The 2008 Boise State football campaign may prove to be a blessing in disguise. There is much anticipation about who will take the reins of the Bronco offense this season, and what the possible outcomes may be.
Let's begin with the only senior signal caller: Bush Hamdan.
Hamdan will definitely be the leader as far as knowledge of the Boise State offense. However, he has a severe downside—he only has one year to play. He has shown poise and moxie in the pocket, and also the ability to scramble when needed.
Hamdan has shown that his arm strength is sufficient, and he rarely makes mistakes. However, he rarely plays too. He is small in stature compared to most highly ranked quarterbacks, weighing in at 195 pounds and standing at 6'0". That does not help his cause.
Last year, the Broncos were in the same situation regarding the QB position, and they were able to scrape together 10 wins. Ironically, 10 wins was still a disappointment in most Boise State fans' eyes, and probably the coaches' too—though they may not admit it.
What does Boise State gain from starting a senior? Nothing.
Junior Nick Today's Must Reads
Lomax follows in the steps of his father Neil, who was a starting QB for the Phoenix Cardinals. Lomax was the talk of the town his freshman year, mainly because of his name and size. Boise State fans are not given many opportunities to see the play of those deep on the depth chart, especially at quarterback.
Lomax has had accuracy problems, coupled with some poor decision-making in spring ball. Can he pull it together during a big game?
Sophomore Mike Coughlin, highly touted out of the San Diego area, was seen by some as the savior. He seemed to have some of the qualities of Jared Zabransky, as far as speed in a spread offense. He has a strong arm and is an overall good athlete. He too has struggled at times with his accuracy.
He is almost in the same position Zabransky was when he started—the sophomore versus the senior. Coughlin may make an interesting choice for the beginning of the season, but he is unlikely to start.
The sleeper quarterback is hardly a sleeper. Redshirt freshman Kellen Moore has all of the intangibles a successful quarterback possesses. He has passion, intelligence, poise, accuracy, and oh yes, some flashiness.
One of the top high school quarterbacks the state of Washington has ever produced, Kellen Moore arrived in Boise as just another face. Upon his arrival in the Gem State, Moore studied for countless hours trying to learn the Bronco offense.
The complexities of multiple motions and different packages have not made for a simple transition for the Prosser native—but you wouldn't know that by watching him in spring ball!
This kid has the potential to be the real deal in Boise. He had an outstanding spring and is in line to produce for the Broncos. He stands at 6'1" and 190 lbs, and though he's not 6'7" like Lomax, he has accuracy. He throws a lefty spiral that is breathtaking.
Moore is the smart choice for the 2008 season and beyond at Boise State.
comments (7) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Good work, now write me another. Chop, chop!!
Sis
about 1 month ago
I would be totally fine with Moore getting the nod...we're in a "rebuilding" year anyway and grooming this kid for what appear to be phenomenal 2009 and 2010 teams would be excellent.
from about 1 month ago
I agree. I understand last year's decision to go with Tharp because we were full of seniors. We all knew it was just a "year to get by." In a rebuilding phase, start fresh, with players that will grow together and learn each others tendencies. I dont think its out of line to say Boise State could still win 10 games this year with a freshman quarterback.
about 1 month ago
The big test for Moore, if Moore gets the nod, which in my opion is about 80%-90% likely, will be the Oregon game. I think win or lose, if Moore can show pose and not cave in under the pressure of a good Pac 10 defense we could be looking at a new Golden Age for the Broncos for the next four years.
Now that it looks like BSU will have a quaterback with an IQ higher then Forrest Gump look for changes.
With the depth of running backs, wide receivers, and and other offensive weapon in the wings i.e. Chris Potter, look for Boise State to return to the pre Zabranski days of 5-6 personel changes every play, lots of odd formations and keeping the defense on their heels. I think Moore, when he proves himself, will be given the option to audible and will be a strong team leader in the hundle, something they have lacked with the ego centered quaterback that had been our leader in the past.
This year might not be a pretty as everyone in the world of blue and orange wishes it would be, with all the young kids on offense line and skill positions, only a fool would think that way, but however this season turns out offensively, the best is yet to come for BSU.
about 1 month ago
Moore was only "just another face" when he arrived, only if you were one of those "bandwagoners". The "live and die" with Boise State crowd eagerly followed Moore through recruiting and into his redshirt season. We even noticed the irony of the Washington game (in which he watched Jake Locker defeat Boise...the same Jake Locker that defeated Moore's HS football team in the state championship). Moore should not come as a surprise to BSU football fans.
about 1 month ago
Tooda, thats a good point. You and I both know there are a lot of bandwagoners here, and that is exactly who I was refering to. I followed Kellen through his senior year, and I was there at signing day. I knew Moore was promising, but in all reality, most Boise State "fans" will have no idea who he is come August 30.
9 days ago
I like the article
Andre' B., 9 yrs old
=)
write a new comment