To the casual sports fan, Boise State's win over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl was a nice story and an excellent game. To college football fans it meant a new attitude towards the elite teams in non-BCS conferences. To Boise State it meant redemption for football's recent most successful program and some new clout on the national football landscape. Boise State used to play everyday of the week just to get their blue turf on any ESPN channel the tables have turned somewhat on that In terms of the national polls Boise State's eminent run through the WAC will no longer be viewed with skepticism so while this year's team isn't as good and won't be as special as last year's. They should carry more respect through the season and should forge an annual spot in the top 25.
Projected Record and Bowl Result: 12-1 Beat Virginia in MPC Computers Bowl
Who they'll beat: Weber State (Home), Washington (Road), Wyoming (Home), Southern Miss (Home), New Mexico State (Home), Nevada (Home), Louisiana Tech (Road), Fresno State (Road), San Jose State (Home), Utah State (Road), Idaho (Home), Virginia (Boise, ID)
Who'll beat them: Hawaii (Road)
When they Pass: The irony about the 2007 Broncos is that losses of personnel may take away a lot of the wide open passing offense that caught everyone's attention January 1. There is no clear cut replacement yet for Jared Zabransky but senior Taylor Tharp appears to be the favorite. No starters or seniors return at wide receiver either. Whoever leads the offense should get plenty of time to throw the ball from First Round prospect Ryan Clady and four returning starters on the offensive line.
When they Run: Well no one will be asking "Ian who?" this season. The newlywed will be a Heisman candidate all season long and his touchdown numbers will backup his household name. Perhaps Ian and Chrissy Johnson can renew their vows at the Yale Club in New York City.
When their Opponents Run: The Broncos could be vulnerable up the middle replacing starters at defensive tackle and middle linebacker. Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox emphasizes stopping the run first so whoever does fill in should be ready by the start of the season.
When their Opponents Pass: In the pass happy WAC, the Broncos are primed for success. Defensive ends Nick Schlekeway and Mike T. Williams are the WAC's best and both cornerbacks return
When they Kick: Redshirt Freshman Kyle Brotzman takes over the kicking duties and possibly the punting duties if no clearcut candidate emerges.
When they call Timeout: While Dan Hawkins built this program and the team that beat Oklahoma on January 1, Chris Peterson coached it to its biggest victory. Peterson seems like the type who recognizes the good thing he has in Boise and won't be taking his trick plays to the Pac Ten where there is so less to gain and so more to lose. And now that the Broncos are America's college football team, where else is more prestigious to go?
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