2008 Boise State Football Predictions

The Broncos soft schedule sets them up for a run at a BCS bowl. If they can win at Oregon in their third game of the season, they could run the regular season table just like Hawaii did last year. The WAC title could be decided in the last game of the regular season when Fresno State comes knocking. Find out how Jimmy Boyd likes the upcoming season to shake out for Boise in his 2008 Boise State Broncos predictions and season preview. Boise State is listed at 100-1 odds to win the BCS Championship Game at BodogLife.com.

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Offense

Boise State always puts a lot of points on the board. In fact, they ranked 4th nationally with a 42.4 points per game average in 2007. This year the offense could be even better with tons of offensive weapons at head coach Chris Petersen's disposal. If the offense doesn't live up to expectations, it will be because the line sent four players into NFL camps. Several new players will be asked to step right in and contribute with veteran starter Andrew Woodruff acting as the glue at left guard. The QB spot is also up for grabs with promising freshman Kellen Moore and senior Bush Hamdan competing for the starting job. The rest of the offense is stacked with playmakers. Wide receiver Jeremy Childs is coming off a school-record 82 catch season. Receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young combine to catch 90 balls. Vinny Perretta will return to his starting role after shoulder surgery and Julian Hawkins provides more depth. Tight end/fullback Richie Brockel is a short yardage threat and tight Chris O'Neill is a mid-range target. Senior tailback Ian Johnson is a touchdown scoring machine. He leads all current Football Bowl Subdivision players in rushing touchdowns (45) and totals touchdowns (46). He is second in rushing yards with 3,418.

Defense

Coordinator Justin Wilcox wants more physical plays from his unit and he believes it all starts with the linebackers. Kyle Gingg will play the weak side with Derrell Acrey taking the middle and Tim Brady taking the strong side. Senior Mike T. Williams and sophomore Ryan Winterswyk will play the ends. The two combined for 11.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss a season ago. Third-year starting corner and All-WAC second-teamer Kyle Watson leads a young secondary. If the defense can stand tough against the run and make more big plays, a WAC title is well within reach.

Special Teams

Kicker Kyle Brotzman was a Lou Groza Award finalist as a freshman, hitting 16 of 18 field goal attempts. He has 50-plus range. Brotzman has also shown that he is effective with the rollout punt, averaging 44.5 yards per boot. If Brad Elkin struggles, Brotzman will be handling both duties.

Prediction – 2nd WAC

There's no doubt that Boise State has a team capable of running the table, especially with the way their schedule sets up, but they are not a better team than a Fresno State team which returns 10 offensive starters. I think Fresno wins the WAC and that puts Boise State right behind the Bulldogs, still ahead of rivals Hawaii.

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July 25th, 2008