Bryan Albin’s College Football Preview

My 2nd ranked team in my preseason top 25 comes from the WAC, and no, I’m not talking about San Jose State.

2. BOISE STATE BRONCOS

2009-      Great things happened on the smurf turf a year ago, as Boise State opened at home against #6 Oregon. Boise State dominated Oregon 19-8, but that game ended up being remembered more for LeGarrette Blount’s infamous postgame punch. From then on, the only real test Boise faced was a tough 28-21 win over Tulsa. After a 12-0 season, Boise had a Fiesta Bowl matchup with TCU. Just like in the Oregon game, Boise State played stifling defense and denied TCU the ability to run the football. After turning 2 interceptions into 14 points, Boise State was able to in 17-10 and are rolling into 2010 with as much momentum as any team in the Country.

Offense- There are not many teams that can claim they return every starter on offense from a team that went 13-0 and won the Fiesta Bowl. Boise State can do just that this year. Last year’s offense averaged 42.2 points per game and ought to be even more explosive this year. Jr. QB Kellen Moore threw for over 3,500 yards with 39 TD’s and 3 INT’s, which is why many believe he is a Heisman candidate this year. With his top targets, Titus Young and Austin Pettis, back for the 2010 season, Moore should be able to put up similar numbers, if not better to what he did a year ago. RB Jeremy Avery ran for nearly 1,200 yards last year and he is poised to have another strong year. The only teams that may be able to challenge the Boise offense are Virginia Tech and Oregon State, which is why Boise is probably thrilled to play these teams early in the season, because its offense should be clicking from the get go.

Defense- Boise State’s defense was great when it had to be last year, but it showed plenty of moments of weakness. In games against Fresno State and Nevada the defense allowed 30+ points, but luckily for the Broncos the offense was good enough to overcome those performances. The only starter missing from last years defense is CB Kyle Wilson, who is now with the New York Jets, but the secondary should be very strong still, as Brand Thompson returns after picking off 6 passes a year ago. DE Ryan Winterswyk gives the defense a legitimate pass rusher off the edge, which should help force opposing quarterbacks into bad throws that guys like Thompson can pick off. As long as Boise’s defense maintains its ability to step up in big games, which I believe it will, Boise should be in prime position for another undefeated season.

Schedule- On Labor Day night, the season will kick off with a bang as Boise State plays Virginia Tech in Washington D.C. This could be the game to springboard Boise State to its first BCS National Title appearance. However, another tough test is looming a couple weeks later when Oregon State visits Bronco stadium. Other than that I really don’t think that Boise State has much to worry about in WAC play. Nevada could provide a test if the defense spaces out and Fresno State always seems to find a way to give Boise State a challenge.

Prediction- Boise State, just like last year, will come out ready to go and prove its ability with a win over Virginia Tech in what is virtually a road game. Then, after a win over Wyoming, Boise will have its last chance to impress the nation for a while when it faces Jacquizz Rodgers and Oregon State. Rodgers, a Heisman candidate, is going to realize how tough it is to run against the Broncos and Boise State will roll to an easy victory. After that, no team in the WAC will even challenge the Broncos and they will finish 12-0. Due to their success last year, with only one other undefeated team in the Country, Boise State will finally get its shot to play for the National Championship against my #1 team.