TGS 2007 Football Preview Bonus: Boise State Broncos

BOISE STATE— That one, friends, is going to be hard to top.

We’re talking about Boise State’s magical unbeaten run last season that culminated in the breathtaking 43-42, “instant classic” overtime thriller vs. Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, when Bronco HC Chris Petersen dipped deep into his bag of tricks (try a hook-and-ladder, HB option pass, and old statue of liberty at the death of the game) to stun the Sooners. To top things off, star RB Ian Johnson proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend (who accepted, by the way) during Chris Myers’ postgame interview on Fox. Well, we suppose Boise’s 2007 team could theoretically one-up the ‘06 squad by winning the BCS title contest, then have the game MVP propose to Salma Hayek in front of the sideline cameras, but let’s not get too crazy here.

Although approaching last year’s accomplishments is a tall order, remember that the Broncs have 86 wins (or 10.75 triumphs per campaign) since ‘99. Moreover, the pot has been sweetened considerably (to the $1 million per year range) for Petersen, who, perhaps cognizant of the difficulties predecessors Dirk Koetter and Dan Hawkins subsequently encountered after leaving Boise, seems perfectly content to stick around a while longer.

Still, the Broncos are going to have a slightly different look this season, especially on offense after 3-year starting QB Jared Zabransky and most of his key receiving targets exhausted their eligibility. Spring practice focused on finding a new QB, but all the workouts appeared to accomplish was narrowing the prospective field from 4 to 2, with junior Bush Hamdan and Zabransky’s caddy, 5th-year sr. Taylor Tharp, emerging from the pack. WAC observers were more impressed with Hamdan’s work, but the battle for the top spot will likely resume when camp reconvenes in August. Further issues revolve around a rebuilt receiving corps that lost its top 3 wideouts from LY, although 5-9 mighty-mite jr. Vinny Perretta and soph Jeremy Childs appear next in line to shine. Watch explosive jr. Toshi Franklin, who had a breakout spring. The newly-engaged Johnson (left), however, figures to be the focus of the “O” (and a Heisman contender) after his breakout ‘06 when gaining a whopping 1714 YR and scoring 25 TDs, and a veteran OL has the versatility to deal with the reshuffling caused by C Paul Lucariello’s season-ending spring ACL tear. Sr. Jeff Cavender, who started at C as a soph before moving to LT, shifts back to C.

Fewer holes need to be filled on an underrated “D” with 7 starters back in the fold, although some playmakers could be missed. Specifically, unsung DT Andrew Browning, who spearheaded a run-stuffing Bronco DL, is apparently more than one player can replace (Boise will likely rotate DTs by committee in fall). But d.c. Justin Wilcox believes he has athletes to fill gaps at LB after big hitters Korey Hall & Colt Brooks graduated, and expect types such as jr. Kyle Gingg to prove their worth once they get a chance. Wilcox also believes this could be a more-physical 2ndary in ‘07, and savvy starting CBs Orlando Scandrick & Kyle Wilson return on the edge.

Summary...Even though replicating last year’s magic will be difficult, Boise has proven it is hardly a one-year wonder, and this fall’s schedule is manageable enough to foresee another flirtation with the BCS. Keep an eye on the QB situation, for if Hamdan or Tharp hit the ground running, another WAC crown (or better) beckons.

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