College Football ‘09: Boise State Broncos

For the next few weeks our very own Jordan Lauterbach will be previewing the upcoming 2009 College Football season. Each day, he will be posting a new preview so be sure to check in everyday.

Last Season: 12-1, 8-0, lost to TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl

AP Rank: 14

Coaches Poll Rank: 16

After experiencing one of the worst overhauls of the last decade two off-seasons ago, Boise State responded with a campaign worthy of praise. Sure, they were a small school from the WAC starting a freshman at quarterback. Sure, schools like Boise State usually don’t weather turnover like large programs do. If the Broncos had a down year last year, it wouldn’t have been all that surprising. Heck, it would have fit right in with the typical ebb and flow of college football, especially for a non-BCS school.

I guess the Broncos didn’t get the memo that a year of struggle might be upon them. Either that or they didn’t care. Behind freshman signal caller Kellen Moore, Boise State turned out a 12-1 season and finished 11th in the final A.P polls.

Like it always does, a rebuilding year (if you can even call it that) quickly morphs into a roster of experienced guys. Anyone wonder if Kellen Moore can be effective anymore? In his first year on the job, Moore threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. This put him in the top 15 in passing in the entire nation.

Here’s a great Kellen Moore tidbit: his 3,486 yards were 7 more than number one draft pick, Matthew Stafford. He also threw the exact same number of touchdown passes as Stafford did. That’s impressive. Based on the extremely reasonable assumption that Moore only gets better with experience, don’t be surprised if we are looking at a guy who will be a force in national college football for a few years to come. He is also on pace to potentially become an all-time Boise State great. Last season, his 69.4 completion percentage was the highest in school history. Sure, Boise State isn’t Michigan or Notre Dame, but anytime you set a passing record in your freshman year, you’re on your way to being pretty special.

Don’t just assume that the stats for Moore will be exactly the same without a bat of an eye. He does have a major hurdle to jump over before he can guarantee himself another stellar year. Three out of Moore’s top four receivers are gone. Junior Austin Pettis quickly becomes the leader of the receiving core. Last season, Pettis had 49 catches for 567 yards and 9 touchdowns. While Pettis appears to have the ability to step into that number one role, the Broncos will need significant contributions from Titus Young and Tyler Shoemaker. Young is a good deep threat and showed as much in 2007. But because of a suspension, he missed ten games last season and is yet to log significant time with Moore.

While the receiving situation is something to look at, I don’t think its anything to be too concerned about. Kellen Moore showed last year that he could gel quickly with receivers. I would expect more of the same this season.

The running game will be one of intrigue early in the year. Perhaps the most recognizable Bronco, Ian Johnson, is gone. Now its up to Jeremy Avery and D.J Harper to fill the void. But have no fear. There is definite promise in both of these backs. Avery ran for 614 yards behind Johnson last year. The MVP of the 2007 Hawaii Bowl has amassed over 100 carries in the last two seasons. As the number three option last season, D.J Harper ran for 265 yards. Not terrible for a number three.

The biggest question mark of the offense is the line. Because of a flurry of injuries, the Broncos used 11 starting line combos last season. This season, their were sixteen players vying for the starting gig. While an optimist would look at that as depth, one can also see mediocrity.

The defense should be very good again. A group that yielded just 17 touchdowns last season returns most of its starters. Watch out for junior end Ryan Winterswyk. Winterswyk had 11 and a half tackles and four and a half sacks last season.

The only spot on the defense that has a lot of holes in the linebacker position. The only returning starter is middle man Derrell Acrey.

But a unit without holes is the secondary. This group should be fantastic again. Both Kyle Wilson and Brandyn Thompson return. They combined for nine picks and 16 pass breakups last year.

The questions for Boise State are small. If a year with a lot of turnover produced a one loss year, imagine what a year with more experienced personnel with yield.

3 Games To Watch

September 3rd- Oregon- It’s not often when the biggest game on your schedule comes in week one. But for Bosie State this season, it does. Winning the WAC will not be a problem this year. I almost think that a WAC championship can be assumed at this point. I mean, who’s really going to challenge them? Nevada? Louisiana State? Don’t think so. The goal is a BCS bowl and that doesn’t come for a WAC team with a loss. The Ducks know how much Boise State needs this game and remember last year’s loss. So forget that it isn’t even Labor Day yet, this is the game of the year for the Broncos. What a way to start out.

October 24th- @ Hawaii- While the Broncos look to have the WAC in the bag, they do still have to win the game. It’s always tough to keep focused when you go to Hawaii and coach Chris Peterson will have to fill the Bronco’s players heads with thoughts of a trap game all week. Hawaii did win this matchup two years ago.

November 27th- Nevada- Most likely the final hurdle towards another WAC title. The Wolf Pack has a potentially dangerous offense and has been a factor in the WAC race the last few years.

Related posts:

1. Opening Night Picks
2. Bowl Mania Day 14
3. College Football ‘09: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
4. Bowl Mania Day 5
5. College Football ‘09: TCU Horned Frogs