Like it… awesome! love to read just about anything about tech…

I ammm going to point out one question… IFFF they are returning 21 of 22 starters, how are both offensive tackles making their first start? Now, I hate football and everything it stands for(mainly the abuse of alcohol and the injuries that occur), but this doesnt seem right to me.

Only theory I have is that 20 of the starters will actually be starting, which I don’t support anyone that is second best especially if they use to be a starter.

Just a question to the .23 BAC’s on a Sunday that run this joint.

I think I was still somewhere in the vicinity of the legal limit when I wrote this.

The one starter who isn’t returning was the RG. They shuffled around the rest of the line to fill is spot and ended up with two starters at OT who haven’t started in that spot before.

BSU’s Line in the Fiesta Bowl:
LT – 73 Nate Potter 6-6 293 So
LG – 59 Will Lawrence 6-2 293 Jr.
C – 66 Thomas Byrd 5-11 284 So.
RG – 62 Kevin Sapien 6-4 286 Jr.
RT – 57 Garrett Pendergast 6-4 271 So

This is BSU’s line from Scouts.com as of June 23rd:
LT 75 Faraji Wright, 6-3, 284, Soph.
LG 73 Nate Potter, 6-6, 297, Jr.
C 66 Thomas Byrd, 5-11, 279, Jr.
RG 59 Will Lawrence, 6-2 300, Sr.
RT 64 Brenel Myers, 6-2, 267, Soph.

Nick Potter will to Guard to fill after Kevin Sapien (OG) who left the team due to injury. Garrett Pendergast (OT) broke his ankle during practice for the Fiesta bowl last year. He’s still on the roster but needs to do some work to make his way back up the depth chart after missing the entire off season.

So theoretically… it is possible to return 23 of 22 starters.

Well you’ve got special teams, power play lines, penalty kill specialists….. anything is possible.

Interesting thought as well, the two games that the Boise offense “struggled” in last year were against the top defenses that they faced, but also games that allowed the most time for preparation. The season-opener against Oregon and the bowl game against TCU. Both teams had a month, or more to prepart for Kellen Moore and the Broncos.

Could aid Bud Foster even more heading into the season-opener.

Yea, that’s a great point. Everybody was saying it’s a terrible choice to play them first because they have all off season to prepare and put wrinkles in their offense but it looks like the exact opposite. Any time a defense has some time to prepare they get a good grasp of how to shut them down. BSU’s offense isn’t the trick play machine people make them out to be. They just happened to pull them out when people are actually watching.

I’ll take a look if the same thing on the defensive side of the ball too. They were both low scoring affairs so it should be interesting to look at when BSU’s defense was at their best and worst. Not to mention special teams, they’ve got quite a few kick off returns for TD’s on their resume.

Of the Fiesta Bowl starters, the only one not returning is CB Kyle Wilson. The other major senior Boise State lost was FB Richie Brockel. The reason we will be starting 2 new tackles is because one of our other linemen, Cory Yriarte, not a started at season’s end, “retired” due to nagging neck injuries. This coupled with talented guys coming off of redshirt caused the coaching staff to reshuffle the O-line.

Dave,

You are right that Kyle Wilson did graduate and I believe is still holding out from the Jets. Although, from my sources, Cory Yriarte is returning this year and will be backing up Nate Porter at Left Guard. You’re right in the fact that Cory wasn’t a starter at the end of 2009 because he didn’t play at all last year due to a torn ACL. Kevin Sapien is the non-returning offensive linemen because of neck injuries.

I hope they are talented, because two Sophomore Tackles is never a good sign going into a game against a Bud Foster defense.

Lets make it clear, it wasn’t our choice to play them the first game of the season. ESPN came a calling and wanted us to play in the Labor Day slot. We of course accepted.

If I had my choice I would like to play them a few games in, for the sole reason to gain defensive experience. But the Labor Day time slot has its advantages too, national TV audience and the only game being played in the time slot. Both should pay dividends down the road.

I think you are right, it was Sapien (I was working from memory there).

As for the 2 tackles starting for the first time, who do you have listed? If Brenel Myers is one of them, he actually got his first start in the Fiesta Bowl lined up against Jerry Hughes. Did very well also.

Anyway, I’m much more concerned about out run blocking than our pass protection. (5 sacks allowed last year).

REALLY looking forward to the game! VT is a great program.

Yea, I’ve got Myers listed at the top of the depth chart. That’s a great start for him then. Can’t beat bowl caliber football to start the season, we’ve been tailgating since we recovered from July 4th weekend.

Good read and some good analysis there. Can’t wait for this game! Good luck to you VT peeps! One thing about your table of Bronco Offense is that you have a lot of stats wrong. Not that your point isn’t correct, Oregon and TCU being the toughest defenses and our lowest offensive output, that is very true, but the numbers are incorrect and it looks to be on purpose.

My other comment is in regards to your statement about the abysmal defenses not being close to what we will face. In general that is true but look at what we were able to do vs. TCU and Mr. Hughes, the All-American DE. We didn’t light up the scoreboard but we didn’t have to either because we can win a game scoring 17 (not 10) points, contrary to what many people think about our team. We are not a one-dimensional team and when something isn’t working right, Coach Pete makes good adjustments and always has a way to change things up and catch someone sleeping. Our defense is also pretty solid holding Oregon and TCU well under their respective offensive averages. Football season can’t come soon enough! GO BRONCOS!

Bronco offense wilted against good defenses? Did you watch either of the games?

In the Oregon game, the offense was plagued with center-to-quarterback exchange issues which kept killing drives. Boise State left at least 11 points off the board that game due to slopiness (totally exceptable for the team that was the youngest in the nation last year). Oregon didn’t get their first first down until seven minutes into the 3rd quarter. Also, Boise State scored 19 points against Oregon, not 17 as you have listed.

In the TCU game, Boise State was without the use of Austin Pettis, hampering the passing game. The running game suffered because of it. That’s the pitfalls of the Pro Style offense. Use the pass to set up the run.

However, Boise State rolled up more yards on TCU’s #1 defense than anyone else did all year, including Virginia, Clemson, BYU and Utah. Utah was the only team to score more points against TCU than Boise State.

Also forgot, Boise State scored 17 against TCU, not the 10 you have listed.

Nevermind, I see you are being selective as to which points count against defenses. Supposedly FGs count, but not 2-point conversions. And I guess I wont argue the pick sixes.

I’m just being picky here, but I can’t figure out where you get the numbers for points scored. The actual points scored are as follows:
Oregon – 19
Miami – 48
Fresno – 51
Bowling Green – 49
UC Davis – 34
Tulsa – 28
Hawaii – 54
San Jose – 45
La Tech – 45
Utah State – 52
UI – 63
Nevada – 44
New Mexico – 42
TCU – 17

Man, I’m going to cancel my trip to DC. After reading this I have no doubt you’ll beat us by 50.

:(

When Posting stats, please get them right, BSU scored 19 points against Oregon and 17 against TCU and in the TCU game Pettis only had one catch because he broke his ankle in late November and was not 100%, playing less than 1/4 of the offensive snaps. His presence was really missed.

With that said you are right that BSU doesn’t put up 40+ points against top 15 teams, but averaging 18 points against top 11 teams isn’t too shabby, especially when one is ranked the #1 defense in the country.

By the way 17 points scored against TCU third most of the season and 27% higher than the season average. Additionally the 317 yard of offense against TCU was the most given up all season (only one other time did someone break 300) 85 more yards and 27 % more than their season average.

The more I read about this game, the more confident I feel. Boise is due for a slip-up. Tech craps the bed in the big games, and with the way our offense is coming together and our bowl victories, our team is ready to win the big game. This game is very similar to USC in 04: we were breaking in new defensive players and playing a high calibur team. Boise is no 04 USC. I still think we should have won the USC game because of those obvious WRONG calls on the field. THe difference this year is we have the playmakers on offense. We just can’t miss tackles like we did with ECU the other year in the opener. I feel great about this defense. I think our DE position has not dropped much losing Worilds—-I think our secondary will be one of the best EVER with talent and chemistry

http://www.cbssports.com/video/player/play/collegefootball/zUS1XEZOXGXHKNSTulfOlEAqyzAVxGZN.

and be sure to read this for a true look at Boise..

http://techtriumph.com/

Yeah, the defense also completely shut down Oregon’s offense that was supposedly unstoppable, (no first downs until half way through the 3rd quarter) and held TCU’s vaunted offense to one third down conversion and 36 yards rushing. Overlook that side of the ball at your peril, Hokie Fan. Oh, I forgot, Oregon just wasn’t up for the game, and neither was TCU.

You also left out the fact the the first string offense only played about 2 1/2 to 3 quarters in a lot of those games. Kellen’s stats would have been even more sick if he was playing the whole game.

Virginia Tech has never played a team like Boise State. The Broncos are not one dimensional, but can open the field like no other team that has played football.
Moore is the real deal, just ask Jerry Hughes of TCU.
Should be a great game, will be in the stands with my Blue & Orange,
by the way thanks for scheduling this game.

Should be a good one!!!!!!!!!!!

That’s true, but Oregon and TCU also had time to prepare. Is there something about Bud Foster that makes him especially good at preparing for games?

plus its gonna be in 3D!!!

BSU’s depth chart posted here:
http://www.obnug.com/2010/8/4/1570940/boise-states-pre-fall-depth-chart

shows a Joe Kellogg (6-2 304 So.) as the starting Center over Byrd.

I didn’t count any points that were scored on defense or kick returns.

Something that gets lost in stats is close game scores, I’ll make a major point first then expand on it.
Boise State won those games!
Coach Pete plays to win and plays smart so what you see in those scores is his respect for the talent he’s facing, playing to his strengths while doing what it takes to win, in other words he plays it close to the vest and plays the game he needs to play to win.
If you didn’t see the Opener against Oregon then one you missed a very important stat Oregon didn’t get its first first down until middle of the 3rd qt, as well Boise missed 2 close in field goals and turned to the ball over 2 twice in the red zone,least we for get the safty.
In other words what you all continually fail to talk about is just how good Boise States D is. Their d-line might just be the best in all of college football and folks it’s 8 deep.
This should be a great game but tech fans, you are either going to see a very close game inwhich you lose, or a blow out inwhich you lose. I’m hoping for the former instead of the later hate to see your guys loss hope and coke out throughout the season, hurts Boise States schedule thingy ;)

I’ll be there along with a whole lot more of Bronco Nation then you folks are expecting .

I agree entirely, I’d say that they are much more balanced then people think. They are pretty unique but I don’t think you can say VT hasn’t faced a team like them. We played USC (2004), LSU (2007) and Alabama (2009) in years that they went undefeated and won national championships.

Looking forward to it, I don’t think I need to tell you what colors I’ll be wearing.

I’ll be doing a look at Boise’s defense later this month, I have no doubt that they are as talented on that side of the ball as they are on offense.

I should have made it more clear but I was looking at their offensive production only, so I disregarded any points scored on kick returns or defense.

Pleaseeee dont call him coach Pete… Cause if he was as good as anyone besides you fans to know his name, he would be called coach SEC

Then they are continuing to not talk about how terrible boise’s special teams are… dont use that as a plus for Boise please?

lol blogdorkaments

i hate that i laughed at this comment… i owe you a bear fight

Do you think 17 points will be enough to beat the Hokies on Labor Day?

Make that 4 FSU in 1999, it was the national championship game. Im not sure the Potatoes were watching major college football at that time.

Other than TCU, Boise State played teams equivalent to above average Texas High School teams. Oregon while ending the year solid, minus the Rose Bowl, the team did not come together until later in the season. How many games had Chip Kelly coached going into that game last year? Not very many
Boise was able to take advantage of poor coaching and execution. I can promise you this year in DC, Boise will need to find another way to get it done.

yes

“like no other team that has played football”? Oh, please…

I read the article and comments. One thing the article said was Bud would put in a plan to rattle and pressure Kellen Moore. Other teams have tried this will little success. He is a very poised and experienced quarterback. Whereever the pressure comes from he will deal with it. He is the John Stockton of football. They used to say John knew better when to pass, when to dribble and when to shoot better than anyone else in basketball. He may be the best quarterback ever to know exactly where to step, exactly when to throw and exactly where to throw. He is very hard to sack. He will throw the ball away rather than throw it into an interception. He is just as good at finding the open receiver on the third or fourth option as the first option. He can roll out and throw it very accurately. He has a very quick release which make him hard to sack and can throw it very accurately. He can read defenses and knows as much about being a quarterback as probably most of the NFL quarterbacks because he has beens studying and practicing since he was a little kid. He is obsessed with football and improving as a quarterback. There is nothing VT can throw at him that he can’t handle. That doesn’t mean Boise State wins the game or that they cannot slow Moore down.

do you give him free bjs after the game too?

Kellen, I’m honored that you’ve taken the time to read my blog and comment on it but it’s really not cool to post under another name. You could at least come up with a more original name then George Johnson.

Thanks for the info… I was starting to truly respect both teams fans and the “positive” debate both ways, but the quality of the debate is beginning to fall off towards more smack talk than productivity… I do agree that this game will be a good one (obviously) and both teams are up for a strong challenge… I have watched games from both schools this past season, and would have to say that I believe BSU was more rounded, although it is a slim margin… VT is very dangerous, and the humidity, fan availability and lack of travel time will be a great advantage… BSU will also have a big question mark with a new Defensive Coordinator (former coach Justin Wilcox was the mastermind behind the Fiesta Bowl defense)… they are, however, excellent at game preperation also, especially when given time to study the opposition… If they handle VT, the question marks of strength of schedule vs. the two teams should not matter because they are both starting on equal ground…

I am just a fan. I have watched Kellen Moore since high school. When he was in high school I said he would be one of the best college quarterbacks in the country before he was through. He has done that and still has two years of college left. He broke one freshman all time NCAA record for a quarterback and last year as a sophmore he broke another one (completions to interceptions. He did not get heavily recruited because of his size and some said he was a product of his dad’s system. (His dad was his high school coach. He has a shot at playing on Sunday’s if he keeps improving. The main obstacle is his size 6 ft 187 lbs. He also does not have a cannon for an arm. He can throw it hard but not like a Bledsoe or Elway.

Please disregard some the unnecessary and cocky comments by some of the bsu fans, I love my team but am also a realist, if we win it will be close. If there’s a blow out I do not think it will be in our favor. The amount of hype we are getting will only hurt us, we aren’t used to being favored and I always prefer to be the underdog. But both are exceptional teams and I do agree that this will be a different style of team than were used to with INCREDIBLE talent. Our one strong point is experience, and we will need it to overcome our lack of athleticism in comparison, and yes your hokies are a much more athletically talented group, not to say we don’t have talent, it’s just never been our strong point when compared to teams of this caliber. I’m extremely excited and nervous to say the least! Hope it’s a great game.

i think I’ll have to get this game, it looks niiiice!