The Boise State Broncos improved to 7-1 on the season with a commanding victory over the North Pole Penguins Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday. The Bronco defense was impressive as usual, D.J. Harper continued to run like the Energizer Bunny, and Matt Miller was once again quietly dominant. Join me now as we discuss the Three Stars and One Goat of Boise State's win over Wyoming.
Star No. 3: Matt Miller
Matt Miller has been quietly productive this season, and Saturday against the Wyoming Cowboys was no different. Miller was the favorite target in a predominantly run offense. Being the best receiver on a team that prefers to score points on the ground is still worthy of a Star every now and then. Miller finished the day as follows:
7 REC., 78 YDS., 11.1 AVG., 21 LNG.
Miller also happens to be the leading receiver on the team through 8 games, nearly doubling the next closest Bronco (Kirby Moore) in total yards.
Playing for a run heavy offense also requires receivers that block, and Miller does just that. On multiple occasions Saturday, Miller was sealing his DB and creating space for the run game.
Note: D.J. Harper gave Matt a run for his money, and the numbers would argue that he should be here instead of Miller. D.J. has lots of stars, and I thought it was Matt's turn. Double Note: Why am I justifying my decision? Creeping doubt and guilt? Maybe.
Congratulations, Matt, on being Star No. 3 of Boise State's win over Wyoming.
Star No. 2: Jamar Taylor
Jamar Taylor continued his push for Mountain West and All-American honors Saturday afternoon. Making his second straight appearance at Star No. 2, Jamar once again showed his veteran poise and experience against the Cowboy offense. As Kevan mentioned last week, even Pete Cavender agrees. And Pete Cavender played with Marty Tadman, which means his opinion is blessed and sacred.
Although Jamar did not lead the team in tackles, or have any fumble recoveries or interceptions as in weeks prior, he was equally dominant in the pass game.
Taylor finished the day with two pass break-ups and one tackle - numbers that don't truly give credence to his all-over-the-field-ness. Taylor had his hands all over multiple passes that could have resulted in an even more dominant defensive storyline. With temperatures that made Antarctica look like Miami, catching that rock must have been difficult.
Congratulations, Jamar, on being Star No. 2 of Boise State's win over Wyoming.
Star No. 1: J.C. Percy
J.C. Percy is on pace to be the Broncos leading tackler since before the Broncos entered the FBS. He has been the best player on one of the best defenses in the country. And that means he's one of the best! But seriously, Percy is really good. Saturday was no different, as he once again ended the day as the leading tackler.
9 SOLO., 1 AST., 10 TOT., 1, -2 SACKS - YDS., 1, -2 TFL - YDS.
As I've mentioned before, Percy has a nose for the ball and seems to always be at the bottom of the pile. The Bronco defense would no doubt be a different unit without his leadership and athleticism.
Congratulations, J.C., on being Star No. 1 of Boise State's win over Wyoming
The Goat: Wyoming Head Coach Dave Christensen
Can you really blame me for going with the obvious choice here? Wyoming Head Coach Dave Christensen let his team down. A coach that has seen tremendous success throughout his career let his emotions get the best of him, and as a result suffered a suspension to be carried out on Saturday vs the #21 team in the land.
If you haven't read about it, A: where have you been? And B: you can read it here. Also, if you haven't seen the F-Bomb tirade, you can watch it here (WARNING: not work appropriate - do not watch if you have issues with the F word).
As I was explaining his suspension to my father pre-game, I was reminded of how lucky we are to have Coach Pete and the rest of the staff that we do. Does that mean our coaches don't curse and show emotion from time to time? No - absolutely not. We all know that playing the game you love, and coaching the game you love can lead to high emotions on both ends of the spectrum. However, I can say with absolute certainty that we would never see Coach Pete have this type of reaction - to anything.
Wyoming is coming off a better than normal season in 2011, and 2012 was just not going their way. When Head Coach Dave Christensen thought that Air Force Head Coach Troy Calhoun was coaching his players to fake an injury, the pressure and emotion was just too much to handle.
To top off an extremely unprofessional and totally unacceptable rant, Coach Christensen directed his rant to one of our enlisted Armed Forces soldiers. Being a member of a military branch does not make you exempt from being cursed out, however it does carry with it a certain amount of respect that should be recognized, especially on Military Appreciation Night.
Sorry, Coach, but that was just embarrassing. For the sake of your career and your team, I hope this doesn't happen again.
Your Turn
Who were your stars, and who was your goat? Did I get it right with Christensen? Did any of you venture into the frigid tundra of Wyoming for Saturday's game? Sound off, Bronco Nation!