Boise State Football: 10 Reasonable Goals for the 2012 Season

The Boise State Broncos will spend one last year in the Mountain West Conference, and you know they would like to go out on top.

However, there will be some significant challenges this season. Most people know that the Broncos have a lot of rebuilding to do in 2012.

It won't be an easy task, but if anyone is up to it, it is certainly Coach Petersen.

Look for the outstanding coach to set his team's goals high once again, and expect nothing less than achieving them.

Let's look at 10 reasonable goals for the Broncos in 2012.

Good Pass Coverage

Last year the collapse of the Broncos' secondary was most responsible for that painful loss to TCU.

The Horned Frogs exploited the injury decimated defensive backfield and lit up the blue turf of Bronco Stadium.

However, in 2012, you can expect that secondary to be much improved.

Jamar Taylor returns, as does Lee Hightower. Ebenezer Makinde and Jerrell Gavins will also be back. These four along with several others should produce what 2011 did not—excellent pass coverage.

Solid Special Teams

Jeff Choate was a great special teams coach for BSU. However, he has since departed for the staff at Washington State.

In his place Coach Petersen promoted Scott Huff, the tight ends and fullbacks coach. Huff's energy and passion will translate to another good year for the Broncos' special teams.

In fact, with the new young talent looking to make their mark for the Broncos, the special teams could be even more special in 2012.

A Solid Kicker

Bronco fans don't even like the word "kicker" anymore. It has been a very sensitive subject around Boise for the last two years.

However, there are going to be some quality kickers on the roster this year, and you can expect the competition to produce a good one.

Dan Goodale, Jake Van Ginkel, Michael Frisina and Sean Wale will all be competing for the job. Goodale will be looking to mature and become a more consistent kicker, as will Van Ginkel.

Look for Sean Wale to get an early look in the fall, and if he comes in ready, he could win the spot.

Bronco fans can expect a kicker with the ability to make those late kicks in 2012.

A Very Good Quarterback

It will be hard to replace Kellen Moore. Of course, that is no mystery, and Bronco fans are nervous.

However, fans can relax because there are four excellent possibilities and the competition will only help to bring the best out of each.

Look for Joe Southwick and Nick Patti to battle it out for the No. 1 spot, and either one of these guys will do a fantastic job.

Patti is an incredible talent, but Southwick knows the offense. Either way, you know that Coach Petersen will pick the guy that gives BSU the best chance at winning.

A 1000-Yard Rusher

In 2011 D.J. Harper ran for 557 yards as Doug Martin's backup. Martin went on to roll up 1299 yards on the ground.

Look for Harper to have Martin-like numbers in 2012. He should be able to eclipse the thousand-yard mark by the end of the season. He may even out-gain Martin when it is all said and done.

If he can stay healthy, Harper will have a great year. However, with depth an issue at running back, it will be a challenge.

A Very Potent Offense

With a new offensive coordinator in place and losing so many amazing players from last year's squad, some might assume the Bronco offense will be anemic at best.

However, that simply isn't true. Robert Prince will be the offensive coordinator this season, and you can expect him to pull out all the stops.

The Broncos will have a good running back in D.J. Harper and a solid backup in Drew Wright. They will also have newcomers Devan Demas and Jack Fields. This group of running backs has the potential to gain some serious yardage.

The strength of the offense will be the receiving core. Matt Miller, Kirby Moore, Geraldo Boldewijn, Chris Potter, Troy Ware, Mitch and Dallas Burroughs and Aaron Burks will bring experience and maturity to the 2012 team.

No matter who wins the quarterback job, they will have a lot to work with.

Another Opening Day Win

In 2009 it was a win against Oregon at home 19-8. In 2010 it was the dramatic victory over Virginia Tech 33-30. Then, in 2011 it was the win over Georgia in the Georgia Dome 35-21.

However, few are giving the Broncos a chance against Michigan State in 2012.

But look for more of the same this season. Boise State will have an element of surprise with a new quarterback and an offense that looks much different than last season.

This will be difficult for the Spartans to prepare, and it is very reasonable to believe that BSU will conquer Michigan State in that first game of the season.

A Top 25 Ranking at the End of the Year

Boise State has become a regular fixture in the Top 25 rankings. However, many are expecting them to fall in 2012.

Naysayers may be disappointed. Look for the Broncos to finish in their usual Top 25 parking spot at the conclusion of the season.

They may not crack the top ten, but they will have a presence on the big list.

How high they climb will have a lot to do with how they handle early challenges against Michigan State and BYU.

A Good Bowl Game (and Not in Las Vegas)

Boise State probably won't see the Vegas Bowl in 2012. However, they will go bowling, and you can expect the unexpected.

After two years in a row in Vegas, expect some creative bargaining by season's end.

With BSU leaving the Mountain West for the Big East in 2013, the Vegas Bowl may do some good ole' fashioned horse trading with interested parties.

We will have to see, but it should be fun to watch.

You never know—the Broncos might shock everyone and end up in a BCS game once again.

A Mountain West Title

Another very reasonable goal for the Broncos in 2012 will be winning the Mountain West title.

Since TCU is departing to the Big 12, the toughest competition for Boise State in the MWC will be Wyoming, Nevada and Air Force.

However, BSU will not play Air Force in 2012.

The Broncos will have to travel to both Wyoming and Nevada this season, and it will make tough games even tougher.

But if they get past both the Cowboys and the Wolf Pack, a Mountain West title should be the payoff.