The folks at Blue Turf Nation, one of the more popular Boise State blogs and fan forums, came to me this week and asked me to pose five questions about Saturday’s Boise State-Wyoming game. The following are the questions I asked and the answers I got.
A little later I will post the questions I was asked, along with my answers. Check out Blue Turf Nation at http://blueturfnation.com/
If you were a defensive coordinator, what is the best way to attack the Boise State defense?
To stop the Bronco Offense is to disrupt the offensive line or simply watch TCU vs. Boise State footage from the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl and the 2010 Fiesta Bowl and somehow mirror everything they do. Aside from that here is how I would go about defending against the Broncos.
The Broncos run 6 basic running packages that involve zone blocking, with the five linemen calling out assignments in pre snap. If a defense wants to disrupt the running game they would need to have their lineman constantly shift, while moving line backers at the same time. If the linemen get confused before the snap, odds are the LB’s will have an easier time filling the gaps and stopping the run.
In the passing game the Bronco linemen have 3 block schemes. One is designed for a three step drop; one is designed for a seven step drop (usually in shot gun with Kellen) and sprint series. Of course there are the plays designed to mimic what the Broncos attempt to due in the running game, such as the waggle and the play action. Line stunts and blitzing will force the Bronco Linemen out of their comfort zone.
Keep in mind the Broncos will force the hand of the defense and will make adjustments along the way. Like any good offense the Broncos will not back down from a fight. They will continue to run throughout the game, until something hits (see DJ Harper’s run versus Va Tech in week 1).
In the end the best way to stop the Bronco Offense is to beat the Bronco Defense, while at the same time occupy as much clock as possible, thus keeping the Broncos on the sideline. The Cowboys have been effective in stopping Boise State in the past. The last two times the Broncos and Cowboys faced off the scores were 17-10 and 24-14.
If you were an offensive coordinator, what is the best way to attack the Boise State offense?
If I were an offensive coordinator I would first attack BSU at the only spot where they lost a player. Kyle Wilson is now a starter for the New York Jets, and he left mighty big shoes to fill. Jamar Taylor and Brandon Thompson got burned a couple of times going with the deep ball. Of course, the only way to really open up the deep ball is run the ball and throw quick slants. That puts the pressure right where I would go next, after a guy who had a pile of penalties during the last game, Bryan Hout at linebacker. Forget LeGarrette Blount, the Oregon Ducks, and the punch heard round the college football world. Hout is past that. But I’m not sure after all the laundry he had thrown at him against Virginia Tech that his head is in the right place just yet. Hit those two spots and pray to the football gods for mercy.
Any chance Boise State is overlooking Wyoming?
To remain undefeated, the Broncos cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. And Boise State is playing Saturday’s game with a target on their back, especially after their standout performance against Virginia Tech. If I know this, the coaches and players know this. The season’s remaining schedule may be weak, but I expect the Cowboys will try to ride the Broncos, rodeo-style.
Does Boise State need “style points” in this game after Virginia Tech lost to James Madison last week?
Style is something Boise State does not spend their time focusing on. The primary focus for the Coaching Staff is putting one in the win column. I believe the spread is 23 or 24 points for Boise State and statistically Boise State covers the spread more than 90% of the time. I know that Virginia Tech will end up winning the ACC despite the loss to James Madison. That game will serve as their wake up call, so the long term implications will be minor. Lets back up to the style question; Do I believe that a well rested Boise State Team will win with STYLE? You bet! For that matter you should bet on the Broncos (see the 90% reference).
With both teams being the same conference next year, does that add any intrigue to this game from Boise State’s perspective?
This match up with its close proximity will become a classic over time with Wyoming being outwardly vocal about following the Boise State’s model of success. We can expect this to be a hard fought game with Boise State as a marked target by the Cowboys. It will be interesting to see what percentage of Bronco Nation will show up to cheer on the Broncos. The move to the MWC will allow the Bronco Nation to travel to the majority of the games. New rivals will be formed and we can expect some great conference games in the future.
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