Saturday's Blue-Orange Game will be an opportunity for backup players to make a name for themselves and for fans to get a glimpse of Boise State's future. With that in mind, what players are worth keeping an eye on this weekend?
After the jump, I give my five top players, and you are invited to leave your own list of candidates in the comments. Which players will you be watching? Let's discuss.
Spring game scoring system
Via Loque via Chadd Cripe via a press release, Boise State's Blue-Orange spring game scoring system looks like this:
Offense
- Normal scoring (6 points for TD, 3 for FG, 2 for 2-point conversion, 1 for PAT)
Defense
- 6 points for a touchdown
- 4 points for a turnover
- 4 points for a fourth-down stop
- 2 points for a sack
- 1 point for a three-and-out
Given the Boise State defense's spring propensity for havoc, I would have to say that the D is the odds-on favorite for the Blue-Orange Game. I would put the defense as a four-point favorite. Given that spread, would you take offense or defense?
New spring game details
In addition to the details I divulged in my initial spring game info post, Boise State has come up with some more. There will be four eight-minute quarters and an eight-minute halftime. Stretching and drills take place at 3:00, and the scrimmage kickoff is closer to 3:40. Rather than opening both east and west bleachers as previously promised, it appears that only the west side will be in use. Other than that, the big bits of info remain the same.
- Saturday, Bronco Stadium, 3:00 p.m.
- $7.00 to get in, unless you are a season ticket holder from last season
- Free parking in the east and south lots.
- Football Fan Fest at noon in the north grass
Five Boise State football players to watch
RB Malcolm Johnson - No. 24
Johnson is a special football player - or so I'm told. He missed out on the first spring scrimmage for reasons no one cared to explain, and what most Bronco fans have to go off of is his thrilling high school highlights and some slick moves from 2009's Fall Camp. Will Saturday be a breakout performance from Johnson?
NB Hunter White - No. 25
White has transitioned to nickel this spring, and with the suspension of Jason Robinson, he is suddenly a candidate for a No. 2 job at the position. His battle with fellow NB Jonathan Brown could come down to late in Fall Camp, and the ultimate winner could be the one who flashes the better cover skills (a Robinson specialty). How wil White and Brown look against the pass on Saturday?
WR Preston Minter - No. 19
Minter was mentioned by Coach Pete in a presser last week, and that is never a bad thing. He was the second-leading receiver in the first spring scrimmage, and he seems to be pushing Chris Potter and Mitch Burroughs for BSU's Vinny Perretta-type role. He flies under the radar compared to fellow freshmen Aaron Burks and Geraldo Hiwat. Can he impress again on Saturday?
CB Jerrell Gavins - No. 4
This one's an obvious one but an important one nonetheless. Gavins missed out on the team's first scrimmage, so it will be interesting to see how his playing time compares to that of fellow CBs Jamar Taylor and Brandyn Thompson. Does Gavins play with the ones? Does he ever pull coverage on Titus Young?
OT Charles Leno - No. 78
The future of Boise State's tackle position, Leno received high praise at the start of camp but not much noise since. Facing some of the toughest DEs he would probably see all year through the WAC schedule, Leno can show a lot about how soon he'll be ready to step into the starting lineup.
Five more players because I'm bad at setting boundaries for myself
LB Derrell Acrey - No. 52 - Has he really turned the corner and become full-time starter material?
DE Kharyee Marshall - No. 41 - A speed rusher extraordinaire, Marshall could score 10 points alone in sacks on Saturday.
QB Joe Southwick - No. 15 - In the battle of backup quarterbacks, it would appear that Southwick is the People's Champion and Michael Coughlin is Bush Hamdan. Agree or disagree?
RB Raphiel Lambert - No. 38 - If Johnson doesn't go, Lambert could turn in another starring role as he did in the first scrimmage.
DT Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe - No. 43 - The big man has caused problems for offensive linemen this spring. Plus, someone has to be this year's Michael Atkinson.
Your turn
What players will you be watching for in Boise State's spring game on Saturday? If you're unable to come, what players can I watch for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.