Boise State Football: 5 Things We Learned from the Spring Game

The annual Blue and Orange Spring game was no doubt the most anticipated spring contest in Bronco Nation history.

That revealed itself on Saturday when a record crowd of more than 17,000 found its way into Bronco stadium to get a glimpse at the 2012 squad. The atmosphere was upbeat, and optimism was out in full force.

As the team lined up for the game, it became obvious early that the optimism in the bleachers was well-founded.

Sure, there were a few missteps, dropped balls and missed tackles, but overall it looked like Coach Petersen has the ingredients for another special season.

As the game transpired, there were several plays and players that stood out. We learned a lot about the Broncos on Saturday, and we learned a lot about position battles.

Let's take a look at the five things we certainly learned from the Boise State spring game.

1. You Got to Be Kidding Me!

"You got to be kidding me!"

That was overheard just after the first extra point of the scrimmage hit the left upright and bounced backward into the end zone.

With all the troubles surrounding Boise State's kicking game the last few seasons, you would think the problem would be well on its way to being solved—it is not.

The kicking troubles revealed themselves on Saturday, but not just in the area of field goals and extra points. There were a few blocked punts and several punts that floundered or flew off the side of the foot of Trevor Harman.

However, expect Harman to work out the issues by fall. Let's just hope the field goal guys can do the same thing.

It had to be frustrating for fans to see the kicking troubles once again, and the gasp from the crowd after that first missed extra point and subsequent comments bouncing around the stadium made that obvious.

That reaction alone should be enough motivation for any kicker that wants to win the starting job for the Broncos.

It is certainly not a job for the faint of heart or the thin of skin.

2. The Defense Still Has Some Shining Stars

If the first play of the Blue and Orange Spring game is any indication of the condition of the defense, then it is safe to say the defense is in good shape for the Broncos.

On that first play Joe Southwick dropped back to pass, but defensive tackle Michael Atkinson made sure that pass wasn't going anywhere.

Atkinson batted the pass down, and the scrimmage was underway.

Throughout the contest, several defensive players made their mark. Atkinson was certainly one of those, but he was not alone.

Junior college transfer Demarcus Lawrence showed his promise on Saturday. He was a force to be reckoned with and finished the game with five tackles. Four of those were solo, with one going for a three-yard loss.

Sam Ukwuachu looked good as well. He piled up four tackles of his own and an impressive sack. Darren Koontz also had a sack along with three tackles.

Blake Renaud played a solid game at linebacker. He showed everyone that he has some pretty good hands when he intercepted a pass thrown by Grant Hedrick during the contest.

Jeremy Ioane played a great game. He had the Broncos' other interception when Chris Potter tried his arm at quarterback on a trick play. The only trick that worked was when Ioane had to find a way to stay in bounds with his interception—and he did.

Other notables were newcomer and former professional baseball player Hilton Richardson, who certainly showed his potential. Linebackers Tyler Gray, Dustin Kamper, Travis Saxton and J.C. Percy all looked good as well. It is safe to say that this year's group of linebackers has some serious talent.

The secondary looked sharp, but there were a few occasions when receivers got behind the coverage. This is what killed the Broncos last season against TCU, and you know the coaching staff will be working on that.

Overall, the defense looks like it will be better than some expect. They may not have won the scrimmage, but they gave the offense all they could handle. They look like they will do the same for opposing teams in 2012.

3. The Boise State Running Game Needs Some Help

Three running backs dressed for the Blue and Orange game, but only two competed.

D.J. Harper suited, but did not play. That was a great decision by Coach Petersen. Harper is clearly the starter, but the real battle will be for who his backup will be.

It was wise not to risk Harper's health and to get a look at a couple guys who need to step up.

Drew Wright is clearly the second running back at this time. He looked good at times on Saturday. He looks like he has bulked up a little from last season, and his leg strength was obvious.

Wright ended the day with 10 carries for 32 yards, but one of those runs was an impressive 11-yard touchdown run that he broke outside on the first drive of the scrimmage.

Phillip Hogan had 11 carries for 10 yards. He did have a touchdown, but he had a hard time all day getting anywhere.

Petersen will certainly be hoping that Jay Ajayi is able to heal up from his knee injury in time to make a difference this fall. Ajayi is a very talented back, and he will be needed come fall.

Jack Fields and Devan Demas will arrive as true freshman this fall. One or both of those guys will probably be on the active roster.

Harper and Wright will be a good one-two punch, but backups are going to be desperately needed in 2012. Look for the Broncos to work overtime to make sure this happens.

Who knows? Coach Petersen may try some current defensive players in the offensive backfield.

4. The Offense Will Be More Wide Open

Fans at the game were happy to see some creative play-calling on Saturday. There was even a trick play.

Of course, that trick play failed, but the Broncos have time to get their shenanigan mojo back before the season starts.

Overall, the play-calling during the scrimmage opened up the offense and stretched the field.

The Broncos utilized the mobility of their quarterbacks and a number of outstanding receivers to keep the defense guessing.

This may be the strength of the Bronco offense in 2012. With a large number of talented receivers and quarterbacks that can scramble and dart, look for Boise State to cause serious problems for conventional defenses.

Dallas Burroughs has serious speed, and he looked good Saturday. Geraldo Boldewijn showed his speed as well. However, there were a couple of times it looked like he cut his pattern short or ran a bit off course, putting him out of position to make a couple big plays.

Drew Wright showed that he has value catching the ball. He had four grabs for 16 yards out of the backfield.

Chris Potter did what Chris Potter does and pulled down three passes for 39 yards. Kirby Moore looked good as did Matt Miller, Holden Huff, Troy Ware and tight end Chandler Koch.

The talent of this receiving corps will be the foundation of the offense in 2012.

5. The Quarterback Competition Has a Leader

Many fans came to Bronco Stadium Saturday to see the early results of the 2012 quarterback competition. On the minds of most was how the young guy Nick Patti was doing. There is a lot of buzz this spring about Patti, and fans were anxious to see him play.

However, many of those same fans left the stadium Saturday realizing that Joe Southwick may be much better than they thought.

On the opening drive of the game, Southwick took command of the offense and led the Broncos down the field 76 yards for a touchdown.

On that drive, Southwick threw the ball six times with five completions and 38 yards. He looked like a leader and certainly showed his veteran stripes.

It was also Southwick that led the BSU offense on the game-winning drive. He capped it off with a touchdown pass to Chris Potter, giving the offense a victory over the defense, 22-19.

Overall Southwick went 14-for-19 with 145 yards and one touchdown. He showed the fans, coaches and most importantly his fellow players that he is worthy to lead and that he could come through in the clutch.

You really couldn't have scripted it much better for the junior, and it certainly proves that he is the guy to beat.

The young Mr. Nick Patti had his own shining moments. He proved that he can scramble and that he is fast—very fast.

He also proved that he has a great arm and good touch. Patti threw a perfect touchdown pass to Troy Ware in the corner of the end zone.

Patti's performance gives Bronco fans a lot to look forward to from this guy. As soon as he learns the offense and gets some experience under his belt, he looks like he could be something special.

Southwick and Patti separated themselves from the other two quarterbacks on the BSU roster Saturday.

Southwick is clearly the leader, and by the way he played, those in Bronco Nation left the game feeling much better about their quarterback situation.

Overall, the scrimmage revealed some weak spots, but more than anything it proved that BSU has a good team with tons of potential.

It will be an exciting year for the Broncos and their fans.