Your Boise State - Fresno State preview and keys to the game
by Kevan Lee on Oct 5, 2011 7:17 AM PDT
in Boise State football
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PrintThe Broncos and Bulldogs renew their lopsided rivalry on Friday (7:00 p.m. MT, ESPN), and as usual, Fresno is being hyped as a talented, dangerous opponent. Do the Bulldogs have what it takes to knock off the Broncos? Is Pat Hill still their head coach? (See what I did there.)
Join me after the jump for a preview of the Friday night matchup and a look at some key areas for both teams. And don't take these Bulldogs lightly. They play much worse when everyone can see them coming.
No. 5 Boise State vs. Fresno State
- When to watch: Friday, October 7, 7:00 p.m. MT kickoff
- Where to watch: Bulldog Stadium, Fresno, Calif. (Capacity: 41,031)
- How to watch: Live on ESPN with Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore
- What to wager: Boise State by 20.5 points, combined score over/under 58.5 points
- What to wear: Forecast calls for clear skies, high of 72, no chance of precipitation
Keys to the game
Like an old-timey WAC game, Friday night's non-conference showdown may be won or lost in the passing game. When it comes to QBs, Kellen Moore is a 10 and Derek Carr is a seven (an eight if you've been drinking in too much Nevada football), and both are good enough to carry their teams to booku points.
The difference is that Kellen Moore won't lose the game for the Broncos with interceptions or bad throws or "pulling a Brandstater." Derek Carr might. He is young and brash and a little ignorant, which is a dangerous combination that can work in Fresno's favor or lead to its demise. Plus, he'll be facing the best defense he has seen in his life. Carr will have to play on the edge on Friday night, and it won't take much of a shove to send him right on over it.
I don't expect Fresno State to run the ball well against Boise State, judging by Robbie Rouse's night of a thousand one-yard carries last year against BSU. The Bulldogs will need to pass in order to set up the run. Boise State, on the other hand, will be throwing Doug Martin into the teeth of the nation's 86th-ranked run defense, so expect big things. Martin has a 30-yarder in each of his last two games and Fresno State has no qualms about making it three in a row. Martin cannot average more than four yards per carry if Fresno wants to win. If he gets to five yards per carry or better, this one's over.
Special teams has been a hallmark of Boise State's success so far this season. Guess who also prides himself on special teams? I'll give you a hint: He's never won an outright WAC championship and he has a caterpillar on his face. When you think of special teams as a key for this game, think about field position. Boise State has been on the plus side in each of its four games this year, and it has been hugely important. How would the Broncos respond if they were starting every drive from inside their own 20? How quickly would Derek Carr fold into a fetal position if all he did was start with his back to his end zone?
Miscellaneous keys for Boise State
- Force three-and-outs. Playing bend-but-don't-break defense is good for the scoreboard but bad for field position. I prefer three-and-outs or, in a perfect world, one-and-defensive-touchdown.
- Win the turnover battle. /obligatory mention
- The new guys at corner. Fresno State has an eight-pack of talented receivers, led by Jalen Saunders and Devon Wylie. And quarterback Derek Carr can get them the ball. So Quaylon Ewing-Burton and Ebo Makinde are going to have quite a different test than they did last week against Isotoner model Tyler Lantrip.
- Penalties. Go and sin no more.
- Coaching. Boise State's staff has out-everythinged Fresno State's staff for the last decade.
Miscellaneous keys for Fresno State
- Break tackles. I seem to remember a certain Fresno running back being good at this last time Boise State visited Pat Hill Valley. Bonus: Missed tackles have been kryptonite to the Bronco defense so far this season.
- Big plays on offense. Can Superman have two kryptonites? Someone check the comic book almanac.
- Win the turnover battle. /obligatory mention
- Logan Harrell. Fresno State has one of the WAC's best interior defensive linemen, and Boise State has a merry-go-round of centers and guards. Advantage: Circus metaphors.
Other things that may matter
- Question: Did Boise State's defense completely obliterate a good Nevada offense or did Nevada play like hot garbage? I ask because I feel like Fresno State poses more problems on offense than Nevada did, but I wonder if this won't matter worth beans if Boise State plays lights out.
- Fresno State skill players. Just how good is this Bulldog offense?
"Overall, with this quarterback and this running back and these receivers, this is the best we've seen this year," DB coach Marcel Yates said of Fresno's offensive skill players.
Oh. So pretty good then.
- D.J. Harper. Last time Harper was in Fresno, he was halfway through a career game (107 yards) when he tore his ACL. He had 153 yards the first time he was in Fresno back in 2007.
Your turn
What are your keys to the game for Boise State and Fresno State? Does the Fresno passing attack worry you? Are you expecting a shootout or a blowout? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Boise Fan living on an island here in Fresno.
One thing I can tell you from our local media is that no one is expecting much from the Dogs this week who I will always root for unless they’re playing Boise. I’ve got my tickets for the game as this will be my only chance to watch BSU in person this year and a final chance to watch the Kellen/Doug show. My only real dilemma is that my tickets are in the Fresno section so I could be in trouble walking into that part of the dog pound in blue. Does anyone know if the hamster guy is making the trip down to Fresno this week, I could use some back-up. I have to apologize to my friends and family who have called me a traitor all week, but Go Bronco’s!
by Death-2-BCS on Oct 5, 2011 8:49 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Where a Boise shirt under a Fresno one.
That’s what Idaho Vandal fans do.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
"It takes no talent to give great effort." | "We’re not going to play to the outside noise." -- Chris Petersen
"[Kellen] Moore is a walking Staples® button." -- Ivan Maisel
"I’ve never seen a better prepared team than the Boise State Broncos and it was a privilege to watch them play." -- Lou Holtz
by Loque on Oct 5, 2011 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Don't think so Loque...
I don’t think I could morally do what any Idaho Vandal fan does…although, I appreciate the suggestion. I’m either going to hide out and cheer at all the wrong times for my section against Fresno or come in a Blizzard of Blue and Orange. So I guess people near me will either think I’m a few bricks short of a house as a Bulldog fan, or will think I’m an obvious Boise fan with suicidal tendencies. I think I’ll choose the latter. See you guys at the game!
by Death-2-BCS on Oct 5, 2011 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nothing beats Blue and Orange Blizzards
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
"It takes no talent to give great effort." | "We’re not going to play to the outside noise." -- Chris Petersen
"[Kellen] Moore is a walking Staples® button." -- Ivan Maisel
"I’ve never seen a better prepared team than the Boise State Broncos and it was a privilege to watch them play." -- Lou Holtz
Unfortunatey the hamster guy
Won’t be able to make the Fresno game due to lack of any sort of financial resources to make it to Fresno and back.
by dirtybroncobird on Oct 5, 2011 11:08 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Sorry
I wish I had the resources to go to every away game!
by dirtybroncobird on Oct 5, 2011 5:23 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Boise Fan born and raised near Fresno
Always go to the Boise games when they play in Fresno, my family considers me a traitor as well…lol…moved to Boise from 2003-2007 and have been a BSU fan ever since.
you can't complain about the rod and tess show though.
"Natty Light: For when you absolutely, positively have to knock uglies with a corn-fed co-ed from the opposing school who’s half your age." -- jonofmorse
by greekpadre on Oct 5, 2011 9:02 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Props for being able to pronounce words?
Tessitore is a Boise State hater until the game is basically over and we’ve won.
I just feel like the commentary should be unbiased. That’s all I’m saying!
I disagree.
I think it’s always more fun to watch a game when the color commentator is overtly biased for or against one team. And when it’s against Boise State, they usually look like an ass afterwards.
"Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." -The Dude
"If you're always worried that something could blow up on you, you're not going to push the envelope and not going to try new things. Some of the stuff does blow up on us, but the tradeoff is the problems we're creating for defenses when it works." -Chris Petersen
by BroncoInDuckLand on Oct 5, 2011 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Props for being able to pronounce names
It drove me nuts last week listening to ignotards on Versus. Byron Hunt is apparently our star linebacker… and they never did pronounce his name right the entire game. There were a few others too, but that’s the one that stands out in my memory.
"Moore took a knee. It was an act of mercy. Boise State didn't need style points. It had proven itself the superior program long before." - Andy Staples, SI.com
I thought I was the only one who enjoyed Rod and Tess...
The Bulldogs had no answers, so they called timeout. And at that moment, every single person in the stadium knew that Georgia was in over its head. It was instant singularity of Boise State's greatness.
-Kevan Lee
Well, Tessitore does.
Gilmore brought us the classic “Zambranky” among others.
Yippee Ki-ya... MR FALCON!
by OBNUG Intern on Oct 5, 2011 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
I kinda like Tess.
Actually, he was just on the ESPNU CF podcast with Ivan Maisel yesterday and he talked about last year’s BSU vs. Nevada game. He described the fact that he tried to “stay out of the way” when Brotz missed the field goal and all he said was “No good!” and then just stayed quiet for a few minutes to let the environment speak for itself. I was at that game and I don’t have to tell this audience how bad that moment sucked for Bronco fans, but watching that replay over and over again I’d have to say that he really did stay out of the way of the moment and I thought it was an excellent piece of (lack of) commentary. Plus, I don’t really recall him being a hater and yesterday he mentioned what a big Kellen Moore fan he is. Maybe I just don’t recollect his in-game comments too well but he earned a star in my book and I’m hoping he continues that on Friday.
I agree
If I had a way to sync the radio with TV, Joe would be gone. He never shuts up. About midway through 3rd quarter he forgets the game and yaks on and on about everybody and everything else. Oh yeah, don’t forget his yammering about “Does BSU belong in the NC game.” Gimme a break, I just want to watch the game.
by nothingveryclever on Oct 5, 2011 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
My thoughts exactly!!!!
I’m happy that everyone else loves the Tess. I’m sure it makes their game watching much more enjoyable than mine….a muted football game is never that much fun. :)
I disagree
I mute games all the time. Not once have I not known what was happening.
You cannot reason a man out of something he didn't reason himself into in the first place.
Bro-ette...
Apologies. How’s this: A muted TV doesn’t detract from my enjoyment of it and may well increase it due to the lack of insipid chatter by the no-nothings calling the game.
You cannot reason a man out of something he didn't reason himself into in the first place.
by kcam on Oct 5, 2011 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Husband listens to the radio in the garage. TV guys drive him nuts.
He’ll charge in and say “You’ve got to watch this touchdown!” and on screen Kellen is still making the sandwiches. The further away the game is, the more prescient he sounds when he announces a still-to-transpire play. I don’t mind. It’s like Cliff’s notes for football.
"Grateful to the friends and the circumstances that enabled me to be a Bronco. I'm just glad I lived to see these days." SeniorChief
i'll be at the game on friday amongst the sea of red bulldog fans
Other news: my tickets were $30 where they are normally $8-$15. Bronco allotments were sold out and the game was nearly sold out when I bought them. So the environment should be electrifying. In honor of BSU playing fresno, I grew pat hill style handlebars.
"Natty Light: For when you absolutely, positively have to knock uglies with a corn-fed co-ed from the opposing school who’s half your age." -- jonofmorse
by greekpadre on Oct 5, 2011 9:01 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
"Rock and Roll Fu Manchu..."
“…Fu Manchu…”
You cannot reason a man out of something he didn't reason himself into in the first place.
Idaho Falls
No, I’m not talking about another Vandal game.
A bunch of Boise fans will be in Idaho Falls for an event this weekend. If any Nuggie wants to join us to watch the Fresno game on ESPN Friday, we’ll be at the Frosty Gator (slogan: "The Best Tail in Town"–really! in Idaho Falls!), corner of Shoup and D Streets. I’ll be the smiling, animated guy in the orange "We Messed With Texas" Bronco shirt. Introduce yourself and we’ll have some beers together.
San Jose
I’d like to watch somewhere with fellow Bronco fans in San Jose if you’re out there. It’d be cool if there was a way to locate and organize the non-Boise fans so that we can band together on gameday.
Viewing Parties Outside Boise
Adkoon, and everyone else not residing in the Treasure Valley: check out the Boise State Alumni Association Viewing Parties page at:
http://alumni.boisestate.edu/programs/viewingparties.asp
While there might not be parties for either the game or the immediate vicinity that you want, the Association usually lists a contact person in the area, and it’s worth a try to email them. Perhaps a more informal gathering might be arranged.
Thanks SeniorChief!
I didn’t even know these existed.
On the other side of Yellowstone for me.
The ultimate irony in arguing that "stats are for losers" is that you ultimately have to use stats to prove that exact point - Spencer Hall, The Alphabetical Week 4, 2011
Nice write-up, Kevan. You make my mornings with your wry blatant wit. :)
Isotoner and hot garbage in the same article. I wonder if Isotoner feels honored. yuk yuk
"Grateful to the friends and the circumstances that enabled me to be a Bronco. I'm just glad I lived to see these days." SeniorChief
I think we can take out the obligatory mention of the turnover battle.
We all love it when Boise gets turnovers, but Boise gives about as much in turnovers and/or 1st Q punts. They are a good enough team to still be blowing teams out in the 3rd Q either way.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
"It takes no talent to give great effort." | "We’re not going to play to the outside noise." -- Chris Petersen
"[Kellen] Moore is a walking Staples® button." -- Ivan Maisel
"I’ve never seen a better prepared team than the Boise State Broncos and it was a privilege to watch them play." -- Lou Holtz
Best be careful with Fresno, Boise State
That Derek Carr kid can throw. And they love those homerun throws. You know, the type your Kellen Moore used to throw before he lost Pettis and Young? (incidentally, the lost of those two, plus the lack of Moore homeruns, seems to coincide with your more (comparatively speaking) more conservative playcalling this year?)
Mind you, I still think you guys will (and SHOULD) win, but it might be closer than you think, and may not be a blow-out as in previous years. One thing you have going for you, though — a stout D. The Fresno D, on the other hand, will pretty much fall for any trick/gadget pass play you come up with. Speaking purely objectively, that Fresno D is seriously dumb.
"will pretty much fall for any trick/gadget pass play you come up with"
You mean like the none we’ve pulled this year?
You cannot reason a man out of something he didn't reason himself into in the first place.
Yeah, I've noticed you guys don't seem to be doing it much this year
Again, the result of losing big play receivers like Titus and Young, perhaps?
by iamjackburton on Oct 5, 2011 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions
I think it has more to do with the Offensive Coordinator
Bryan Harsin is calling all kinds of trick plays at Texas now and Brent Pease doesn’t seem to use them as much. We did have a couple funky formations in the Georgia game though.
"Gandhi didn't take a knee, Martin Luther King didn't take a knee, Thomas Edison didn't take a knee, and I sure as hell am not going to take a knee." -- Dan Hawkins
Oh yeah, Harsin has been a Godsend at Texas
Of course, the fact that he’s had to be very creative is also in response to us having two Freshmen at QB. But either way, having Harsin down in Austin has been absolutely awesome, I ain’t gonna lie.
by iamjackburton on Oct 5, 2011 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
But trust me. Trick plays? We still got 'em. Lot's of 'em.
Straight from Pete’s mouth.
You cannot reason a man out of something he didn't reason himself into in the first place.
There was that one trick.
Kellen Moore pulled on everybody when he pretended to be injured and sat out a play at Toledo.
Real funny guy, that Kellen.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
"It takes no talent to give great effort." | "We’re not going to play to the outside noise." -- Chris Petersen
"[Kellen] Moore is a walking Staples® button." -- Ivan Maisel
"I’ve never seen a better prepared team than the Boise State Broncos and it was a privilege to watch them play." -- Lou Holtz
Yeah, good one, Kellen
Just think about how hard a DC will have to plan around that one.
You cannot reason a man out of something he didn't reason himself into in the first place.
Don't get too excited
We’ve got our “deep threat” back, and with no tape on him from this season, and very little from last year, don’t be suprised if he runs all over the Fresno secondary. Just a Bold(ewijn) prediction.
"Moore took a knee. It was an act of mercy. Boise State didn't need style points. It had proven itself the superior program long before." - Andy Staples, SI.com
I have a feeling that this is the week it will all come together.
I’m not sure why, but after last week with the passing game being down of all things I just kinda think that this is the week that all the chips will fall into place. At least that’s my prediction.
Agree
Not sure why either, but I just had that feeling this morning. All elements of our game have hit well at one time or another. We’re even 100% on field goal attempts! Perhaps the stars will align Friday, and Fresno will be on the wrong end of the Perfect Storm — aka, Boise State football. What was it the Fresno Bee writer said about Boise being a Fargo winter?
Besides, it’s our last chance for a true national TV audience (at least until the NC game), and we want to look pretty for our suitors.
I haven't gotten to watch Fresno this year
but if they’re not 100% better than last year, it’s still going to be very ugly.
They Lost
to Ole Miss, at home, who has last to Vanderbilt and BYU already this year, along with Georgia. I don’t see this game being much of a challenge.
"Moore took a knee. It was an act of mercy. Boise State didn't need style points. It had proven itself the superior program long before." - Andy Staples, SI.com
If you get even semi-creative with your pass plays you shouldn't have too much trouble
Their passing D is unGodly … dumb.
by iamjackburton on Oct 5, 2011 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
You seriously don't watch enough Boise Football games if you think we have to "get even semi-creative" with our pass plays
Kellen Moore is accurate and makes good decisions. That’s why we won’t have any trouble, not because of trick plays.
by 4EverBleedBlue on Oct 5, 2011 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions
4Ever....for some teams, accuracy and good decisions ARE trick plays.
They don’t even know they’ve got ’em.
"Grateful to the friends and the circumstances that enabled me to be a Bronco. I'm just glad I lived to see these days." SeniorChief
Just what is a trick play?
I’ve often wondered why everybody makes such a big deal out of fooling the opposition. Isn’t every play supposed to be a trick play? If not, then why don’t coaches simply mail their playbook to the other team?
“Hey! We’re going to run a sweep to the left side every time. We don’t want to trick you, now, so watch for us over there.”
Isn’t a bootleg a trick? Or the option? Or a pump fake? Or any of a number of other “regular” plays?
Gone are the days of lining up armies in company fronts across from each other and just firing away until one side shoots better than the other. That’s simply dumb, in my opinion. But, at least it’s not a “trick.” Fatal, maybe, but no trick.
I’m no football historian, but wasn’t there a time when the forward pass was considered a “trick play”? Again, those who are unimaginative will not prevail. Smashmouth, straight-ahead, ram it down your throat plays might appeal to the Neandrathal in some, but, like those forebears, they’re destined for extinction. Cerebral types like Coach Pete will beat them every time. That’s called evolution, I believe.
by SeniorChief on Oct 5, 2011 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
yup. rec'd
"Grateful to the friends and the circumstances that enabled me to be a Bronco. I'm just glad I lived to see these days." SeniorChief
We're sooo on the same page
It’s kinda like if you were to throw Lebron James back into 1950s basketball and everyone would be saying “what’s with all these alley oops and dunk shots?” I just think Boise is playing a new breed of football and one day the rest of the country is going to catch on. But not too soon I hope.
by Adkoon on Oct 5, 2011 7:24 PM PDT via iPhone app up reply actions
hope you were having fun, bobink
glad you’re back. Whilst you were away, some Dutch were freed, some knees got crutched, and we have a new reader board that does everything except hand out coupons to local businesses and tell team stats.
"Grateful to the friends and the circumstances that enabled me to be a Bronco. I'm just glad I lived to see these days." SeniorChief
Pretty sure Coach Pete would be sad to think you don't think his plays are creative
I don't believe in dibs, or love at first sight, or love, or best friends, or doing things.
Dear Kevan,
I’m pretty honored that you included a picture of me…doesn’t help to keep my ego in check, but I appreciate it nonetheless!
by dirtybroncobird on Oct 5, 2011 5:26 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
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2012 Boise State Football Schedule
@ Michigan State  |
Fri 08/31 | 6:00 p.m. MT |
| Miami (OH) | Sat 09/15 | 2:00 p.m. MT |
| BYU |
Thu 09/20 | TBA |
| @ New Mexico | Sat 09/29 | TBA |
| @ Southern Miss | Sat 10/06 | TBA |
| Fresno State | Sat 10/13 | 1:30 p.m. MT |
| UNLV | Sat 10/20 | 1:30 p.m. MT |
| @ Wyoming |
Sat 10/27 | 1:30 p.m. MT |
| San Diego State | Sat 11/03 | 8:30 p.m. MT |
| @ Hawaii | Sat 11/10 | 5:00 p.m. MT |
| Colorado St. | Sat 11/17 | 1:30 p.m. MT |
| @ Nevada | Sat 12/1 | TBA |
