Former Boise State Broncos in the NFL: Week Eight

Here are the results for former Boise State players in the NFL.  We're seeing more and more that the teams that use former Broncos the most have the best chance to win.  In other words, if they're given a chance, they produce and help their team to victory, just as they did at Boise State.  This will be updated as results come in.

Chase Baker--Minnesota Vikings (did not play so Minnesota lost again)
Richie Brockel--Carolina Panthers (1 catch for 12 yards to help Carolina win)
Ryan Clady--Denver Broncos (starting lineman as the Broncos rebounded from their only loss to score a big win)
Daryn Colledge--Arizona Cardinals (starting lineman in Arizona victory)
Tyrone Crawford--Dallas Cowboys (is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon)
George Iloka--Cincinnati Bengals (1 solo tackle in Bengals win)
Jeron Johnson--Seattle Seahawks  (did not play in Seattle win)
Doug Martin--Tampa Bay Buccaneers (out for the season)
Shea McClellin--Chicago Bears (bye week)
Quintin Mikell--Carolina Panthers (2 solo tackles and a tackle for loss to help the Panthers to a win)
Kellen Moore--Detroit Lions (did not play in Detroit win)
Austin Pettis--St. Louis Rams (2 catches for 33 yards in Ram loss)
Nate Potter--Arizona Cardinals (lineman for Arizona in win)
Orlando Scandrick--Dallas Cowboys (4 solo tackles and a pass deflection but Dallas lost)
Jamar Taylor--Miami Dolphins (did not play so Miami lost again)
Kyle Wilson--New York Jets (1 solo tackle--the Jets don't even use him on punt returns; thus, they lost)
Billy Winn--Cleveland Browns (did not play so Cleveland lost again)

Clarity in Blue Football Through and Through Top 25

The #1 factor in ranking teams is their Biggest Wins, losses are most damaging if they are to unranked teams.  This encourages teams to schedule other Top 25 teams.

This poll had UCLA and Auburn ranked before anyone else "in the know".  

As opposed to the past two turbulent weeks, this one was relatively mild, although Stanford and South Carolina gained in stature with wins over ranked teams.

The SEC has eight teams in the Top 25, while the Pac-12 has four.  Those are (by far) the top two conferences in the nation this year.

1-1.    Alabama (8-0) ripped Tennessee 45-10, Biggest Win over #13 Texas A&M
5-2.    Oregon (8-0) ran over #8 UCLA 42-14, Biggest Wins over #9 UCLA and Washington
6-3  Stanford (7-1) survived upstart Oregon State 20-12, Biggest Wins over #9 UCLA, #18 Arizona State, Oregon State and Washington, Lost to Utah

3-4.    Florida State (7-0) didn't look back in a 49-17 win over North Carolina State, Biggest Win over #14 Clemson
4-5.    Miami of Florida (7-0) edged Wake Forest 24-21, Biggest Win over #23 Florida
7-6.  Auburn (7-1) waltzed past Florida Atlantic 45-10, Biggest Wins over #13 Texas A&M and #22 Mississippi, lost to #11 LSU

2-7.  Missouri (7-1) lost to #20 South Carolina 27-24 in 2 overtimes, Biggest Wins over #23 Florida and Georgia, Lost to #17 South Carolina
11-8.  Oklahoma (7-1) upended previously unbeaten Texas Tech 38-30, Biggest Wins over #12 Texas Tech and #16 Notre Dame, Lost to Texas

8-9.  UCLA (5-2) lost to #2 Oregon 42-14, Biggest Wins over Nebraska and Utah, Lost to #2 Oregon and #3 Stanford
10-10.  Ohio State (8-0) cremated Penn State 63-14, Biggest Wins over Northwestern and Penn State
12-11.    LSU (7-2) crushed Furman 48-16, Biggest Wins over #6 Auburn and #23 Florida, Lost to #22 Mississippi and Georgia
9-12.  Texas Tech (7-1) lost to #8 Oklahoma 38-30, Biggest Wins over TCU and West Virginia, Lost to #8 Oklahoma
13-13.  Texas A&M (6-2) burst Vanderbilt's bubble 56-24, Biggest Wins over #22 Mississippi and Vanderbilt, Lost to #1 Alabama and #6 Auburn
14-14.      Clemson (7-1) rebounded for a 40-27 win over Maryland, Biggest Win over Georgia, Lost to #4 Florida State
15-15.  Michigan (6-1) outslugged Indiana 63-47, Biggest Win over #16 Notre Dame, Lost to Penn State
16-16.   Notre Dame (6-2) ran to a 45-10 win over Air Force, Biggest Wins over #18 Arizona State and #21 Michigan State, lost to #8 Oklahoma and #15 Michigan
24-17.    South Carolina (6-2) upset #7 Missouri 27-24 in 2 overtimes, Biggest Wins over #7 Missouri and #24 UCF, Lost to Georgia and Tennessee
17-18.  Arizona State (5-2) did not play, Biggest Win over Washington, Lost to #3 Stanford and #16 Notre Dame
18-19.  Fresno State (7-0) survived San Diego State 35-28, Biggest Win over Boise State 
19-20.  Baylor (7-0) crushed Kansas State 59-14, Biggest Win over West Virginia
20-21.  Michigan State (7-1) had fun in a 42-3 win over Illinois, Biggest Win over South Florida, Lost to #16 Notre Dame
22-22.  Mississippi (5-3) whipped Idaho 59-14, Biggest Wins over #11 LSU, Vanderbilt and Texas, Lost to #1 Alabama, #6 Auburn and #13 Texas A&M
23-23.  Florida (4-3) did not play, Biggest Win over Tennessee, Lost to #5 Miami of Florida, #7 Missouri, and #11 LSU
25-24.  UCF (6-1) pounded Connecticut 62-17, Biggest Win over #25 Louisville, Lost to #16 South Carolina
---25.  Louisville (7-1) ripped South Florida apart 34-3, Biggest Win over Rutgers, Lost to #24 UCF


Dropped Out:  Virginia Tech

Also Considered:
Oklahoma State (6-1) blitzed Iowa State 58-27, Biggest Win over TCU, Lost to West Virginia

Georgia (4-3) luckily had the week off after two straight losses, Biggest Wins over #11 LSU and #16 South Carolina, Lost to #7 Missouri, #14 Clemson and Vanderbilt

Washington (5-3) , Biggest Wins over Arizona and Boise State, Lost to #2 Oregon, #3 Stanford and #18 Arizona State

BYU (6-2) blasted Boise State 37-20, Biggest Wins over Houston and Texas, Lost to Virginia and Utah

Northern Illinois (8-0) slaughtered Eastern Michigan 59-20, Biggest Win over Iowa

Wisconsin (5-2) did not play, Biggest Win over Northwestern, Lost to #10 Ohio State and #18 Arizona State

Oregon State (6-2) lost to #3 Stanford 20-12, Biggest Win over Utah, Lost to #3 Stanford and Eastern Washington

This Week in the Blue Football Through and Through Top 25

#1  Alabama (8-0) routed Tennessee 45-10

#2  Missouri (7-1) lost at home to #24 South Carolina 27-24 in 2 overtimes

#3  Florida State (7-0) walloped North Carolina State 49-17

#4  Miami of Florida (7-0) edged Wake Forest 24-21

#5  Oregon (8-0) ripped #8 UCLA 42-14

#6  Stanford (7-1) outlasted Oregon State 20-12

#7  Auburn (7-1) smothered Florida Atlantic 45-10

#8  UCLA (5-2) lost to #5 Oregon 42-14

#9  Texas Tech (7-1) lost at #11 Oklahoma 38-30

#10 Ohio State (8-0) blitzed Penn State 63-10

#11 Oklahoma (7-1) beat #9 Texas Tech 38-30

#12 LSU (7-2) took care of Furman 48-16

#13 Texas A&M (6-2) ran over Vanderbilt 56-24

#14 Clemson (7-1) outscored Maryland 40-27

#15 Michigan (6-1) does not play

#16 Notre Dame (6-2) routed Air Force 45-10

#17 Arizona State (5-2) does not play

#18 Fresno State (7-0) surged past San Diego State 35-28 in overtime

#19 Baylor (7-0) blasted Kansas State 59-14

#20 Michigan State (7-1) ran away from Illinois 42-3

#21 Virginia Tech (6-2) fell to Duke 13-10

#22 Mississippi (5-3) outclassed Idaho 59-14

#23 Florida (4-3) is off this week

#24 South Carolina (6-2) upset #2 Missouri 27-24 in 2 OT's

#25 UCF (6-1) blasted Connecticut 62-17

Also:

Boise State lost to BYU for the first time, 37-20
UNLV knocked off Nevada 27-22

Southern Mississippi lost to North Texas 55-14
San Jose State defeated Wyoming 51-44
Colorado State leads Hawai'i 21-14 in the 2nd

Shay Fields Decides To Go to Crime-Infested, Traffic-Bottlenecked Southern California

Shay Fields, who committed to Boise State several months ago, appears to have chosen to go to school in one of the worst crime, pollution, and traffic areas in the United States, Southern California.

By de-committing from Boise State, as Fields as indicated on a "tweet", he's lost out on any chance to play for the Blue and Orange and for one of the nation's top coaches in Chris Petersen.  It can be very hard for young people to make good decisions.  We wish him the best possible life out of his situation.

Boise State #50 in Colley

The Broncos will have an opportunity to move up:  they play #28 BYU this week:

http://www.colleyrankings.com/currank.html

Boise State #40 in Billingsley Ratings

The Broncos climbed up two spots in this week's Billingsley computer ratings:

http://www.cfrc.com/Ratings_2013/WK_8.htm

Boise State Tied for 36th in Coaches Poll

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/rankings/coaches

Boise State #59 in Total Defense

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=22&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Broncos #78 in Passing Defense

and they'll be severely challenged next week at BYU:

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=695&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #54 in Rushing Defense

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=24&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #5 in the Nation in First Downs

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=693&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State Now #2 in the Nation in Completion Percentage

Mix in Southwick's third-in-the-nation numbers with Hedrick's 18-21 performance last night (sixth-best single-game performance in school history) and you have this:

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=756&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State 5th in the Country in Third Down Percentage

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=699&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #30 in Pass Sacks

The mistake is that the defense showed how well it can play in the second half.  Now any performance less than that will be proven to be less than full effort.

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=466&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Broncos Now #18 in Total Offense

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=21&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #39 in Passing Offense

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=25&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #20 in Rushing

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=23&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Lawrence 10th in Tackles for Loss

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=39&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Demarcus Lawrence 5th in the Nation in Sacks

When you come out with a game like last night, that will tend to make your standing rise nationally...

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=36&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Shane Williams-Rhodes #26, Matt Miller #39 in Receptions

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=12&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Ajayi #9 in the Nation in Scoring

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=19&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Ajayi Leads the Nation in Rushing Touchdowns

Probably the most physical back ever to play for the Broncos...
http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=750&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Jay Ajayi Ranked #16 in the Nation in Rushing

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=22&statSeq=7&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #34 in Sagarin

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaaf/sagarin/

Bronco Depth Pays Dividends as Boise State Rallies To Beat Nevada 34-17

Jay Ajayi ran for 222 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries, and backup quarterback Grant Hedrick's running, passing and leadership propelled Boise State to a come-from-behind 34-17 win over Nevada last night in Bronco Stadium.

Ajayi's rushing yards is the fifth-highest in school history and the most since Ian Johnson had 240 yards against Oregon State in 2006.  Ajayi set career highs for both yardage and carries (24).  Jay is the 10th Bronco to record a 200-yard rushing performance, with the last being a 200-yard game from Doug Martin against Colorado State in 2011.

Hedrick ran for 115 yards and two touchdowns and was a sensational 18-21 passing (sixth best single-game performance in school history) for 150 yards in the victory.  Hedrick, who had thrown just 36 passes in his career prior to his heroics, became the first Bronco QB to rush for over 100 yards since Jared Zabransky rushed for 123 against Hawai'i in 2004. 

Boise State's rushing total on the evening of 407 was the fifth-most in school history, and ranks second against major college competition to the 425 totaled against Hawai'i in '04.  Starting quarterback Joe Southwick was tackled on Boise State's first play from scrimmage and suffered a broken ankle.  The earliest Southwick will return is a postseason game, so its especially tough for the senior.

The injury to Southwick seemed to deflate the entire Boise State team.  The Broncos had allowed Nevada to march down the field on the game's first possession, but were able to hold the Wolf Pack to a 33-yard field goal by Brent Zuzo.  But after the Broncos lost their fallen leader, the offense sputtered initially and the defense gave up huge chunks of yardage on the ground. 

"It was hard for everybody," head coach Chris Petersen said.  "I think it had us kind of all in a daze a little bit.  It took everybody a while to settle in, but the thing that was awesome was the guys did settle in."

Nevada racked up 246 yards of offense in the first half in jumping out to a 17-7 lead, the Pack's first halftime lead over Boise State in 16 years.  Quarterback Cody Fajardo went 10-13 for 116 yards to lead Nevada in the first half, while Kendall Brock ran for 63 yards and the game's first touchdown (from six yards out) for the Wolf Pack.  Boise State came back with Ajayi scoring the first of his touchdowns on a nine-yard run to narrow the lead to 10-7.  Don Jackson's three-yard touchdown late in the second quarter completed the first half scoring.

Whatever went on in the Bronco locker room at halftime worked, for the second half was an entirely different game.  The Bronco defense stiffened to allow just 127 yards in the final stanza, with most of that coming late in the game.  Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski had been shuffling his defensive line all game, and in the end, the Nevada offensive line seemed to wear out, while the Bronco d-line was fresh.  Boise State, which had trouble getting off their blocks in the opening half, pushed their opponents aside in the second.  

"The team did a great job at halftime...of refocusing," Petersen said.  "Our defense started to get off blocks and really stop the run."

Meanwhile, the Boise State offense, with Hedrick leading the way, caught fire.  Hedrick drove the team 64 yards in eight plays on its opening possession of the second half, with Ajayi stretching the ball over the goal line after a four-yard run from the wildcat formation.  Nevada held a 17-13 lead when the extra point failed.

After the Bronco defense held to get the offense the ball back on their own 29-yard line, Ajayi raced through the Wolf Pack defense for a 71-yard touchdown, and Boise State had its first lead at 20-17 with 9:31 remaining in the third quarter.

Hedrick added touchdowns of 20 and 14 yards to provide the final margin of victory.

Boise State, 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in Mountain West Conference play, outgained Nevada 360-127 in the second half.  The Broncos have now won 50 consecutive games during the month of October, with their last October loss being to Rice 12 years ago.  The win enabled the Bronco senior class to win the 40th game of their college careers (40-4), the 12th consecutive Boise State senior class to win 40-or-more games.  Coach Petersen advanced his record at Boise State to 89-10 (89.9%), and will coach his 100th game next week against BYU.  Nevada falls to 3-4 and 2-2.

Hedrick showed the kind of person he is with this reaction to Southwick's injury:  "That thing kind of makes you sick to your stomach.  I mean Joe puts so much time and effort into each week of practice and to see him go down like that, it just kills me inside."

Ajayi now has 12 touchdowns on the season, tied for the national lead with Marion Grice of Arizona State.  He raced up to 16th in the country in rushing with his phenomenal performance last night, and now has 766 yards on the season.  Boise State had multiple 100-yard rushers for the first time since 2009, when Doug Martin (121) and Jeremy Avery (116) did it against Utah State.

Ajayi gave credit to Hedrick for his play:  "When Grant did his 49-yard scramble (in the first half) it pumped me up.  It was like 'Okay, Grant's getting loose so I have to get loose too.'  I definitely was able to feed off of his energy and his play."

Wide receiver Matt Miller had five catches for 55 yards to pass Jeremy Childs for fourth place in school history.  The dynamic junior now has 170 career catches, and trails only Austin Pettis (229), Titus Young (204) and Don Hutt (189).

The Bronco defense recorded 6 sacks and 10 tackles-for-loss on the evening.  Demarcus Lawrence registered a career-high 3.5 sacks, the highest total in the nation this year, and he jumped up to fifth in the country in sacks this season.  Redshirt freshman linebacker Ben Weaver had 14 tackles to lead the Bronco defense.  True freshman linebacker Tanner Vallejo, who started for the first time in his career, finished with seven tackles and a tackle-for-loss.  Vallejo is the third true freshmen to start a game this season, and is the 14th Bronco to make his starting debut in 2013.  

Boise State now travels to take on BYU, which scored a 47-46 win over previously unbeaten Houston last night.

Sorting Out the Wild Week: The New Blue Football Through and Through Top 25

The #1 factor in ranking teams is their Biggest Wins, losses are most damaging if they are to unranked teams.  This encourages teams to schedule other Top 25 teams.

This poll had UCLA and Auburn ranked before anyone else "in the know".  

There was a complete shifting of power in the SEC on what is being called Chaos Saturday in the league, with Georgia, LSU, South Carolina and Texas A&M all being upset.  And, with a host of ranked teams losing for the second week, a major shifting in the polls themselves.  Prior to their game, Clemson had already lost one of its most credible wins when Georgia lost.  Then they were crushed by Florida State, so the Tigers took a huge drop.  Oregon, which had just scored its only signature win over Washington just a couple weeks ago, now loses the significance because of Washington being routed.  Miami of Florida suffered a similar fate when their only big win, over Florida, was diminished with Florida's third loss.

Georgia, buoyed in previous weeks with wins over LSU and South Carolina, saw both of those previously impressive wins lose credibility.  Their loss to Clemson now looks very bad with Clemson's bad performance against Florida State.  Then, the Bulldogs lost to Vanderbilt, which, with now the same record as Georgia, must be ranked ahead of them.  So Georgia tumbled all the way out of the poll.

Boise State was in position to be considered for the poll, but their loss to Washington now looks extremely bad with Washington's third loss of the season.

The SEC has eight teams in the Top 25, while the Pac-12 has four.  Those are (by far) the top two conferences in the nation this year.

3-1.    Alabama (7-0) routed Arkansas 52-0, Biggest Win over #13 Texas A&M

2-2.  Missouri (7-0) ran by #21 Florida 36-17, Biggest Wins over #23 Florida and Georgia
14-3.    Florida State (6-0) ripped #14 Clemson on the road 51-14, Biggest Win over #14 Clemson

5-4.    Miami of Florida (6-0) survived North Carolina 27-23, Biggest Win over #23 Florida

4-5.    Oregon (7-0) outpointed Washington State 62-38, Biggest Win over Washington

10-6  Stanford (6-1) scored an impressive 24-10 win over #9 UCLA, Biggest Wins over #9 UCLA, #17 Arizona State and Washington, Lost to Utah
13-7.  Auburn (6-1) beat #13 Texas A&M on the road 45-41, Biggest Wins over #13 Texas A&M and #22 Mississippi, lost to #12 LSU
8-8.  UCLA (5-1) ran into #6 Stanford, 24-10, Biggest Wins over Nebraska and Utah, Lost to #6 Stanford
12-9.  Texas Tech (6-1) beat West Virginia 37-27, Biggest Wins over TCU and West Virginia
9-10.  Ohio State (6-0) prevailed over Iowa 34-24, Biggest Win over Northwestern
16-11.  Oklahoma (6-1) came from behind to beat Kansas 34-19, Biggest Win over #16 Notre Dame, Lost to Texas
7-12.    LSU (6-2) lost at home to #22 Mississippi 27-24, Biggest Wins over #7 Auburn and #23 Florida, Lost to #22 Mississippi and Georgia
11-13.  Texas A&M (5-2) lost to #7 Auburn 45-41, Biggest Win over #22 Mississippi, Lost to #1 Alabama and #7 Auburn
1-14.      Clemson (6-1) was creamed by #3 Florida State 51-14, Biggest Win over Georgia, Lost to #3 Florida State
17-15.  Michigan (6-1) outslugged Indiana 63-47, Biggest Win over #16 Notre Dame, Lost to Penn State
18-16.   Notre Dame (5-2) prevailed over USC 14-10, Biggest Wins over #17 Arizona State and #20 Michigan State, lost to #11 Oklahoma and #15 Michigan
23-17.  Arizona State (5-2) crushed Washington 53-24, Biggest Win over Washington, Lost to #6 Stanford and #16 Notre Dame
22-18.  Fresno State (6-0) pounded UNLV 38-14, Biggest Win over Boise State 
---19.  Baylor (6-0) smeared Iowa State 71-7, Biggest Win over West Virginia
24-20.  Michigan State (6-1) shut out Purdue 14-0, Biggest Win over South Florida, Lost to #16 Notre Dame
25-21  Virginia Tech (6-1) did not play, Biggest Wins over Georgia Tech and East Carolina, Lost to #2 Alabama
---22.  Mississippi (4-3) shocked #11 LSU 27-24, Biggest Wins over #11 LSU, Vanderbilt and Texas, Lost to #2 Alabama, #7 Auburn and #13 Texas A&M
21-23.  Florida (4-3) lost to #2 Missouri 36-17, Biggest Win over Tennessee, Lost to #2 Missouri, #4 Miami of Florida and #12 LSU
19-24.    South Carolina (5-2) lost to Tennessee 23-21, Biggest Win over #25 UCF, Lost to Georgia and Tennessee
---25.  UCF (5-1) shocked Louisville 38-35 on the road, Biggest Wins over Louisville and Penn State, Lost to #24 South Carolina



Dropped Out:  Washington, Georgia, Louisville

Also Considered:
Oklahoma State (5-1) throttled TCU 24-10, Biggest Win over TCU, Lost to West Virginia

20-out  Louisville (6-1) fell to #25 UCF 38-35, Biggest Win over Rutgers, Lost to #25 UCF

Vanderbilt (4-3) beat Georgia 31-27, Biggest Win over Georgia, Lost to #2 Missouri, #22 Mississippi and #24 South Carolina

6-out.    Georgia (4-3) lost for the second straight week, 31-27 to Vanderbilt , Biggest Wins over #12 LSU and #24 South Carolina, Lost to #2 Missouri, #14 Clemson and Vanderbilt

Tennessee (4-3) knocked off #24 South Carolina 23-21, Biggest Win over #24 South Carolina, Lost to #5 Oregon, #23 Florida and Georgia

15-out    Washington (4-3) lost its second straight, 53-24 to #17 Arizona State, Biggest Wins over Arizona and Boise State, Lost to #5 Oregon, #6 Stanford and #17 Arizona State

BYU (5-2) outscored Houston 47-46, Biggest Wins over Houston and Texas, Lost to Virginia and Utah

Wisconsin (4-2) Shocked Northwestern 35-6, Biggest Win over Northwestern, Lost to #10 Ohio State and #17 Arizona State

Oregon State (6-1) routed California 49-17, Biggest Win over Utah, Lost to Eastern Washington

Northern Illinois

Utah (4-3) lost to Arizona 35-24, Biggest Wins over #6 Stanford and BYU, lost to #8 UCLA, Oregon State and Arizona

Former Boise State Broncos in the NFL: Week Seven

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

Chase Baker--Minnesota Vikings (did not play so Minnesota let the Giants win their first game of the year)
Richie Brockel--Carolina Panthers (no stats in Panthers win)
Ryan Clady--Denver Broncos (starting lineman in Denver loss)
Daryn Colledge--Arizona Cardinals (starting lineman in Cardinal loss)
Tyrone Crawford--Dallas Cowboys (is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon)
George Iloka--Cincinnati Bengals (7 tackles (2nd on team), 6 of them solo, in Bengal win)
Jeron Johnson--Seattle Seahawks  (no stats in Seahawk win)
Doug Martin--Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11 carries for 47 yards and 1 reception for 7 yards in Tampa loss)
Shea McClellin--Chicago Bears (3 tackles, 1 solo, and a tackle for loss in Bears loss)
Quintin Mikell--Carolina Panthers (4 solo tackles to help Carolina to a W)
Kellen Moore--Detroit Lions (did not play so Detroit lost again)
Austin Pettis--St. Louis Rams (2 catches for 17 yards in Rams loss)
Nate Potter--Arizona Cardinals (lineman for Arizona in loss)
Orlando Scandrick--Dallas Cowboys (1 solo tackle, a tackle for loss, and a pass deflection to help Dallas win)
Jamar Taylor--Miami Dolphins (did not play so Miami lost again)
Kyle Wilson--New York Jets (3 solo tackles and a pass deflection to help the Jets win)
Billy Winn--Cleveland Browns (did not play so Browns lost again)

Broncos Host Nevada Tonight in Bronco Stadium

It's Homecoming, and what better way to celebrate than to invite your longtime rivals to come in and play football on a beautiful fall day in Boise, Idaho?

Boise State hosts Nevada tonight at 6 in Bronco Stadium.  The Broncos moved two games above .500 for the first time this season last week with a win over Utah State; they'd like to extend that to three tonight.

Nevada has had  a rough go of it this year.  The Wolf Pack were blown out 58-20 by UCLA in their season opener, and beaten 62-7 by Florida State.  Like Boise State's two losses (to Washington and Fresno State), those two Pack defeats were at the hands of Top 25 teams.  But then Nevada lost to San Diego State last week 51-44.  In between are wins over Davis, Hawai'i and Air Force.

Nevada and Boise State have been facing one another since 1971, with the Broncos owning a 26-13 advantage in the series.  They've certainly had some memorable games in recent years.  Boise State held on for a 26-21 win in Reno last year.  What fan of either team will forget the classic 59-52 game in three overtimes in 1990 in which the winner (Nevada) moved on to the I-AA national championship game?  Then, there's the 69-67 barnburner in four overtimes in 2007--more on that later.  Then there's the game in 2010 in Reno in which Nevada came from 16 points down to defeat Boise State 34-31 in overtime, keeping Boise State out of the Rose Bowl that season, and possibly a berth in the BCS national championship game.

Boise State's offense seems to have the edge this year, as the Broncos are scoring at a 40.8 points per game clip this season, compared to 30.5 for the Pack.  Boise State is averaging 484 yards in total offense to 435.2 for Nevada.

Neither team is stopping the opposition on defense.  Could we have another 69-67 game between these two teams?  Let's hope not--that's rough on the heart!  Nonetheless, Boise State is allowing 23.7 points a game to 38.2 for Nevada--the Wolf Pack are #115 in the nation in that department.  The Broncos are quite hospitable this year, allowing 396.2 yards a game while Nevada is #117 with 488.3 yards given up.

Cody Fajardo (6-2, 215, Jr.) has been banged up, but the word is he is ready to go tonight at quarterback for Nevada.  Fajardo is having an excellent season, hitting 108-158 passes (68.4%) for 1,185 yards and seven touchdowns vs. zero interceptions.  He has also run the ball 58 times for 272 yards (4.7) and five touchdowns.  

Junior Kendall Brock (5-9, 195) is the leading rusher for Nevada with 83.4 yards a game.  Fajardo has four main targets, all of which he uses almost exclusively for short yardage. 

 Senior Brandon Wimberly (6-3, 225), of course, is one of the top receivers in the nation (#11), with 46 catches already for 412 yards (8.9 avg.) and five scores.  Richy Turner (5-11, 180, Jr.) has 32 receptions for 368 yards (11.5) and three TD's, while 6-1, 200-pound junior Aaron Bradly (26-300 for 11.5 yards per catch and 1 touchdown) and 6-3, 250-pound senior tight end Kolby Arendse (16-183 for an 11.4 average and 2 scores) are the other Pack receivers with over 10 catches.  Note that all four have yards-per-catch numbers below 12.  This allows the Bronco defensive backs to play up tight.

       Johnathan McNeal, #50...

Defensively, Nevada is led by Johnathan McNeal, a 6-1, 235-pound junior linebacker.  McNeal has 32 tackles this season, two for loss, while fellow linebacker Matthew Lyons (6-2, 230, So.) has 30 stops, including 2.5 tackles for loss.  Defensive end Brock Hekking (6-4, 255, Jr.) has caused the most trouble in the backfield--he's responsible for 25.5 tackles this season, including 7.5 for loss, with four sacks, three pass deflections and two forced fumbles.  Markus Smith (6-1, 195, Jr.) is the leader of the secondary, with three interceptions and five pass deflections this season.  Charles Garrett (5-11, 205, Jr.) has 25 stops to go along with four deflections.

Homecoming activities include the annual Parade down University Drive, beginning at 2:30 this afternoon, and the Varsity B Club All-Sport Reunion at 3 p.m. at the Caven-Williams Sport Complex.  It all leads up to the football game between Boise State and Nevada, tonight in Bronco Stadium at 6.

This Week in the Blue Football Through and Through Top 25

Notice the other ranking services which had Louisville ranked in the Top 10.  We did not (nothing against Louisville...)

#1  Clemson (6-0) was outclassed by #14 Florida State 51-14
#2  Missouri (6-0) ripped #21 Florida 36-17

#3  Alabama (6-0) blew away Arkansas 52-0

#4  Oregon (6-0) outscored Washington State 62-38

#5  Miami of Florida (5-0) escaped with a 27-23 win over North Carolina

#6  Georgia (4-2) lost their big lead and the game to Vanderbilt 31-27

#7  LSU (6-1) lost at home to Mississippi 27-24

#8  UCLA (5-0) lost on the road to Stanford 24-10

#9  Ohio State (6-0) topped Iowa 34-24

#10 Stanford (5-1) downed #8 UCLA 24-10

#11 Texas A&M (4-1) lost to #13 Auburn 45-41

#12 Texas Tech (6-0) came back to beat West Virginia 37-27

#13  Auburn (5-1) downed #11 Texas A&M on the road, 45-41

#14 Florida State (5-0) humbled #1 Clemson 51-14

#15 Washington (4-2) was humiliated by #23 Arizona State 53-24

#16 Oklahoma (5-1) came back to beat Kansas 34-19

#17 Michigan (5-1) outran Indiana 63-47

#18 Notre Dame (3-2) edged USC 14-10

#19 South Carolina (5-1) lost to Tennessee 23-21

#20  Louisville (6-0) lost at home to UCF 38-35

#21 Florida (4-2) lost to #2 Missouri 36-17

#22 Fresno State (5-0) leads UNLV 28-14 in the 3rd

#23 Arizona State (4-2) blitzed Washington at home 53-24 

#24 Michigan State (5-1) defeated Purdue 14-0

#25 Virginia Tech (6-1) does not play

Also:
Boise State came from behind to beat Nevada 34-17
Wyoming  lost to Colorado State 52-22
Utah State ran over New Mexico 45-10

BYU upended previously unbeaten Houston 47-46
Southern Mississippi was pounded by East Carolina 55-14

Boise State #42 in Billingsley

BYU #23, Washington is #25, Fresno State #37:

http://www.cfrc.com/Ratings_2013/WK_7.htm

Boise State #8 in First Downs

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=693&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #9 in the Nation in Interceptions

Better not throw passes against Boise State...

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=457&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #27 in Turnover Margin

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=29&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Bronco Defense #61

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=22&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #84 in Passing Defense

Overall, a good performance against the Aggies, but still too many lapses...

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=695&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #52 in Rushing Defense

Utah State's  vaunted rushing game had a much tougher time against the Broncos than they had in any game this season.

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=24&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #24 in Total Offense

So glad to see The Top Offense in the Last 110 Years* get back in the Top 25 for this year!

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=21&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #24 in Passing Offense

On the whole, the Broncos doing better throwing the football than running, but both numbers are climbing.

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=25&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Boise State #44 in Rushing Offense

The Broncos beginning to climb the list after a tough start.

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=23&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Ajayi #23 in the Nation in Scoring, Dan Goodale #40

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=19&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Jay Ajayi #3 in the Nation in Rushing Touchdowns

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=750&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

SWR #23 in Receiving, Miller #33

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=12&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Douglas #25 in Passes Defended

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=38&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Bryan Douglas #4 in the Nation in Interceptions

Boise State's talented but young secondary is becoming more talented and less young...

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=14&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Dan Goodale #28 in Field Goal Percentage

Great to have the Boise State special teams playing well again!

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=757&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Southwick #4 in Completion Percentage

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=755&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Shane Williams-Rhodes #77 in All-Purpose Yards

Shane, I fully expect you to continue to climb up this list in the weeks to come!

http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/pdf/rankings?rptWeeks=18&statSeq=20&div=11&sportCode=MFB&academicYear=2014&rptType=PDF&doWhat=showrankings

Clemson, Missouri Are Neck and Neck in Blue Football Through and Through Top 25

The #1 factor in ranking teams is their Biggest Wins, losses are most damaging if they are to unranked teams.  This encourages teams to schedule other Top 25 teams.

The first half of the season is volatile as teams sort it out on the field.  In the second half, movement is slowed as the teams are by now ranked about where they should be.

This poll had UCLA, Washington and Auburn ranked before anyone else "in the know".  The major polls all had Stanford ranked really high in the first week, even though they hadn't played a game.  They continued to rank them high despite the fact that they hadn't beaten a high-quality opponent.  Yesterday, we saw why that concept is ill-conceived. 

With Rutgers' loss yesterday, Fresno State's fate is now tied to Boise State, as their biggest win.  LSU dropped because their loss to Georgia looks worse with Georgia's loss to Missouri.  Oregon finally got a win to deserve a high ranking, and moved up to #3 as a result.  Missouri matched Clemson with the biggest win of the season (both over #6 Georgia).  Clemson is ranked higher by virtue of a tougher schedule thus far.  

The SEC has eight teams in the Top 25, while the Pac-12 has five.  Those are (by far) the top two conferences in the nation this year.

1-1.      Clemson (6-0) rebounded to stop Boston College 24-14, Biggest Win over #6 Georgia
---2.  Missouri (6-0) beat #6 Georgia 41-26, Biggest Win over #6 Georgia
2-3.    Alabama (6-0) creamed Kentucky 48-7, Biggest Win over #11 Texas A&M
11-4.    Oregon (6-0) ripped #15 Washington 45-24, Biggest Win over #15 Washington
6-5.    Miami of Florida (5-0) did not play, Biggest Win over #21 Florida
3-6.    Georgia (4-2) was whipped by #2 Missouri 41-26 , Biggest Wins over #7 LSU and, #19 South Carolina, Lost to #1 Clemson and #2 Missouri
3-7.    LSU (6-1) downed #22 Florida 17-6, Biggest Wins over #13 Auburn and #21 Florida, Lost to #6 Georgia
12-8.  UCLA (5-0) ran over California 37-10, Biggest Wins over Nebraska and Utah
9-9.  Ohio State (6-0) did not play, Biggest Win over Northwestern
5-10  Stanford (5-1) lost to Utah 27-21, Biggest Wins over #17 Washington and #22 Arizona State, Lost to Utah
15-11.  Texas A&M (4-1) nudged Mississippi 41-38, Biggest Win over Mississippi, Lost to #3 Alabama
10-12.  Texas Tech (6-0) got by Iowa State 42-35, Biggest Win over TCU
13-13.  Auburn (5-1) humiliated Western Carolina 62-3, Biggest Win over Mississippi, lost to #6 LSU
16-14.    Florida State (5-0) did not play, Biggest Win over Maryland
14-15.    Washington (4-2) lost at home to #4 Oregon 45-24, Biggest Wins over Arizona and Boise State, Lost to #10 Stanford
7-16.  Oklahoma (5-1) was pounded by BYU victim Texas 36-20, Biggest Win over #18 Notre Dame, Lost to Texas
8-17.  Michigan (5-1) lost to Penn State 43-40 in four overtimes, Biggest Win over #18 Notre Dame, Lost to Penn State
17-18.   Notre Dame (3-2) did not play, Biggest Wins over #23 Arizona State and #24 Michigan State, lost to #16 Oklahoma and #17 Michigan
18-19.    South Carolina (5-1) annihilated Arkansas 52-7, Biggest Win over UCF, Lost to #6 Georgia
19-20.  Louisville (6-0) scored a 24-10 win over Rutgers, Biggest Win over Rutgers
20-21.  Florida (4-2) lost to #7 LSU 17-6, Biggest Win over Tennessee, Lost to #5 Miami of Florida and #7 LSU
23--22.  Fresno State (5-0) did not play, Biggest Win over Boise State 
22-23.  Arizona State (4-2) humiliated the team the Pac-12 chose instead of Boise State, Colorado, 54-13, Biggest Win over Wisconsin, Lost to #10 Stanford and #18 Notre Dame
25-24.  Michigan State (5-1) bounced Indiana 42-28, Biggest Win over South Florida, Lost to #17 Notre Dame
---25.  Virginia Tech (6-1) outpointed Pittsburgh 19-9, Biggest Wins over Georgia Tech and East Carolina, Lost to #3 Alabama


Dropped Out:  Mississippi, Oklahoma State

Also Considered:
Baylor (5-0) got by Kansas State 35-25, Biggest Win over West Virginia
24---Oklahoma State (4-1) did not play, Biggest Win over Mississippi State, Lost to West Virginia

Oregon State (5-1) rocked Washington State 52-24, Biggest Win over Utah, Lost to Eastern Washington

UCF (4-1) did not play, Biggest Win over Penn State, Lost to #18 South Carolina
Wisconsin (4-2) Shocked Northwestern 35-6, Biggest Win over Northwestern, Lost to #9 Ohio State and #23 Arizona State
Utah (4-2) beat #10 Stanford 27-21, Biggest Wins over #10 Stanford and BYU, lost to #8 UCLA and Oregon State

Boise State Moves From 30-29 in Sagarin

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaaf/sagarin/

Former Boise State Broncos in the NFL: Week Six

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

Chase Baker--Minnesota Vikings (did not play so Minnesota lost)
Richie Brockel--Carolina Panthers (no stats in Panthers win)
Ryan Clady--Denver Broncos (starting tackle in undefeated Denver win)
Daryn Colledge--Arizona Cardinals (starting lineman in Arizona loss)
Tyrone Crawford--Dallas Cowboys (is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon)
George Iloka--Cincinnati Bengals (8 tackles (2nd on the team), 4 of them solo, in Cincinnati win)
Jeron Johnson--Seattle Seahawks  (no stats in win by Seattle)
Doug Martin--Tampa Bay Buccaneers (16 carries for 67 yards and 4 receptions for 24 yards in Tampa loss)
Shea McClellin--Chicago Bears (2 solo tackles and a tackle for loss in Bears win)
Quintin Mikell--Carolina Panthers (5 solo tackles in Carolina win)
Kellen Moore--Detroit Lions (no statistics in Detroit win)
Austin Pettis--St. Louis Rams (1 catch for 12 yards in Ram win)
Nate Potter--Arizona Cardinals (lineman for Arizona in loss)
Orlando Scandrick--Dallas Cowboys (one interception, four solo tackles and two pass deflections in Dallas win)
Jamar Taylor--Miami Dolphins (bye week)
Kyle Wilson--New York Jets (1 solo tackle in Jets loss)
Billy Winn--Cleveland Browns ( no statistics in Browns loss)

This Week in the Blue Football Through and Through Top 25

#1  Clemson (5-0) beat Boston College 24-14

#2  Alabama (5-0) pounded Kentucky 48-7

#3  Georgia (4-1) was shocked by Missouri 41-26

#4   LSU (5-1) turned back #20 Florida 17-6

#5  Stanford (5-0) lost to Utah 27-21

#6  Miami of Florida (5-0) is idle

#7  Oklahoma (5-0) was pounded by BYU victim Texas 36-20

#8  Michigan (5-0) fell to Penn State 43-40 in four overtimes

#9  Ohio State (6-0) does not play

#10 Texas Tech (5-0) tipped Iowa State 42-35

#11 Oregon (5-0) blitzed #14 Washington 45-24

#12 UCLA (4-0) leads California 30-10 in the 4th

#13 Auburn (4-1) crushed Western Carolina 62-3

#14 Washington (4-1) lost to #11 Oregon 45-24

#15 Texas A&M (3-1) squeaked by #21 Mississippi 41-38

#16 Florida State (5-0) does not play

#17 Notre Dame (3-2) is idle

#18 South Carolina (4-1) ripped Arkansas 52-7

#19 Louisville (5-0) stopped Rutgers 24-10

#20 Florida (4-1) lost on the road to  #4 LSU 17-6

#21 Mississippi (3-2) lost to #15 Texas A&M 41-38

#22 Arizona State (3-2) humiliated the team the Pac-12 chose instead of Boise State, Colorado, 54-13

#23 Fresno State (5-0) does not play

#24 Oklahoma State (4-1) does not play

#25 Michigan State (4-1) downed Indiana 42-28

Also:
San Diego State beat Air Force 27-20

Boise State defeated Utah State 34-23

San Jose State held off Colorado State 34-27

Wyoming held off New Mexico 38-31

UNLV edged Hawai'i 39-37

BYU ran over Georgia Tech 38-20

Broncos, Aggies Face Off in Key Mountain West Division Showdown

Today's college football game between Boise State (3-2, 1-0 in the Mountain West) and Utah State (3-3, 2-0) will go a long ways in deciding who will be the Mountain West Division representative in the historic first MWC Championship game later this year.  The winner will still have to get past Wyoming and the rest of the conference slate.

As is always the case in close games, one team will earn the win on the basis of fewer turnovers and better defense.  Utah State has shown a strong front seven; Boise State not so much.  And here's the real shocker:  Boise State, which up until now had one of the top offenses in the history of college football, is barely ahead of Utah State this year.  The Broncos are averaging 209.8 yards rushing and 281.6 yards passing, for a total of 491.4 yards per game.  The Aggies are averaging 200.3 yards rushing and 275.2 yards passing, for a total of 475.5.  That's essentially a wash in a category Boise State would have dominated even two years ago.

USU has built quite a stable of running backs.  There are three in particular (Joey DeMartino, Joe Hill and Robert Marshall) that can hurt the Broncos.  DeMartino has been sensational thus far, rushing 63 times for 425 yards and four scores.  That 6.7 yards-per-carry average would tie the Boise State school record set last year by Bronco running back Jay Ajayi.  Hill (53-252) and Robert Marshall (34-152) are also more than capable toting the ball.

While none of those ball carriers have proven to be consistent targets to catch the ball out of the backfield so far this year, Utah State's receivers more than make up for it.  Travis Reynolds (25 catches for 353 yards and three touchdowns) and Travis van Leeuwen (24-308 and 2 TD's) are the top two long-ball threats; Keegan Andersen (10-134 and 3 scores) is another.  Bruce Natson (28 catches for 214 yards) is the possession receiver for USU, while Brandon Swindall (20-216 and four touchdowns) and D.J. Tialavea (17-93 and 3 TD's) are others that could punish the Boise State secondary.

  All eyes will be on new QB Harrison...

With the season-ending injury to quarterback Chuckie Keeton last week against BYU, Craig Harrison assumes the reins for the Aggies.  He has performed adequately, hitting 23-46 of his passes (50%) for 263 yards and two touchdowns.  Harrison has also run the ball seven times for 43 yards.  With the way the Aggie defense is playing, Harrison doesn't have to be a star--he just needs to execute the offense and not turn the ball over.

Meanwhile, Utah State is giving up an average of 335.8 yards per game--they rank 25th in the country in total defense.  Boise State, on the other hand, is #69, giving up 405.8 yards a contest.  That's a difference of 70 yards per game.  An offense can do a lot with an extra 70 yards over their opponent.  Depending on field position, that's a chip-shot field goal at the worst, and very likely an extra touchdown.

Sophomore Kyler Fackrell (6-5, 256), safety Maurice Alexander (6-2, 212, Sr.), Zach Vigil (6-2, 232) and Jake Doughty are all players that the Bronco offensive line must be aware of.  Fackrell has four sacks, eight tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in accumulating 41 tackles this season.  Doughty (6-0, 234, Sr.) has recorded a team-leading 64 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and five tackles for loss.  Vigil has 57 stops on the year, including three forced fumbles, .5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss.  Alexander can be another menace in the Bronco backfield, with 1.5 sacks 4.5 tackles for loss and 39 total tackles.

In the secondary, Tay Glover-Wright (6-0, 175, Sr.) has one forced fumble, a recovery, and four pass breakups.  Other than Alexander, the defensive backs don't have overwhelming numbers in terms of tackles, and that's because the front seven has played so well.

BYU came into Logan last week and beat the Aggies 31-14.  In the past, Boise State has done at least as well:  52-21 in 2009, 52-0 in 2007, 45-21 in 2005.  But in analyzing this angle, two things must be pointed out--1)  Utah State is far, far better than any time the Broncos have faced them and 2)  Boise State has yet to show they are anywhere near as good as the great Bronco teams from 1999-2011.

Boise State has not defeated a high-quality opponent yet this year, and a win on the road in Logan would be a nice victory on the resume.  If the game comes down to special teams, the Broncos appear to have the edge.  Boise State fans, however, are hoping to see a consistent performance from both their offense and defense, so the game won't be decided by special teams.  To do that, the Bronco defense will have to step up, contain the brutal USU running game, get some sacks in key situations, and force turnovers from Utah State's new starter Harrison.  The Boise State offense will have to hold on to the ball, get long drives to keep the ball away from the ball-controlling Aggie offense, and finish their drives with touchdowns.

In any case, this should be the most entertaining Boise State-Utah State game in years.