Boise State – their year?

by UK American Sports Fans

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They’ve been knocking on the door for a while now, and after coming so close to leading the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) last year, the Boise State Broncos could be ready to make waves in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) when they compete in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) this year.

With Chris Petersen leading the team for a sixth season the Broncos have been going from strength to strength, winning at least 12 games in the last three years.

But can Boise State repeat without some star talent? Austin Pettis and Titus Young are gone, soon to be playing in the National Football League, and long-time Offensive Coordinator Bryan Harsin is now at the University of Texas.

Harsin gained a lot of credit for the dynamic Bronco offense of the last few seasons and with Young and Pettis combining for around 2100 yards and 19 touchdowns last year, is Boise State able to repeat and build on their success?

Well Petersen has been Head Coach for six years now, and with Boise State for ten, so he has gone through the rebuilding process with success already. Let’s not also forget the presence of Kellen Moore under centre. He was the star quarterback last season, the most efficient passer in college football, and if he can repeat his feats with new receivers then the Broncos should have no trouble competing for a place in the BCS.

And who needs receivers when you can hand the ball off to a running back like Doug Martin? With an average of 96.9 yards per game and a total of 12 touchdowns last season, Martin repeatedly showed that he could pound the football. He is also a massive presence in the huddle with a big personality, with the ability to motivate the whole offensive unit. The nicknamed “Muscle Hamster” needs to step up more this year in what will probably be a more run happy offense.

Boise State also has to contend with the new reputation. They are no longer the underdogs in away games, and will actually be expected to win on the road. Surprise wins away to Oregon and Virginia Tech have made people sit up and take note of this team. Sliding under the radar will no longer be an option, and the pressure of expectation could prove to be the stumbling block. Speaking of pressure, their star quarterback will have NFL scouts’ eyes on him this year. Can Moore cope? Boise State better hope so.

Look for them in the BCS come the end of the year.

Article courtesy of NJ Sharrocks.