Saturday afternoon's matchup between the No. 4 Broncos and the Hawaii Warriors was one not soon to be forgotten. It included a few broken records and career bests as well as one of the most touching, and amazing sights in Bronco Stadium history. Join me now after the jump as I break down my three stars, and the one goat from Boise State's win over Hawaii. Settle in, this one is going to be a little bit different.
Naming three stars is a hockey tradition that Kevan asked me to bogart for Bronco games. More info here, if you're interested.
The final score of the game had nothing to do with the reason why Saturday's blowout vs Hawaii was my favorite in recent memory, possibly ever. Saturday was a day of love, and kindness. Saturday was a day of personal achievements, and personal records. Saturday was a day that truly engraved in my heart why I am a Bronco fan, and why I will always be a Bronco fan. Join me now as I dive into our stars.
Star No. 3: Blue Out
After last week's incredibly poor showing of color scheme and fan attendance, I was ready to make the "Blue Out" my goat for the Hawaii game on Saturday afternoon. However, Bronco nation did not disappoint me. A little bit of cooperation from the weather went a long way. The blue out went off without a hitch, and Bronco Stadium looked amazing. Not only did most fans adhere to the planned color scheme, but the stadium was packed full to capacity. Most fans stayed through the entire game, even though it was a blowout, and they were anything but quiet. There were a few times when I was amazed at how loud that small yet powerful stadium was getting. Buster Bronco even got a wave going that went around the entire stadium four consecutive times. It was beautiful. It was also funny because one of the male Hawaii cheerleaders had tried to do the same thing moments before, and failed miserably. I commend you, Bronco Nation, for braving the cold, and coming out to support this team. We need dedication like this at every game. It was definitely an awesome experience. Therefore, it is you, the Bronco fans of the world, who packed into your cold little seats and cheered your hearts out for four quarters, who are awarded Star No.3 of Boise State's win over Hawaii.
Star No. 2: Kellen Moore QB
507 passing yards. 507 passing yards. Could I just leave it at that? Would his final stats alone be enough for me to write no more? Yes, they would, but I'm long winded, Bronco Nation. Sorry.
Kellen put on an absolute clinic Saturday afternoon. With a pass efficiency rating of 212, Kellen went 30 for 37 for a total of 507 yards as he dismantled the Warrior defense. There was actually a little kid sitting behind me during the game chanting, "we want Z, we want Z!". Seriously? Was that kid even watching the game? Sigh. Kids. Anyways, Kellen was on the money Saturday afternoon, picking apart the Hawaii secondary on nearly every play. He threw for two touchdowns, and two extremely uncharacteristic interceptions. However, I believe the one in the endzone was a blown route on the part of Austin Pettis rather than Kellen's poor passing. Saturday's performance was a career best for Kellen, and also a school record for total yards in a game. We applaud you once again, Kellen Moore, for having a super-natural-video-game-like-only-happens-when-I'm-daydreaming type of performance on Saturday afternoon and award you with Star No.2 of Boise State's win over Hawaii.
Star No. 1: Coach Stephen Kinsey
Stephen Kinsey is a 12-year-old boy from San Antonio, Texas. Stephen Kinsey loves the Boise State Broncos. Stephen Kinsey has non-Hodgkin lymphoma and two types of cancer. I'm not going to go into great detail here, as Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman already has and did a fantastic job of it. Before the game on Saturday, I hadn't yet read Stephen's story, or what exactly Boise State was doing for him. He actually walked right in front of us at the game, and I didn't even realize who it was at first glance. Then came the smoke. The Broncos coming out of the smoke is honestly one of, if not my favorite, part of the Bronco home games. Up until Saturday, the previous Fiesta Bowl entrance was my favorite. The Broncos walked out of the smoke with their arms linked, line by line. It was bone chilling. It made me want to cry, cheer, sleep, run, and do all sorts of other crazy things all at the same time.
The entrance from the smoke on Saturday afternoon is now my favorite. The smoke encompassed the entire endzone and all the way up to about the 15 yard line. Then the unexpected happened: Stephen Kinsey and Shea McClellin walked out of the smoke, hand in hand, each carrying their own individual hammer. Even as I write this, simply recalling this sight brings chills and happy feelings all over me. Winston Venable stood at the end of the tunnel beckoning them on. Then the rest of them came out like a stampede, everyone running towards the north endzone. And Coach Kinsey, as they called him, was right there with them. Coach Pete, the Boise State athletic program, and the Make-A-Wish foundation went above and beyond for three days as they made Stephen Kinsey's one wish come true: spending a day with the Broncos.
Boise State showed the nation again this weekend why they are different. The best part is however, that they didn't do this to show, or prove anything to anyone. They did it for Stephen. They did it because this young man has been through more struggle and pain in 12 short years than any of us will face in our lifetimes. For being tough, strong, fearless, and having a heart of gold, it is you, Stephen Kinsey, that Bronco Nation awards Star No.1 of Boise State's win over Hawaii.
The Goat: Bryant Moniz QB
Bryant Moniz was supposed to be the coolest part of the Hawaii offense. Actually, the coolest part about Hawaii is the Haka dance they do before they play. Like
this one they did after they got hammered in the Sugar Bowl. Anyways, Moniz threw for a season low 127 yards on Saturday afternoon vs the Broncos. Is our defense really that stingy, or was Moniz just having an off day? Our defense is really just that stingy. I always give credit where credit is due. That credit has yet to land in a Rainbow Warrior's lap. Just saying.
Up until Saturday, Moniz was viewed as one of the best gun slingers in the nation, throwing for nearly 3,300 yards on the season. Before Saturday, Moniz was averaging 360 yards passing per game. The tough Bronco D cut that number in half, stopping Moniz and his dynamic break-out receiver Greg Salas dead in their tracks. Moniz and the Hawaii offense simply did not have a play to draw up that could stymie the Broncos fearless defense. Therefore, it is you Bryant Moniz, who is the goat of Boise State's win over Hawaii.
Your Turn
Who were your stars and who was your goat for Saturday afternoon's blowout? Was anyone else unhappy with the Broncos apparent lack of a playbook during the last 6 minutes of the game? Sound off in the comments and let us know what you think!
