One Bronco Nation Under God - Boise State 20, Fresno State 10: Defense does it againthe online voice of Boise State football fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50441/obnug-fav.png2012-10-16T08:00:26-07:00http://www.obnug.com/rss/stream/32634272012-10-16T08:00:26-07:002012-10-16T08:00:26-07:00Inside the numbers on Boise State versus Fresno
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<figcaption>Otto Kitsinger III - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After years of being dominated by the Broncos, at least Fresno State made it look respectable this time - respectable for those that only look at the final score and didn't actually watch the game. Boise State dominated the Bulldogs in a game that never felt in doubt. With an uneven performance by the offense, the Bronco defense once again set the tone for a home victory. It may not have been the point spread of previous games in the series, but a quick look at advanced stats show, in many facets, it was just as lopsided as any other matchup with the Bulldogs this century.</p>
<h3>Box Score </h3>
<p>
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<thead>
<tr></tr>
<tr>
<th scope="col"></th> <th scope="col">BSU</th> <th scope="col">FSU</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Score</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Offensive Possessions</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Offensive Pts Per Possession</td>
<td>1.54</td>
<td>0.83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>% of Total Possible Pts</td>
<td>22.0%</td>
<td>11.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Success Rate</td>
<td>45%</td>
<td>37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leverage Rate</td>
<td>76%</td>
<td>63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Avg Starting Drive</td>
<td>OWN 38</td>
<td>OWN 20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Field Position Percentage</td>
<td>58%</td>
<td>32%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turnovers</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turnover %</td>
<td>8%</td>
<td>17%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wasted Yards</td>
<td>120</td>
<td>214</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>% Yards Wasted</td>
<td>36%</td>
<td>66%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RedZone Trips</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RedZone Point %</td>
<td>46%</td>
<td>48%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Swing/Explosion Pts</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>% of Total Points</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>0%</td>
</tr>
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<tbody></tbody>
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<h3></h3>
<h3>THE GOOD - Kickoff Coverage</h3>
<p>Boise State is 96th in the nation in touchback percentage, and that is by design. Only 26 percent of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/101354/trevor-harman">Trevor Harman's</a> kicks off the tee find their way to the end zone. Fresno State managed to return only one of eight kicks beyond the 25-yard-line. Three returns were stopped inside the 15-yard-line.</p>
<h3>THE BAD - Goalline Offense</h3>
<p>Boise State's struggles in the red zone have been well documented. When that red zone is compressed even more, the Bronco offense has been non-existent inside the five-yard line. Boise State has had 17 snaps with five or fewer yards to go for a touchdown and they have only been successful on two of those plays. D.J. Harper had a one-yard touchdown run against Miami (OH) and Jay Ajayi had a one-yard plunge against New Mexico. Boise State has gained a net five yards in those 17 plays, and only four rushes have been for positive yards. The passing game hasn't been any better going 1 for 7 and one yard, with that completion being a shovel pass from Potter to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161817/shane-williams-rhodes">Shane Williams-Rhodes</a>.</p>
<h3>THE OBSCURE - By the Numbers</h3>
<ul>
<li> <b>0 </b>- Number of points allowed by the Bronco defense in the first half for the last four games. It was also the third straight year that Boise State shut out Fresno State during the first half. </li>
<li> <b>3 </b>- Yards of the longest touchdown pass surrendered by the Bronco defense so far this season. Derek Carr's three yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter was only the second passing touchdown against Boise State. The other passing touchdown was a two yard halfback pass by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135738/spencer-treadwell">Spencer Treadwell</a> of Miami (OH), making Carr the only quarterback to throw a touchdown thus far.<br>
</li>
<li> <b>191 </b>- Number of minutes between Fresno State offensive touchdowns in the rivalry. Fresno scored a meaningless touchdown with 2:15 left in the game on Saturday. Prior to that score, the last offensive touchdown was early in the fourth quarter of the 2009 match-up. Fresno did manage a touchdown on a punt return in last year's game.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<h3>Success and Leverage Rate</h3>
<p><i>Successful plays are defined as plays that gain 50 percent of needed yards on first down, 70 percent of needed yards on second down, and 100 percent of needed yards on third and fourth downs. </i></p>
<p><i>Leverage Rate measures the percentage of plays a team runs on standard downs. Standard downs are those plays where a team statistically has both a run and pass option. 1st and 10, 2nd and 7 or less, and finally 3rd/4th down with less the four yards to go are considered standard downs. Leverage Rate can be a more meaningful measurement of offensive efficiency than the traditional third down conversion statistic.</i></p>
<p><b>Leverage rate (team)</b></p>
<pre>Boise State 76%, Fresno State 63%</pre>
<p><b>Success rate by quarter (team)</b></p>
<pre>Q1 // Boise State 44%, Fresno State 39%</pre>
<pre>Q2 // Boise State 53%, Fresno State 21%</pre>
<pre>Q3 // Boise State 50%, Fresno State 43%</pre>
<pre>Q4 // Boise State 39%, Fresno State 47%</pre>
<p>The defensive plan to take away the quick passing game while rushing only three or four lineman paid off. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35570/michael-atkinson">Michael Atkinson</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78307/ricky-tjong-a-tjoe">Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe</a> were able to stuff the inside running game, resulting in Fresno State only being successful 38 percent of the time on first down. The defensive success on first down led to the Bulldogs having run/pass leverage on less than half of their snaps on second and third down.</p>
<p>The 48 percent success rate of the Bronco running game and the struggles passing led to a rare imbalance in play selection. 42 of 66 snaps were called running plays.</p>
<p><b>Quarterback success rate</b></p>
<p><i>Boise State</i></p>
<pre><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78299/joe-southwick" class="sbn-auto-link">Joe Southwick</a> 9 for 22 (41%) - 11 completions (50%), 113 yards</pre>
<pre><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113029/grant-hedrick">Grant Hedrick</a> 1 for 1 (100%) - 1 completion (100%) 6 yards</pre>
<p><i>Fresno State<br></i></p>
<pre>Derek Carr - 18 for 43 (42%) - 29 completions (67%), 266 yards</pre>
<p>Southwick's 41 percent success rate and 113 yards passing were among the lowest numbers posted by a Boise State quarterback in recent history. Credit is due to the Fresno State defense for taking away Southwick's favorite targets in Matt Miller and Kirby Moore who combined for only two catches.</p>
<p>Derek Carr may likely win the WAC Offensive Player of the Year, but it will not be because of his performance against the Broncos. His respectable 67 percent completion rate is tarnished by his 42 percent success rate and meager 6.2 yards per attempt.</p>
<p><b>Running back success rate</b></p>
<p><i>Boise State</i></p>
<pre><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15385/d-j-harper" class="sbn-auto-link">D.J. Harper</a> - 11 for 21 (52%) - 122 yards, 5.8 YPC<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span></pre>
<pre><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134937/jay-ajayi" class="sbn-auto-link">Jay Ajayi</a> - 7 for 15 (47%)<span style="line-height: 9px;"> - 91 yards, 6.1 YPC</span></pre>
<p><br><i>Fresno State<br></i></p>
<pre><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85472/robbie-rouse">Robbie Rouse</a> - 9 for 25 (36%) - 77 yards, 3.1 YPC<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span></pre>
<p>Harper and Ajayi were explosive hitting huge holes opened by the offensive line and breaking tackles down field. It seemed the only thing that could stop the Bronco running game was the one yard line.</p>
<p>Robbie Rouse was stifled for the entire game and held to 40 yards under his season average. Rouse was never able to find the open field, managing a long run of 13 yards. Six of his carries resulted in a loss of yardage or no gain.</p>
<p><b>Wide receiver completion and success rate</b></p>
<p><i>Boise State</i></p>
<pre>Matt Miller - 0 for 3 (0%) - 1 catch, 4 yards<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span></pre>
<pre>Geralod Boldewijn- 3 for 5 (60%) - 3 catches, 37 yards</pre>
<pre><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78304/kirby-moore" class="sbn-auto-link">Kirby Moore</a> - 1 for 1 (100%) - 1 catch, 7 yards<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span></pre>
<pre>Aaron Burks - 1 for 1 (100%) - 1 catch, 25 yards</pre>
<pre>Shane Williams-Rhodes - 2 for 3 (67%), 3 catches, 13 yards</pre>
<pre>REST OF TEAM - 3 for 8 (38%) - 4 catches, 34 yards</pre>
<p><i>Fresno State<br></i></p>
<pre><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161913/davante-adams">Davante Adams</a> - 4 for 10 (40%) - 5 catches, 52 yards<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span></pre>
<pre><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116707/victor-dean">Victor Dean</a>- 4 for 8 (50%) - 7 catches, 68 yards<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span></pre>
<pre><span style="line-height: 9px;">Robbie Rouse - 4 for 9 (44%) - 9 catches, 68 yards</span></pre>
<pre>Rest of Team - 6 for 13 (46%) - 8 catches, 78 yards<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span></pre>
<p>With only 13 completions on the day, there were not a lot of receptions to go around for the Bronco offense. With Miller and Moore being held in check, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134936/geraldo-boldewijn">Geraldo Boldewijn</a> was the most targeted receiver with five attempts. Repeated attempts at completing the deep ball led to fewer completions with the longest catch of the day coming on Aaron Burks' juggling catch that held up after review.</p>
<p><i>Successful plays are defined as plays that gain 50 percent of needed yards on first down, 75 percent of needed yards on second down, and 100 percent of needed yards on third and fourth downs.</i></p>
<p><i>This year receiver success rate accounts for the number of successful plays per pass that was targeted at that receiver. The play-by-play data does not always list an intended receiver, so these numbers may vary for those of you scoring at home.</i></p>
<h3>Stops, Stuffs, and Defeats<br>
</h3>
<pre>Boise State - 46 stops (46 of 73 for 63%), 18 defeats, 13 stuffs (13 of 30 for 43%)</pre>
<pre>Fresno State - 33 stops (33 of 63 for 52%), 11 defeats, 10 stuffs (10 of 39 for 26%)<span style="line-height: 9px;"></span></pre>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112942/ezekiel-ansah" class="sbn-auto-link"></a></p>
<p><i>Stops are defined as plays that prevent a successful play by the offense. Stuffs are running plays resulting is a loss of yards. Defeats are any stop on 3rd/4th downs or any other play resulting in no gain or a turnover.</i></p>
<h3>Line Yards</h3>
<pre>Boise State - 127 line yards, 42 attempts, 3.0 average - 59% of total rushing yards</pre>
<pre>Fresno State - 33 yards, 30 attempts, 1.1 average - 59% of total rushing yards<span style="line-height: 9px;"> </span></pre>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;"></span></p>
<p><i>Line yards measure the effectiveness of offensive line play by assigning value to rushing yards gained near the line of scrimmage. <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t2pQq-0pOGOIk-s8W5hhKc_sp96gG-7s9CUhNmBWsPk/edit?hl=en_US">View the complete formula</a>.</i></p>
<h3>Swing Points and Wasted Yards</h3>
<p><b>Swing/Explosion points</b></p>
<pre>Boise State - 0</pre>
<pre>Fresno State - 0</pre>
<p><b>Wasted yards</b></p>
<pre>Boise State - 120 of 335 (36% of total net yards)</pre>
<pre>Fresno State - 214 of 322 (66% of total net yards)</pre>
<p>Once again the Bronco opponent had similar totals in net yards, but swings in field position, timely turnovers, and missed field goals led to Fresno State wasting two-thirds of the yards they accumulated. Prior to the 80-yard drive on Fresno's final possession, the Bulldogs had wasted 88 percent of their offensive output.</p>
<p><i>Swing points account for points scored on defense, special teams, or drives of 25 yards or less. I have also added field goals for 50 yards or greater to the swing points metric. Any points scored from a field position that most teams would be punting should be considered a bonus. Explosion points are accrued when a team has a play of over 60 yards that scores or leads to points being scored.</i></p>
<p><i>Wasted yards are the yards gained on non-scoring drives.</i></p>
<h3>Field Position Rate</h3>
<pre>Boise State - 58%</pre>
<pre>Fresno State - 32%</pre>
<p>Special teams once again pinned the opponent deep allowing Boise State to win the battle of field position. The first six Bulldog drives had an average starting position of the 12 yard line. The field position advantage allowed the defense to put pressure on the Fresno State offense and gave the Broncos time to find their offensive footing.</p>
<p><i>Field Position Percentage shows the percentage of a team's plays that took place on their opponent's side of the field versus the number of plays the opponent snapped in their side of the field. The higher the number, the better. Good teams have over 40 percent. Great teams get over 50 percent. There are a few different interpretations of Field Position Rate on the various sites. For this column, FPR accounts for the percentage of all plays in BSU territory versus plays in the opponents territory.</i></p>
<h3><b>A brief thesis on advanced stats</b></h3>
<p>Good statistics should reinforce what you see on the field. And they should have cool-sounding names.</p>
<p>Inside the Numbers seeks to settle both accounts with some advanced stats analysis of the Boise State football team. Make no mistake: Some of these stats are confusing. But most of them are the type of information that will give a well-rounded look into the why and how of Boise State domination. <a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ASXYut7uIX2lZDI1YjNycF83OGd0d2ZnM21u&hl=en"><u><font color="#0000ff">Swing by the OBNUG glossary</font></u></a> for a primer on some of the more advanced stats.</p>
https://www.obnug.com/2012/10/16/3506678/inside-the-numbers-on-boise-state-versus-fresno-stateMKingery2012-10-15T06:00:22-07:002012-10-15T06:00:22-07:00What we learned from Boise State's win over Fresno
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<figcaption>Otto Kitsinger III - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><b>We learned the Boise State defense can be dominant when it wants to be dominant.</b></p>
<p>Or maybe it is just dominant at home. Either way, in two of the team's biggest games - versus BYU and Fresno State - the defense has done everything asked of it and more. Saturday's evisceration of Fresno State was a thing of beauty, if you think beauty is strong, powerful, hard-hitting, and low scoring. </p>
<p>The question now becomes: How often will the Boise State defense want to be dominant? Will UNLV, Colorado State, and other schedule dregs inspire the same level of performance? We shall see.</p>
<p><b>We learned that this defensive line might be the best defensive line in the West.</b></p>
<p>Mike Atkinson, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78307/ricky-tjong-a-tjoe">Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161816/demarcus-lawrence">Demarcus Lawrence</a>, and Sam Ukwuachu turned in a tour de force performance against the Bulldogs. Know this, the Broncos began the game with the plan to rush Derek Carr with three or four down linemen and drop the rest of the team into coverage. They never had to change this gameplan. The Broncos got constant, nearly instant pressure with no blitzing and nothing fancy other than Atkinson and Tjong-A-Tjoe pushing people around and Lawrence and Ukwuachu sprinting around the corner. By the fourth quarter, the Broncos didn't need to rush anyone as Carr was so frazzled he was leaving the pocket after one Mississippi out of habit. That's good defense, and a great defensive line.</p>
<p><b>We learned that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78299/joe-southwick">Joe Southwick</a> can throw the deep ball. </b></p>
<p>It is not a pretty deep ball, nor an accurate deep ball. It is, by definition, simply a deep ball. </p>
<p>He could throw it a lot worse than he does - short maybe, out of bounds. He could throw it a lot better - leading his receiver, away from coverage. He does well to give his guy a chance to make a play, but it is far from the Kellen Moore-Titus Young heyday of beautiful bombs downfield.</p>
<p><b><span style="line-height: 9px;">We learned that J</span>ay Ajayi is going to be fun to watch for the next three years.</b></p>
<p>Ajayi is making good on all that promise he brought with him to Boise State. He and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161820/jack-fields">Jack Fields</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161825/devan-demas">Devan Demas</a> are the future of the Bronco backfield, and that future looks bright. The present belongs to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15385/d-j-harper">D.J. Harper</a>, but it sure is thrilling to see Ajayi carry the ball as a backup. He is large, powerful, and hard to bring down, and if he keeps his current pace, he will have a storied Bronco career (if he manages to stay out of the pros).</p>
<p><b>We learned that the Broncos have traded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15345/mitch-burroughs">Mitch Burroughs</a> for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134936/geraldo-boldewijn">Geraldo Boldewijn</a>. </b></p>
<p>Boldewijn might not have replaced Burroughs literally in the lineup, but his production in the passing game and his camaraderie with Joe Southwick seem to be awfully Burroughs-like. Ger-Bol led the team with three catches for 37 yards - not fantastic numbers, but not bad for a guy playing his second game of the year against a pass defense that played pretty well.</p>
<p><b>We learned that Matt Miller does not need to be the focal point of the offense for the Broncos to win.</b></p>
<p>Miller finished with one catch for four yards, so credit whichever combination of Fresno corners and safeties conspired to shut him down. I would not expect UNLV to hold Miller to low numbers like that, nor any other team for the rest of the year.</p>
<p><b>We learned that there's really no point in kicking a field goal outside of 30 yards.</b></p>
<p>I wonder if Christ Petersen learned the same thing.</p>
<p><b>We learned that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/101354/trevor-harman">Trevor Harman</a> will take off with a punt some day.</b></p>
<p>Harman ran as much of a fake as you can run without it being a fake, kicking the ball at the last minute and practically on the line of scrimmage. Keep that play in the back pocket of your mind; I bet we see it again.</p>
<p>trevor harman fake</p>
https://www.obnug.com/2012/10/15/3499922/what-we-learned-from-boise-states-win-over-fresno-stateKevan Lee2012-10-14T14:53:47-07:002012-10-14T14:53:47-07:00Three Stars and One Goat
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<figcaption>Otto Kitsinger III - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Naming Three Stars is a hockey tradition that over the past few years has become a Bronco tradition. More info <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_stars_%28ice_hockey%29" target="new">here</a> if you are interested.</p> <p>The Boise State Broncos cruised to another victory on Saturday afternoon, led by Demarcus Lawrence and an impressive defensive performance. A 20-10 victory over "rival" Fresno State helped improve the Bronco's record to 5-1. Derek Carr finally gets to take down his Boise State flag, but not because of a victory over the Broncos. Let the grown man tears ensue.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On to the stars!</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 align="center">Star No. 3: D.J. Harper</h3>
<p>Many of you are likely outraged that D.J. didn't make the top two. To that I say: so am I. D.J. had another phenomenal offensive performance. Freshman Running Back Jay Ajayi has literally bulldozed his way toward the top of the depth chart, but D.J. showed on Saturday why Ajayi won't be taking over as the No. 1.</p>
<p>Harper broke 100 yards rushing for the third time this season on Saturday, ending the day with 122 yards on the ground. The most impressive of which came on 28 yard run that resulted in Harper literally spinning his way to the corner of the endzone on arguably his best run of the season.</p>
<p>Just when it seems like three dive plays up the middle aren't doing anything, D.J. Harper goes off and makes Robert Prince look like an Offensive Coordinator. Harper's numbers from Saturday are as follows:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>21 ATT., 122 YDS., 5.8 AVG., 28 LNG., 1 TD.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ajayi ended at nearly 100 yards as well, and it was evident that the Bronco's running game is indeed intact. D.J. once again took the bulk of the carries, which was good since most of our receivers decided to take the day off.</p>
<p>Congratulations, D.J., on being Star No. 3 of Boise State's win over Fresno State.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 align="center">Star No. 2: J.C. Percy</h3>
<p>It is no secret that the strength of this year's team is the defense. It is also no secret that said defense is led by senior J.C. Percy. The Bronco's defense was impressive on Saturday, once again winning the turnover game 2-1. Percy was the captain of the ship, wreaking havoc on the Bulldog offense all afternoon.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>7 SOLO., 7 AST., 14 TOT.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>J.C. Percy ended the day with 14 tackles, seven of which were all lone ranger. His presence this season in the middle is exactly what a young defensive front needs. He leads by example and is able to read the quarterback with the best of them. He has a nose for the ball and brings the hammer when he makes contact.</p>
<p>Younger guys are no doubt learning from his talent and leadership and our defense will be better because of Percy for years to come.</p>
<p>Congratulations, J.C., on being Star No. 2 of Boise State's win over Fresno State.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3 align="center">Star No. 1: Demarcus Lawrence</h3>
<p>Opposition simply can not prepare for Demarcus Lawrence. The man is an absolute beast. Fresno <a href="http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/10/11/3026062/fresno-state-tackles-ready-for.html" target="_blank">tried to prepare</a> for Lawrence, but failed miserably. In Fresno's defense, Lawrence is a tough guy to prepare for. Standing at 6'3" tall and weighing in at 242 lbs, Lawrence is not a typical Defensive End. To give you some perspective, Lawrence is nearly identical in size to Tight End Chandler Koch. He is about 50lbs heavier than safety Lee Hightower, and could likely play his position with a little bit of work.</p>
<p>Lawrence is so fast, and so strong, that offensive lineman simply can not keep him away from the quarterback. Lawrence's presence on the end is one of the reasons why BSU has only allowed one passing touchdown through six games. Quarterbacks do not have enough time to sit in the pocket and throw. Demarcus Lawrence takes what Demarcus Lawrence wants. And Demarcus Lawrence wants to Hulk Smash any QB he encounters. He ended the day as follows:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>2 SOLO., 3 AST., 5 TOT., 2.0 -16 SACKS-YDS., 1 FF.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Impressive numbers. But Lawrence is <a href="http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/10/14/2309452/lawrence-finding-his-place-with.html" target="_blank">just getting comfortable</a>. Demarcus will be around for two more seasons, and will likely follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, joining an NFL squad in 2015.</p>
<p>The Broncos were the recipients of a massive momentum shift when Lawrence chased down Derek Carr and forced a fumble that led to an eventual BSU score.</p>
<p>UNLV offense be warned: Demarcus Lawrence is a beast on a normal day, but imagine what happens when he dawns an all black uniform.</p>
<p>Congratulations, Demarcus, on being Star No. 1 of Boise State's win over Fresno State.</p>
<p>Before we jump to the goat, take a look at all the highlights from yesterday's 20-10 victory.</p>
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<h3 align="center">The Goat: Bronco Stadium "Sound System"</h3>
<p>For those of you that have not been able to attend a game at Bronco Stadium this year, consider yourself lucky. Well, I guess not lucky per se, but lucky that you haven't had to experience the Bronco Stadium "Sound System".</p>
<p>Sure there were plenty of other goats that I could have chosen. Derek Carr wasn't exactly spectacular. We missed another field goal. Matt Miller only caught one pass. We suck in the red zone. Take your pick. But this sound system thing has been eating at me more and more every game. I've reached my breaking point.</p>
<p>The system actually consists of a few large speakers that look like something a high school DJ might use inside a gymnasium. In a gymnasium they probably sound great. In a giant stadium full of 35k+ screaming fans, not so much.</p>
<p>Not only is everything they say over the speakers completely inaudible, but what's up with the lack of sound effects? A few years ago we had someone adding sound effects on third down, or playing "Teach Me How To Dougie" when Doug Martin was being Doug Martin. This year - nothing. Granted Doug is gone, but couldn't we at least play Beez in the Trap when Lawrence gets a sack? Anything would be better than what we have now. I know there are plans to upgrade next year when the football complex is done, but it's an absolute train wreck in the interim.</p>
<h3 align="center">Your Turn</h3>
<p>Who were your stars, and who was your goat? Those of you who watched at home may have seen a goat that I missed, so clue me in. Anyone else stoked for the black out? Sound off!</p>
<p> </p>
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https://www.obnug.com/2012/10/14/3503114/three-stars-and-one-goat-of-boise-states-win-over-fresno-stateNate Peters2012-10-14T12:16:48-07:002012-10-14T12:16:48-07:00Game Thoughts: Fresno State Edition
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<p>It was another dominating performance by the Boise State defense, as they held the high powered spread attack of Fresno State at bay all afternoon. How did we fair? What did we do right? What did we do wrong? I have decent answers to those, and other questions. Lets get to it. </p> <p><b>Overall Impressions:</b></p>
<p>The defense is firing on all cylinders, I think that is pretty evident, but that does not remove room for improvement. We can get better in some aspects of the game. One thing I was most impressed with was our ability to get pressure on Derek Carr with only four defenders. Because of the amount of receivers on the field at any given time, it makes it very tough for us to blitz. Our front four responded by forcing Carr to leave the pocket on many occasions, and even sacking him twice. Credit goes to Derek Carr. He hung in there till the last second on many passes. I think other quarterbacks would have given in and and left the pocket, and the inexperienced quarterbacks would have been sacked a lot more.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our defensive backs mixed up their looks on the Fresno receivers. This was one of the keys to victory and the staff utilized it well. At times both outside receivers were getting press coverage, sometimes only one was getting pressed, other times our secondary was playing obvious zone, and there were times Dextrell Simmons or Sam Ukwuachu came out to jam the slot receiver. Those different looks made it tough for the Fresno State receivers to get into their routes and caused Derek Carr to constantly check down to his running back or a shallow crossing receiver.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Every coach stresses winning the turnover battle, and credit goes to our defense for making that happen. We missed one with Gavins, but Dextrell Simmons made a great play jumping the route for an interception and our defensive line forced the fumble on Derek Carr, too bad the offense couldn't cash that one in.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Offensively, one of the keys to the game was establishing the run. We got off to a sluggish start but eventually settled into a good running attack that rushed for over 200 yards (another key to victory). D.J. Harper ran very inspired and Jay Ajayi made play after play on third down when it mattered... Now we need to get our guys to realize that 3rd down in the red zone matters. We had an opportunity to get 14 points in the red zone, and we only got 6. Factor in the turnover by Carr deep in their own territory, and we had another opportunity for 7 more, and we missed. We may get lucky like this all year, but make no mistake, we will get Nevada's best game. I don't care who is playing quarterback for them, we will see their best. We cannot miss out on opportunities to put nail in team's coffins rather than letting them open that coffin a little bit at a time... We must finish teams when we can.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had some break downs of focus that led to us missing out on opportunities. We had a 2nd and short, that became a 2nd and 15. We cannot be committing stupid penalties. That disrupts our own momentum, and is a breeding ground for more dumb things to happen. The offensive play calling wasn't bad yesterday. I think the coaching staff found those creases in the Fresno State run defense and we took that to the bank. However, I still feel like we are holding back. I'm glad we got to see Jay Ajayi a little more, and I did like the Grant Hedrick trick play.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Points of emphasis for the team this week should be focus. That is the biggest issue right now. We need to be more disciplined. I think we had two false start penalties. False start penalties at any time are un-excusable, but to get two of them on our own field (which at times was so quiet one could hear a rat piss on cotton. We need the night games back), is outrageous. And it all comes down to focus. Red zone execution will need to get further attention as well. In order to stop underachieving on offense, we gotta put the ball in the end zone, especially when our defense is playing as well as they are.</p>
<p><b>How do I rate this victory? </b></p>
<p>Was Fresno State a powerhouse opponent? No. Is Fresno State a good team that is very capable of putting a ton of points on the board? Yes. Did Fresno State make some stupid decisions of their own? Yes. Did Fresno State suffer from a lack of focus when it mattered most? Yes. That is why focus is so crucial to winning games. Fresno State's defense locked down when it needed to, and Fresno had many chances to win that ball game, but for a variety of reasons, they didn't. Those reasons all stem from a lack of focus. We must be better. I hate to say this, but by rule, we are still in the hunt for a BCS game. If we win out, and finish in the top 16, we are in consideration for an at large. We may get Vegas again and that is fine, but regardless of bowl selection in December, we need to be playing a higher level of football. Another home game this week. Look for the keys to the game.</p>
https://www.obnug.com/2012/10/14/3502520/game-thoughts-fresno-state-editionhatemay2012-10-13T19:52:16-07:002012-10-13T19:52:16-07:00The top five plays from Boise State's win
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<figcaption>Otto Kitsinger III - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><b>1. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78299/joe-southwick">Joe Southwick's</a> touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134936/geraldo-boldewijn">Geraldo Boldewijn</a></b></p>
<p>The Broncos' first score of the game came on a well thrown ball to Boldewijn in the front corner of the end zone, easily Southwick's best throw of the day because of its length (across the field), accuracy (on his hands), and timeliness (red zone touchdown - huzzah!). If you are looking for a big play that led to this big play, how about Southwick's dump off to D.J. Harper, over a blitzing Bulldog, to pick up five yards on third and four two plays before the touchdown?</p>
<p><b>2. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15385/d-j-harper">D.J. Harper's</a> 28-yard touchdown run</b></p>
<p>Boise State fans like me - and maybe you - have developed a wary feeling any time the Broncos start a long march down the field toward the end zone. The feeling is wary because these drives often look good for 50 yards and then fizzle in a field goal. Until Harper's twisting, spinning score, this Bronco drive felt destined for disappointment, but not so. If you're bad at scoring in the red zone, go ahead and score from outsid ethe red zone. </p>
<p><b>3. Fresno State's roughing the passer penalty that nullified an interception</b></p>
<p>With the Broncos up a score early in the second quarter, Joe Southwick ducked for cover from Fresno pressure and threw a late pass over the middle that was easily intercepted. But Southwick's ducking made the contact on the quarterback look worse than it was, and out came a yellow flag and Boise State kept posession (the drive eventually ended in a field goal). </p>
<p>(Speaking of bad calls, the "uncatchable" ball that Southwick threw to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134958/dallas-burroughs">Dallas Burroughs</a> landed six inches in front of Dallas Burroughs. Fresno coach Tim DeRuyter must be the most </p>
<p><b>4. Fresno State's (first) goalline stand</b></p>
<p>This game had the feeling of a blowout, though the scoreboard never reflected as much. That was due to Boise State's two 19-yard field goals, the first forced by the Bulldogs after Boise State drove to the one-yard line with consecutive chances to punch it in. Super credit to the Fresno State defense for stopping <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134937/jay-ajayi">Jay Ajayi</a> twice in a row after not stopping him any times on the drive to that point.</p>
<p><b>5. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113028/bryan-douglas">Bryan Douglas</a>' third-down tackle</b></p>
<p>You thought I would go with a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161816/demarcus-lawrence">Demarcus Lawrence</a> sack here? Any of the tackles-for-loss by Mike Atkinson or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78307/ricky-tjong-a-tjoe">Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe</a>? <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134933/dextrell-simmons">Dextrell Simmons</a>' interception? Those are all good and deserving, but I thought Douglas' tackle was as huge or huger. Early in the fourth quarter with the Bulldogs trailing by 14, Fresno receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116707/victor-dean">Victor Dean</a> caught a 10-yard pass on third and 11, and were it not for Douglas' tackle, Dean would have had much more - and at least a first down instead of a punt. It wasn't Demarcus Lawrence-spectacular, but still.</p>
<h3>Your turn</h3>
<p>What did you think were the game's biggest plays? Share your thoughts in the comments.</p>
https://www.obnug.com/2012/10/13/3499924/the-top-five-plays-from-boise-states-win-over-fresno-stateKevan Lee2012-10-13T15:59:29-07:002012-10-13T15:59:29-07:00Defense destroys Fresno in 20-10 Boise State win
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<figcaption>Otto Kitsinger III - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Boise State defense, playing at its BYU level, completely crushed the previously high-powered Fresno State offense, limiting the Bulldogs to one late touchdown in a 20-10 win. Defensive line studs <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161816/demarcus-lawrence">Demarcus Lawrence</a>, Mike Atkinson, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78307/ricky-tjong-a-tjoe">Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe</a>, and Sam Ukwuachu pressured Fresno quarterback Derek Carr all afternoon, turning the Fresno offense into the - I don't know - Idaho offense? It looked bad and the opposite of explosive.</p>
<p>Points came courtesy of a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78299/joe-southwick">Joe Southwick</a> touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134936/geraldo-boldewijn">Geraldo Boldewijn</a>, a 28-yard touchdown run by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/15385/d-j-harper">D.J. Harper</a>, and two shorter-than-extra-point field goals by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134940/michael-frisina">Michael Frisina</a>. For the day, Harper had 122 yards rushing, and his yards combined with those of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134937/jay-ajayi">Jay Ajayi</a> topped 200. The Broncos outrushed Fresno State 215 to 56.</p>
<p>Next up for Boise State: UNLV, which lost 42-37 to Nevada today.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=322870068">Box score</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>It was over when ...</h3>
<p>Demarcus Lawrence got to Derek Carr for the third time, forcing a fumble that Mike Atkinson landed on. The Broncos failed to score, but the turnover came late in the fourth when the one thing Fresno couldn't do was turn the ball over.</p>
<h3>Box score MVP</h3>
<p>D.J. Harper's 122 yards and a touchdown were the difference in the Bronco win. Give a runner-up MVP to Jay Ajayi and his 91 yards. </p>
<h3>Gamblers Anonymous question</h3>
<p>Did Boise State cover? Yes, actually. The Broncos were seven-point favorites and won by 10. </p>
<h3>What to look forward to</h3>
<p>The Broncos host UNLV next week, and BSU will be wearing all black uniforms and playing in front of a blacked-out crowd (fashionably, not TV-wise). </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1550583/BoiseStateblackuniforms.jpeg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1550583/BoiseStateblackuniforms_medium.jpeg" class="photo" alt="Boisestateblackuniforms_medium"></a> <br id="1350169766811"></p>
https://www.obnug.com/2012/10/13/3499352/defense-destroys-fresno-state-in-20-10-boise-state-winKevan Lee