northern Illinois 4 + 8 + 9 + 3 = ((24 + (12*2 =) 24)/2 = 24.00
19.  San Jose State 10 +  7 + 2 + 5 = ((24 + (12*2 =) 24)/2 = 24.00
21.  Michigan 9 + 5 + 0 + 8 = ((22 + (13*2 =) 26)/2 = 24.00
22.  Oklahoma State 0 + 4 + 10 + 4 = ((18 + (8*2 =) 16)/2 = 17.00
23.  UCLA 5 + 0 + 3 + 1 = ((9 + (4*2 =) 8)/2 = 8.50
24.  Utah State 3 + 0 + 4 + 0 = ((7 + (3*2 =) 6)/2 = 6.50
25.  Ball State 2 + 3 + 0 + 0 = ((5 + (2*2 =) 4)/2 = 4.50


26.  Texas 0 + 6 + 0 + 0 = ((6 + (0*2 =) 0)/2 = 3.00
27.  TCU 0 + 0 + 5 + 0 = ((5 + (0*2 =) 0)/2 = 2.50
27.  Wisconsin 1 + 0 + 0 + 2 = ((3 + (1*2 =) 2)/2 = 2.50
29.  Rutgers 0 + 2 + 0 + 0 = ((2 + (0*2 =) 0)/2 = 1.00
30.  Boise State 0 + 0 + 1 + 0 =  ((1 + (0*2 =) 0)/2 = .50
30.  Tulsa 0 + 1 + 0 + 0 = ((1 + (0*2 =) 0)/2 = .50

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Projected Anderson/Hester Ratings

1.    Notre Dame
2.    Ohio State
3.    Florida
4.    Stanford
5.    Oregon
6.    Georgia
7.    Alabama
8.    Oklahoma
9.    LSU
10.  Kansas State
11.  Nebraska
12.  South Carolina
13.  Texas A&M
14.  Clemson
15.  Oregon State
16.  Texas
17.  Kent State
18.  Michigan
19.  TCU
20.  Florida State
21.  San Jose State 
22.  Oklahoma State
23.  Northern Illinois
24.  Wisconsin
25.  UCLA

Projected Wolfe Ratings

1.    Notre Dame
2.    Ohio State
3.    Florida
4.    Alabama
5.    Stanford
6.    Georgia
7.    LSU
8.    Oregon
9.    South Carolina
10.  Texas A&M
11.  Kansas State
12.  Oklahoma
13.  Nebraska
14.  Kent State
15.  Oregon State
16.  San Jose State 
17.  Michigan
18.  Clemson
19.  Florida State
20.  Texas
21.  UCLA
22.  Northern Illinois
23.  Utah State
24.  Ball State
25.  Wisconsin

Projected Colley Ratings

1.    Notre Dame
2.    Florida
3.    Ohio State
4.    Oregon
5.    Stanford
6.    Alabama
7.    Kansas State
8.    Georgia
9.    LSU
10.  South Carolina
11.  Oklahoma
12.  Nebraska
13.  Texas A&M
14.  Kent State
15.  Clemson
16.  Oregon State
17.  Florida State
18.  Northern Illinois
19.  San Jose State 
20.  Texas
21.  Michigan
22.  Oklahoma State
23.  Ball State
24.  Rutgers
25.  Tulsa

Projected Billingsley Ratings

1.    Notre Dame
2.    Alabama
3.    Oregon
4.    Kansas State
5.    Ohio State
6.    Florida
7.    Georgia
8.    Stanford
9.    Oklahoma
10.  LSU
11.  South Carolina
12.  Texas A&M
13.  Nebraska
14.  Kent State
15.  Florida State
16.  Oklahoma State
17.  Northern Illinois
18.  Texas
19.  Clemson
20.  Oregon State
21.  TCU
22.  Utah State
23.  UCLA
24.  San Jose State
25.  Boise State

Boise State's BCS Chances

Kent State will gain computer points this week and could pass Boise State in the human polls tomorrow.  Boise State will gain in the computers, but is unlikely to rank in the Top 25 in any of the six computers.  And, if they get in for the Billingsley ratings, it won't count because the BCS throws the high and low computer ratings.

Therefore, if Kent State wins next week over Northern Illinois, they will likely finish ahead of Boise State in the BCS Standings.  If Northern Illinois wins, Boise State has a good chance to finish ahead, provided they are fortunate enough to beat Nevada.

Bowl Bids Accepted

Navy has accepted a bid in the Fight Hunger Bowl; they'll play a Pac-12 team.

Utah State has accepted a berth in the Idaho Potato Bowl vs. a MAC team.

BYU has accepted a bid in the Poinsettia Bowl vs. San Diego State.

Air Force has accepted a bid to play in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Louisiana-Lafayette has accepted to play in the New Orleans Bowl.

Nevada has accepted a bid to the New Mexico Bowl.

San Jose State has accepted a bid to play in the Military Bowl.

SMU has accepted a bid to play in the Hawai'i Bowl.

Correa Chooses Boise State

I knew this several days ago, but had to keep it under wraps. We can now report it officially--defensive tackle Kamalei Correa has committed to Boise State.
Correa is 6-4, 230 from St. Louis High School in Honolulu, Hawai'i. He chose the Broncos over scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Hawai'i, Kansas, Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah, Washington State and Wyoming and interest from Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, TCU and Washington.

Smart kid.

Friday, November 23, 2012

This Week in the BCS Top 25

#1 Notre Dame prevailed over USC 22-13.
#2 Alabama blanked Auburn 49-0.
#3 Georgia crushed Georgia Tech 42-10.
#4 Florida rallied to beat #10 Florida State 37-26.
#5 Oregon defeated #15 Oregon State 48-24.
#6 Kansas State was idle.
#7 LSU struggled to beat Arkansas 20-13.
#8 Stanford ran away from  #17 UCLA 35-17.
#9 Texas A&M blew away Missouri 59-29.
#10 Florida State lost to #4 Florida 37-26.
#11 Clemson lost at home to #12 South Carolina 27-17.
#12 South Carolina topped supposed #11 Clemson 27-17
#13 Oklahoma trailed the whole game but nipped #21 Oklahoma State at the end, 51-48 on OT.
#14 Nebraska edged 4-8 Iowa 13-7.
#15 Oregon State scored a few points late but got creamed by #5 Oregon 48-24.
#16 Texas lost to TCU 20-13.
#17 UCLA fell 35-17 to #8 Stanford.
#18 New Big Ten invitee Rutgers lost to Pittsburgh 24-6.
#19 Michigan lost to Ohio State 26-21.
#20 Louisville lost in three overtimes to Connecticut 23-20.
#21 Oklahoma State lost the lead and the game to #13 Oklahoma 51-48 in overtime.
#22 Boise State was idle.
#23 Kent State pounded Ohio 28-6.
#24 Arizona lost 41-34 to Arizona State.
#25 Washington lost to Washington State 35-28 in overtime.

UNLV plays at Hawai'i
San Diego State beat Wyoming 42-28.
Fresno State grounded Air Force 48-15.
New Mexico was surprised by Colorado State 24-20.
BYU outclassed New Mexico State 50-14.
Michigan State finally won a game, beating Minnesota 26-10.
Southern Mississippi lost to Memphis 42-24.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Nick Terry Commits to Boise State

Promising defensive tackle Nick Terry from Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, California has committed to Boise State.

Terry (6-4, 260) visited Boise State earlier this month and left very impressed.  With Boise State losing three defensive tackles after this year, it was a position of emphasis and Terry was the right man at the right time.

Terry visited Washington State of the Pac-12 but canceled a trip to Oregon State.  He also had offers from Fresno State, Colorado State, UNLV and Cal Poly.




Construction on New Bronco Stadium Football Complex Proceeding

Photobucket

Monday, November 19, 2012

To the Boise State Players: This Is Who You're Playing

To the Boise State Football Players: Win One for your Teammates

This was the scene two years ago in Reno, Nevada.  There are dozens of stories of how Boise State fans were treated, but this is how your Boise State teammates were treated after the loss.

Exorcise some demons and win one for your Bronco teammates...
Image

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Former Boise State Broncos in the NFL--Week 11


Here are the results for former Boise State players in the NFL.  This will be updated as results come in.

Richie Brockel--Carolina Panthers (no statistics in Carolina loss)
Ryan Clady--Denver Broncos (starting lineman as Denver won)
Daryn Colledge--Arizona Cardinals (Starting lineman in Arizona loss)
Tyrone Crawford--Dallas Cowboys (2 solo tackles in Dallas win)
Tommy Gallarda--Atlanta Falcons (no statistics in Atlanta win)
George Iloka--Cincinnati Bengals (no statistics in Bengal win)
Jeron Johnson--Seattle Seahawks (bye week)
Doug Martin--Tampa Bay Buccaneers (24 carries for 138 yards to go over the 1,000-yard mark in his rookie season in Tampa Bay victory; also had 4 catches for 23 yards)
Shea McClellin--Chicago Bears ()
Quintin Mikell--St. Louis Rams (second-leading tackler on St. Louis with 8 solo tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in Ram loss)
Kellen Moore--Detroit Lions (did not play in Detroit loss)
Austin Pettis--St. Louis Rams (2 catches for 46 yards in St. Louis loss)
Nate Potter--Arizona Cardinals (Lineman for Arizona)
Orlando Scandrick--Dallas Cowboys (three tackles, two of them solo, in Dallas win)
Kyle Wilson--New York Jets (4 solo tackles, a fumble recovery and three punt returns for a 9.7 average in Jet win)
Billy Winn--Cleveland Browns (no stats in Cleveland loss)
Titus Young--Detroit Lions (1 catch for 24 yards in Detroit loss)

Boise State #22 in Coaches Poll

Boise State Extends Best College Football Winning Percentage

Boise State took over the all-time lead for the best winning percentage in the history of college football two years ago, and the Broncos aren't looking back.

As of now, sporting a 9-2 season record, Boise State is now 167-46, a sizzling winning percentage of 78.40%.  Michigan is the next-closest college football team with an overall record of 903-313-36 for a percentage of 73.56%.  

Notre Dame is in third with a percentage of 73.38% (864-300-42), Oklahoma has won 71.83% (829-309-53), while Texas stands at 71.69% (866-332-33), Ohio State is at 71.58% (836-316-53) and Alabama has won 71.17% of their games (824-321-43).

Boise State Breaks Florida State's Modern Record For Most Wins In A 15-Year Period

When you judge the top college football teams in history, certainly longevity has to rank among your most important factors.  

With Boise State's 42-14 win over Colorado State yesterday, Boise State has now eclipsed the modern record for the most wins in a 15-year period.  The great Seminole teams from 1987-2001 held the existing mark of 160-23-1, but the Broncos topped that mark with their win yesterday.  Since 1998, Boise State is now 161-29, and they have two games to play to try to add to their total.

Boise State Sets Modern Record For Most Wins In 11-Year Period

With Boise State's 42-14 win over Colorado State, the Broncos broke their own existing modern record for the most wins by a college football team in an 11-year period.  Last season, Boise State set the modern mark with an 11-year record of 126-17 (from 2001-2011).  But the 2002-2012 Broncos have now won 127 games against 15 defeats with two games to play.

Boise State Sets Yet Another Modern Record for Most Wins In 14-Year Period

When Bobby Bowden's Florida State Seminoles consistently were among the best teams in the nation from 1987-2000, and put together a 152-19-1 mark, it seemed like a safe modern record.  That is until Boise State came along.

Boise State tied that record last season when they put together a 152-27 record from 1998-2011.  Now, the record belongs exclusively to the Broncos.  The Broncos have now won 155 games over a 14-year period that began in 1999.  Boise State is 155-24 in that 14-year span with two games remaining.

Boise State Sets All-Time Record for Winning Seasons Percentage


Boise State has now become the only team in college football history to have a winning seasons percentage above 88%.  The Broncos have posted winning seasons in 15 of their 17 years in major college football, a percentage of 88.2%.  Alabama is next with 84.6% (88 of 104 seasons) while Notre Dame has enjoyed winning seasons in 91 of 111 seasons (82.0%).

For purposes of comparison, a team must have won at least six games and must have played at least eight games in a season for that season to count in compiling the statistics.

Notre Dame Returns to #1 in Blue Through and Through College Football Rankings


When you see polls with wild week-to-week swings, it generally means the voters are reacting to the latest results rather than thinking through the process.  If they have the rankings right, the teams in fact shouldn't move much, as you will note week to week in this poll later in the year as the season progresses.  This week, the top seven has been in that top seven for five straight weeks, a sign that they have been ranked where they should be.

Remember as you follow the rankings that since both the Pac-12 and Big 12 had a request from Boise State to join their respective leagues and they did not invite the Broncos, the "strength-of-schedule" argument does not work against Boise State for those two conferences, and thus their teams will always be ranked behind Boise State with the same number of losses.  As it should be.  You can't deny a team a place in your conference and then complain about their strength of schedule.  

A team that beats another head-to-head on the field will always be ranked ahead of that team if they have the same record.  As it should be.  If the winner of that game has more losses, further evaluation regarding the closeness and location of the game needs to take place, as well as week-to-week evaluation of all season results.



1-1-1-1-1-1-2-2-1.    Notre Dame (11-0, beat Wake Forest 38-0 biggest wins over #12 Stanford, #13 Oklahoma, Michigan and BYU)

2-2-3-3-3-3-3-4-2.    Alabama (10-1, beat Western Carolina 49-0; biggest wins over #7 LSU, Mississippi State and Michigan, lost to #8 Texas A&M)

13-11-7-5-4-2-1-1-3.  Kansas State (10-1, lost to Baylor 52-24; biggest wins over #13 Oklahoma, #22 Oklahoma State, #25 Texas Tech, West Virginia, TCU and Iowa State, lost to Baylor)

4-4-2-2-5-4-4-3-4.    Oregon (10-1, lost to #12 Stanford 17-14 in overtime; biggest wins over USC, Washington and Fresno State, loss to #12 Stanford)

7-6-10-9-8-5-5-5-5.    Georgia (10-1, beat Georgia Southern 45-14; biggest win over #6 Florida, lost to #9 South Carolina)

12-10-4-4-2-6-6-6-6.  Florida (10-1, beat Jacksonville State 21-0; biggest wins over #7 LSU, #8 Texas A&M and #9 South Carolina, loss to Alabama)

6-5-8-6-6-7-7-7-7.    LSU (9-2, came from behind again to beat Mississippi 41-35; biggest wins over #8 Texas A&M, #9 South Carolina, Mississippi State and Washington, lost to #2 Alabama and #6 Florida)

----------------------22-16-9-8.  Texas A&M (9-2, downed Sam Houston State 47-28; biggest wins over #2 Alabama, Mississippi State and #24 Louisiana Tech, lost to #6 Florida and #7 LSU)

8-7-5-7-13-8-8-8-9.    South Carolina (9-2, beat Wofford 24-7; biggest win over #5 Georgia, losses to #6 Florida and #7 LSU)

10-9-14-18-17-14-11-10-10.  Florida State (10-1, beat Maryland 41-14; biggest win over #16 Clemson, loss to North Carolina State)

15-13-11-10-9-9-12-11-11.  Boise State (9-2, crushed Colorado State 42-14; biggest wins over Fresno State and BYU, losses to Michigan State and San Diego State)

3--16-13-16-16-16-14-13-12.   Stanford (9-2, upset #4 Oregon 17-14 in overtime; biggest wins over #4 Oregon, #15 Oregon State, #23 San Jose State and USC, losses to #1 Notre Dame and Washington)

17-19-16-11-10-11-13-12-13.    Oklahoma (8-2, squeaked by West Virginia 50-49; biggest wins over  #14 Texas, #25 Texas Tech, West Virginia and Iowa State, lost to #Notre Dame and #3 Kansas State)


5-3-9-14-15-17-15-14-14.    Texas (8-2, idle this week; biggest wins over #22 Oklahoma State, #25 Texas Tech and Iowa State, lost to #13 Oklahoma and West Virginia)

20-17-15-8-7-10-9-15-15.  Oregon State (8-2, cremated California 62-14; biggest wins over #17 UCLA and Wisconsin, losses to #12 Stanford and Washington)

15-23-20-20-20-19-17-16-16.  Clemson (10-1, came from behind to beat North Carolina State 62-48; biggest win over Georgia Tech, loss to #10 Florida State)

23-21-25-25-25-20-21-20-17.  UCLA (9-2, held off USC 38-28; biggest wins over #19 Nebraska and USC, lost to #15 Oregon State and California)

---------------------21-23-21-18.  Nebraska (9-2, defeated Minnesota 38-14; biggest wins over Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State, lost to #20 UCLA and Ohio State)

18-20-19-19-18-15-10-18-17-19.  Louisville (9-1, idle this week; biggest win over Cincinnati, loss to Syracuse)

---------------------23-24-22-20.  Kent State (10-1, edged Bowling Green 31-24; biggest win over #21 Rutgers, lost to Kentucky)

20-24-21-21-25-24-25-23-21.  Rutgers (9-1, got by Cincinnati 10-3; biggest win over Arkansas, lost to #22 Kent State)

------------------------------25-22.  Oklahoma State (8-3, blew out #25 Texas Tech 59-21; biggest wins over #25 Texas Tech, TCU and Iowa State, lost to #3 Kansas State, #14 Texas and Arizona)

----------------------------------23.  Utah State (9-2, beat Louisiana Tech 48-41 in overtime, biggest wins over #23 San Jose State and Louisiana Tech, losses to Wisconsin and BYU)

----------------------------------24.  San Jose State (9-2), beat BYU 20-14; biggest wins over San Diego State and BYU, losses to #12 Stanford and Utah State)

-------------12-11-12-19-25.  Texas Tech (7-4, lost to #22 Oklahoma State 59-21 biggest wins over West Virginia, TCU and Iowa State, lost to #3 Kansas State, #13 Oklahoma, #14 Texas and #22 Oklahoma State)





Dropped Out:  Louisiana Tech, USC

Also Considered:   Northern Illinois (10-1),   Michigan (8-3), TCU (6-4), Louisiana Tech (9-2), Tulsa (9-2), Fresno State (8-3), San Diego State (8-3), Arizona (7-4), USC (7-4), Washington (7-4), Cincinnati (7-3),  Mississippi State (8-3), Northwestern (8-3), Ball State (8-3)

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Boise State Ties Alabama For #6 All-Time in Winning Nine or More Games

With Boise State's 42-14 win over Colorado State tonight, the Broncos have now won nine or more games in 11 consecutive seasons.  That ties Boise State with the legendary Alabama teams from 1971-1981 for sixth place all-time.  

Nebraska put together the sensational record of 33 straight years in winning nine or more games from 1969-2001.  The Cornhuskers are in the stratosphere in this category with a 19-season lead on the next best team.

Here is the list of the top teams to win nine or more games in consecutive seasons:

1.    Nebraska (33--1969-2001)
2.    Florida State (14--1987-2000)
3.    Yale (13--1886-1898)
4.    Texas (12--1998-2009)
4.    Florida (12--1990-2001)
6.    Boise State (11--2002-2012
6.    Alabama (11--1971-1981)
8.    Miami of Florida (10--1985-1994)
8.    Oklahoma (10--1971-1980)
10.  Pennsylvania (9--1890-1898)
10.  Harvard (9--1886-1894)
12.  Virginia Tech (8--2004-2011)
12.  USC (8--2002-2009)
12.  Miami of Florida (8--1998-2005)
12.  Ohio State (8--1979-1986)
12.  Yale (8--1900-1907)

This Week in the BCS Top 25

#1 Kansas State lost big to Baylor 52-24.
#2 Oregon lost to #13 Stanford 17-14 in overtime.
#3 Notre Dame whitewashed Wake Forest 38-0.
#4 Alabama blanked Western Carolina 49-0.
#5 Georgia took care of Georgia Southern 45-14.
#6 Florida took advantage of Jacksonville State 21-0.
#7 LSU came from behind to nip Mississippi 41-35.
#8 Texas A&M handled Sam Houston State 47-28.
#9 South Carolina got by Wofford 24-7.
#10 Florida State blasted Maryland 41-14.
#11 Clemson came from behind to beat North Carolina State 62-48.
#12 Oklahoma outlasted West Virginia 50-49.
#13 Stanford upset #2 Oregon 17-14 in overtime.
#14 Nebraska put away Minnesota 38-14.
#15 Texas is idle this week.
#16 Oregon State demolished California 62-14.
#17 UCLA, the team Blue Through and Through had ranked long before anyone else did, topped #18 USC 38-28.
#18 USC lost to #17 UCLA 38-28.
#19 Louisville did not play.
#20 Louisiana Tech fell in overtime to Utah State 48-41.
#21 Michigan whipped Iowa 42-17.
#22 Rutgers downed Cincinnati 10-3.
#23 Texas Tech lost to #24 Oklahoma State 59-21.
#24 Oklahoma State ran over #23 Texas Tech 59-21.
#25 Washington blitzed Colorado 38-3.

Boise State crushed Colorado State 42-14.

Nevada edged New Mexico 31-24.
Wyoming turned back UNLV 28-23.
Air Force defeated Hawai'i 21-7.
BYU plays at San Jose State.
Hapless Michigan State lost to Northwestern 23-20.

Friday, November 16, 2012

The Class of the 2012 Boise State Seniors


The members of the 2012 Boise State senior class have helped their team to a 46-4 record over the last four seasons, the best college football record in the nation.  They have made contributions far beyond the football field, however.  Below are some of the finest young men you'll ever know--many have won acclaim in the classroom, and they all will experience success the rest of their lives.

As we get ready to bid farewell to these outstanding seniors, Blue Through and Through salutes these members of the 2012 class:

#54 OL Michael Ames
 Ames began his Bronco career with a bang, starting on the offensive line and helping Boise State defeat Oregon in Eugene.  Michael started eight games his freshman season, helping Boise State score 42.2 points per game.  The Broncos averaged 186 rushing yards and 450 yards of total offense.  Ames was part of the line that was #1 in the nation for allowing just five quarterback sacks, and blocked for four different 100-yard rushers.  At the end of the season, Michael was named to the Western Athletic Conference All-Academic team. 

Ames did not appear in any games in 2010, then was a reserve offensive lineman in seven games as a junior.  This year, he has started six games for the Broncos.


#99 DT Michael Atkinson
 
“Bacon”, as he is affectionately known, redshirted in 2008, when he was named Boise State’s Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year.  Atkinson played in nine games in 2009, finishing the season with nine tackles, including one tackle for loss and one pass break-up.  Michael was named to the WAC All-Academic Team after his freshman season.

In 2010, Atkinson recorded 10 tackles, four of them solo, with 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble.  Last year, Michael started six games for the Bronco defense and helped Boise State rank 12th in the country in scoring defense (18.69 points per game), 16th in total defense (320.85 yards per game) and 17th in rushing defense (110.00).  Atkinson had 31 tackles, 12 of them solo, including 2.5 for loss and two pass break-ups.

This year, Atkinson had 37 tackles, 18 solo, with 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles with one recovery and an interception returned for 32 yards and a touchdown that beat BYU prior to going out with an ACL against San Diego State.

In his Bronco career, Atkinson has posted 86 tackles, 37 of them solo, with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

#19 CB Josh Borgman
 
Borgman began making a name for himself as a “gunner” on the Boise State kickoff and punt units in 2009, playing in 12 games and recording 11 tackles, 10 of them solo.

As a sophomore, Borgman appeared in nine games and recorded seven tackles, four of them solo.  He also returned four punts for 31 yards (7.8 yards per return).

Borgman starred on the Boise State special teams last season, recording 16 tackles, 10 of them solo, including four solo tackles and a fumble recovery against San Diego State.  Josh has seven tackles this year, one pass break-up and two fumble recoveries.

It is safe to say that Borgman has become one of the top gunners in Boise State history, delivering punishing blow after blow to would-be returners.

 
#20 WR Mitch Burroughs
 
Burroughs redshirted in 2008 and was named Boise State’s Offensive Scout Player of the Year.  He played in 13 games in 2009 with one start and grabbed nine passes for 83 yards and a touchdown on the season.

In 2010, Burroughs appeared in eight games with one start, recording six reception for 59 yards.  He also returned eight punts for 127 yards (15.9 yards per return).

Last season, Burroughs started seven games and ranked third on the Bronco team with 49 receptions and 500 receiving yards.  He also hauled in a TD reception in the season opener.  Mitch carried 17 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yard touchdown against Fresno State.  Burroughs doubled as the nation’s #8 punt returner, averaging 13.3 yards on 18 returns, including a 64-yard return against Colorado State.  Burroughs also returned five kickoffs for 114 yards.  His 947 all-purpose yards in 2011 ranked third on the team.

This year, Burroughs caught 12 passes for 124 yards, ran twice for 26 yards and returned two kickoffs for a 31.0 average prior to suffering a season-ending injury.

Burroughs finished his career with 78 catches for 775 yards and two touchdowns.  He returned 29 punts for 363 yards (12.5 avg.).


#84 PK Michael Frisina
 
Frisina came to Boise State after earning all-conference honors at Saddleback Junior College and finishing as the highest-scoring kicker in school history.

Last season, Frisina played in five games and was 3-4 on field goals and 21-23 on extra point tries, including hitting 8-8 against Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl.

This year, Frisina is 10-15 on field goals and 32-33 on extra points for 62 points.



#4 CB Jerrell Gavins
 
Gavins is yet another in a long line of walk-on success stories.  He joined the team in 2009 after one year at El Camino Junior College.

Gavins played in 12 games as a sophomore with two starts, including lining up against #4 TCU in Boise State’s win over #4 TCU.  He finished the year with 31 tackles, 23 of them solo, with four pass break-ups and 1.5 tackles for loss.  Gavins also returned three kickoffs for a sterling 37.3 average, including a long of 49 yards.

In 2010, Gavins saw action in all 13 games with one start.  He finished the year with 30 tackles, 15 of them solo, with 1.5 tackles for loss and .5 sacks.  He also had an interception and three pass break-ups.

Gavins was off to a roaring start last season when he suffered a season-ending injury in his third game.  Gavins recorded a pick in the opening win at Georgia and was one of the nation’s leaders in interceptions (3) when he was hurt.  In fact, Gavins’ three interceptions in the three games were the most by a Bronco for the entire year.  Jerrell had 11 tackles, nine of them solo, and broke up three passes.

Jerrell has 25 tackles, three pass break-ups, a fumble recovery returned for 16 yards and a touchdown and two interceptions this season.

In his great Boise State career, Gavins has 97 tackles, six interceptions and 13 pass break-ups.





#91 DT Greg Grimes
 
Grimes redshirted in 2008 and saw limited action in four games in 2009 after missing the first part of the year with an injury.  He was able to record three tackles on the season.

In 2010, Grimes played in three games and was credited with a tackle.

Last season, Greg appeared in 11 games and registered 14 tackles, five of them solo, with one for loss and half a sack.  This year, Grimes has 21 tackles, eight for solo and one for loss.



#7 RB D.J. Harper
D.J. Harper Running back #6 D.J. Harper of the Boise State Broncos runs for a touchdown as  safety #2 Davon Morgan of the Virginia Tech Hokies chases at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. 
The “Texas Tornado” has been a thrill to watch.  His determination and uncanny breakaway speed have made Harper one of the most dangerous runners in school history. 

In 2007, Harper enjoyed the sixth-best rushing season by a freshman in Boise State history with 376 yards and five touchdowns.  D.J. became the first Boise State true freshman since 1988 to rush for more than 100 yards in a game when he exploded for 153 yards and a touchdown at Fresno State.  Harper also caught three passes for 13 yards and scored a touchdown against East Carolina in the Hawai’i Bowl.

The following season, Harper rushed 55 times for 278 yards and four scores and caught four passes for 37 yards.  He also returned a kickoff for 21 yards.

With high hopes as a junior, Harper played in three games before suffering a season-ending injury against Fresno State.  Up to that point, Harper had 44 carries for 284 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.

In 2010, Harper had 18 carries for an incredible 160 yards and two touchdowns in just three games.  His breakaway speed shocked Virginia Tech when Harper sped to the sideline and scored a 71 yard touchdown run against the #10 Hokies.  Harper also caught four passes for 36 yards and was off to a great season when he suffered an injury in the third game.

D.J. was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after suffering season-ending injuries in the third game of both the 2009 and 2010 season.

Harper was Boise State’s second-leading rusher last season with 557 yards on 115 carries (4.8 yards per carry), including two 100-yard efforts and a career-high nine rushing touchdowns.  D.J. also caught 19 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown , returned five kickoff returns for 66 yards and showed his versatility by blocking a punt against Tulsa.

This year, Harper has carried 178 times for 828 yards (4.7 avg.) and 12 touchdowns. He has also caught 16 passes for 120 yards and 1 touchdown, returned seven kickoffs for a 26.7 average and scored twice on two-point conversions.

In his amazing career, Harper has run for 2,483 yards (8th-best in school history) and 36 touchdowns (#5 on the all-time list).





#15 WR Tyler Jackson
 
Jackson came to Boise State as the winner of the Denver Post Gold Helmet Award, presented annually to Colorado’s top senior football player, scholar and citizen, and a first team all-state performer.  Jackson redshirted in 2008 and played as a back-up safety his freshman season in 2009.  Tyler switched to offense in his sophomore year and played in three games.  At the conclusion of the season, Tyler was named to the WAC All-Academic Team.

Last season, Jackson played in eight games, primarily on special teams, but caught his first career pass against Colorado State for 10 yards.  Tyler also recorded a solo tackle against New Mexico.  Jackson has one catch this season for three yards.



#61 OG Joe Kellogg
 
Kellogg redshirted in 2008, then played in 10 games as a freshman with one start in 2009 and was named to the WAC All-Academic Team.

In 2010, Joe moved into the starting lineup and started 10 games at left guard.  He and his offensive line mates helped the team rank second in the nation in total offense (521.31 yards per game), second in scoring (45.08) and sixth in passing offense (321.08).  The Boise State line gave up just .62 sacks per game, third in the country.  Joe was named to the WAC All-Academic Team at the end of the season.

Last year, Kellogg started in 11 games and helped Boise State lead the nation by allowing just .62 sacks per game.  Kellogg was a key cog in a unit that ranked fifth nationally in scoring (44.23 points per game), ninth in total offense (481.31) and 11th in passing offense (309.38).  Joe has eight starts at guard for the Broncos this year.



#88 TE Chandler Koch
 
Koch came to Boise State after being ranked as the #3 tight end in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and ranked #35 nationally by ESPN.com.  After redshirting in 2008, Koch played in nine games as a reserve tight end and on special teams.  He caught two passes for 17 yards and finished the season by earning membership on the WAC All-Academic Team.

Koch played in 10 games in 2010 with two receptions for four yards.  Chandler also was named to the WAC All-Academic Team.

Last year, Koch played in 11 games with two starts, including helping the Broncos blow out Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl.  He showed his skill as a blocker and also caught four passes for 39 yards.  This season, Koch has one catch for 11 yards.



#95 DT Darren Koontz
 
Koontz has come a long way since he redshirted in 2008.  He played in 11 games in 2009 and finished with 10 tackles, three of them solo and 2 tackles for loss.  Darren was named to the WAC All-Academic Team as a freshman.

Koontz did not find the field in 2010 but last season, Koontz played in nine games and had five tackles, three of them solo.  Darren saved the best for last.  This year, he has 23 tackles, 13 of them solo, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.



#24 DB Hazen Moss

Like Borgman, Moss has become a special teams star.  After redshirting in 2008, Moss played in eight games in 2009 and recorded 10 tackles, seven of them solo.  As a sophomore, he played in 12 games with six tackles, two of them solo, and a forced fumble.  Hazen was named to the WAC All-Academic Team in both 2009 and 2010.

Last season, Moss recorded 11 tackles, seven of them solo while this year, Moss has posted three tackles thus far.





#64 PG Brenel Myers

Brenel played in six games in 2009 after redshirting in 2008.  He started in two games, including against #4 TCU in the Fiesta Bowl, in which he neutralized Horned Frog star Jerry Hughes.  Myers played in 11 games in 2010 with two starts, including one in the win over #10 Virginia Tech.  As a junior Myers played in eight games and he has started nine games this year.



#48 FB Dan Paul
 
Paul greyshirted before joining the Broncos in 2008.  Originally, he played linebacker but switched from linebacker to fullback and played in 12 games as a blocking back and on special teams.  He has two tackles on the season.  In 2009, Paul played in 13 games and moved into the starting position after Richie Brockel’s season-ending injury.  He was a key blocker for the Bronco rushing game that averaged 194.5 yards and game.  Dan also caught four passes for 40 yards and three touchdowns.  Paul was named to the WAC All-Academic Team in both his freshman and sophomore seasons.  As a junior, Paul was the primary fullback and started four games.  He hauled in seven receptions for 30 yards.  Paul excelled at blocking, helping Boise State finish second in the nation in total offense with 521.31 yards a game and 21st in rushing offense (200.23).

 Paul redshirted last season due to injuries.  He has one catch for one yard and a touchdown this year.



#48 LB J.C. Percy
 
After redshirting in 2008, Percy played in all 14 games as a freshman, starting three.  He finished with 64 tackles to rank second on the team and recorded 4.5 tackles for loss, .5 sacks, two pass break-ups, one forced fumble and the recovery.  J.C. earned recognition on the WAC All-Academic Team after his freshman season.  In 2010, J.C. played in 13 games with three starts.  He finished the year with 65 tackles, 30 of them solo, including 4 for loss and one sack as well as a forced fumble.  He had 14 tackles against Louisiana Tech.  At the end of the year, J.C. was named to the WAC All-Academic Team once again.

 Percy played in 13 games last season and ranked fifth on the team with 48 tackles, 19 of them solo, and one tackle for loss.  He also forced a fumble, had an interception and broke up a pass.  J.C. was the co-winner of Boise State’s Special Teams Player of the Year Award.

This year, J.C. has 82 tackles, 32 more than the second top tackler on the team.  He has 49 solo stops, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and a pass break-up.

Percy has totaled 259 tackles in his great career with 129 solo stops and 13 tackles for loss.  He ranks #22 in the history of Boise State football in career tackles.





#3 WR Chris Potter
Chris Potter - Boise State v UNLV 
After redshirting, Potter played in 12 games in 2009 and caught eight passes for 60 yards.  He also returned 10 punts for a 12.9-yard average and was named to the WAC All-Academic Team as a freshman.  In 2010, Potter played in all 13 games, catching eight passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, including a 78-yard score against New Mexico State.  Potter also rushed six times for 33 yards and completed 1-2 passes for 26 yards.  Chris also averaged 13.32 yards on punt returns, 13th in the nation, and scored on a 76-yard return against Idaho.  Potter was named to the WAC All-Academic Team in 2010. 

As a junior, Potter played in 10 games, including his first start.  Chris finished the year with 11 receptions for 105 yards and ranked 21st in the country with 10.50 yards per punt return, second in the Mountain West to teammate Mitch Burroughs.

In 2012, Potter is averaging 11.9 yards per punt return and has caught 18 passes for 235 yards and three scores.

Potter has 45 catches in his Bronco career for 525 yards and four touchdowns.  He has returned 64 punts for 783 yards (12.2 avg.) and one touchdown.




#44 LS Chris Roberson
Roberson walked on prior to the 2009 season and he hasn’t looked back.  Chris was the guy at that position for 40 straight games in his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons and has been the long snapper for Boise State most of this season as well.



#6 N Dextrell Simmons

Simmons transferred from Blinn Junior College to Boise State.  He played in all 13 games in 2011 and recorded 16 tackles, 10 of them solo.  He also had one tackle for loss, forced a fumble and broke up two passes.

Simmons has 34 tackles this year, 22 of them solo.  Dextrell has 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, one interception and three pass break-ups.




#33 LB Tommy Smith
 
After redshirting in 2008, Smith played in 12 games as a freshman, finishing with 23 tackles, 12 solo, and an interception.  Tommy was named to the WAC All-Academic Team at the end of the season.  In 2010, Smith played in 12 games and posted 26 tackles, 10 of them solo, and a forced fumble.  Once again, Smith was named to the WAC All-Academic Team.

Last season, Smith played in 12 games and started at fullback against Wyoming.  He finished the year with 18 tackles, 14 of them solo, with three tackles for loss.  Smith also caught a pass for 11 yards against Nevada.  This year, Tommy has 44 tackles, 26 of them solo, with 2.5 tackles for loss, half a sack and three pass break-ups.

Smith has 111 tackles in his solid career with 62 solo and 5.5 tackles for loss.




#5 CB Jamar Taylor

As a sophomore, Taylor started 12 games and posted 35 tackles, 27 of them solo, including 3.5 for loss and one sack.  Taylor also forced three fumbles and had two pass break-ups.  At the end of the season, Jamar was named to the WAC All-Academic Team. 

Taylor played 14 games as a true freshman in 2008 and had 24 tackles, 17 of them solo, an interception and one pass break-up.  He was named to the WAC All-Academic Team after his freshman season.  Taylor started nine games last season but missed four games due to injury.  He finished with 27 tackles, 18 of them solo, including 2 for loss with half a sack.  Jamar had two interceptions, but it was his highlight reel 100-yard interception return for a touchdown against Arizona State that was the turning point in the Las Vegas Bowl.  It was the longest interception in school history and also the longest in the history of the bowl game.  Taylor also had six pass break-ups to tie for the team high.

Jamar has 40 stops his senior year, 25 of them solo, with three tackles for loss, two sacks, three pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and two interceptions returned for 32 yards.

Taylor now has 126 tackles in his stellar career, with an incredible 87 of them solo, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and five interceptions.



#39 RB Drew Wright

Wright redshirted in 2008 and played in three games the following season, rushing five times for 55 yards.  In 2010, Wright carried 12 times for 38 yards and was a special teams standout with 14 tackles.

In 2011, Wright was the third-leading rusher for the Broncos with 43 carries for 218 yards (5.1 average) and three touchdowns.  Drew also caught three passes for 17 yards, returned a kickoff for 26 yards and recorded four tackles on special teams.  Wright has 12 rushes for 42 yards this year.




#75 OT Faraji Wright
 
Wright redshirted in 2008 and saw action in four games his freshman season as a reserve lineman.  Wright played in eight games including three starts at left guard.  He played in 10 games last season as a reserve lineman and has played in all ten games this year.