Boise State Football: 10 Things to Expect for the Blue and Orange Spring Game

Will the Broncos remain a top 10 team this year? Well, the spring game will surely explain a lot as they enter the 2012 season with only nine starters. The spring game will take place on April 14, and it is a chance for every player to prove in a game-like atmosphere what they're capable of.

This is the chance for players to prove themselves and earn a spot on this roster with so many holes.

Here are 10 things to expect for the Boise State Broncos spring game.

Format of the Spring Game

The format of the game will be offensive vs. defense. There won't be two different units because there aren't enough healthy players on the roster to do so. According to the Idaho Statesman, the winning side will receive teriyaki bowls and will be allowed to shower. The losing side will get to watch the winner eat and remain drenched in sweat.

“You don’t want to go home stinking,” offensive tackle Charles Leno Jr. said.

That alone makes this game worth watching, as it should be a really competitive game. I can't imagine telling a group of linemen that they will have to remain hungry. This is one of the few spring games that actually has something on the line.

Defensive Line to Look Good

The defensive line of Boise may not have much depth to it, but it's been a unit that has really stood out in practice. The players may not even have that much experience, but you couldn't tell if you've paid attention throughout the spring.

“Mike Atkinson is doing a really nice job,” head coach Chris Petersen said, according to the Idaho Press. “He’s in as good a shape as I’ve seen him.”

Atkinson is a senior lineman who's expected to become a leader on this defense, as he finished with 31 tackles and broke up two passes last season. And the compliments kept coming from the head coach, as he's really impressed with this unit.

“Jeremy (Ioane) is another guy who has done a nice job,” Petersen said. “We’ve definitely noticed him and he’s taken a step forward. There’s no question his game has improved.”

Boise State lost a total of five defensive linemen from last year's squad, and there's no question that there are going to growing pains. But if certain players can continue making progress, it will be easier to continue the recent success Boise has had.

Hilton Richardson Will Make an Impact Somewhere

If you've never heard of Hilton Richardson, it's okay, most haven't. He's actually a redshirt freshman who has never played the game of football. Yes, you read that correctly. He was previously a baseball player, but he was released by two different major league ball clubs last season. Now he is in camp and is trying to earn a spot somewhere on the Boise State roster.

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“He’s a big, fast, strong athlete and we’re trying to see where he fits the best and how this thing goes,” coach Chris Petersen said, according to the Idaho Statesman. “...Hilton first and foremost is a wonderful person — that’s the thing that really jumps out at me about Hilton.”

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Nobody knows where he'll end up playing, as he tried out at wide receiver and is now lining up at the safety position. All we know about the kid is that he is an extremely hard worker and is very athletic to be able to have a shot at two completely different sports. I'm rooting for the guy, and you shouldn't be surprised if he ends up doing something special somewhere on the field for the Broncos.

Matt Miller to Be Even Better

Boise State lost their leading receiver in Tyler Shoemaker to graduation, which means that sophomore wide receiver Matt Miller will have to become the leader of the receivers and take that next step. Sure, he caught 62 passes as a freshman for 679 yards and nine scores, but he still has a lot of improving to do and so far has taken the proper steps to take his game to the next level.

“That’s really beneficial to me,” Miller said of the extra work he's putting in practice. “A lot of small stuff will take me to the next step I need to get to.”

Miller has a positive attitude, isn't afraid of extra work, is in better shape and has gained a little bit of weight to become more physical. Expect to see an even better wideout and somebody who will lead this team in receiving this season.

Kicking Game Will Be Worked on a Lot

Boise State knows from experience just how important the kicking game is because the last few games they've lost have come down to a couple of missed field goals. That's why head coach Chris Petersen is focused on the special team side of things and unfortunately is not very happy with what he's seen so far.

“We’re working as hard as we ever have with them,” Petersen said. “I don’t know if we’re overcoaching them, overanalyzing them, or not. We’re just not as consistent as we need to be.”

Senior kicker Michael Frisina is not part of his frustrations because he's been limited due to injuries. The two kickers who are stinking it up in practice are Jake Van Ginkel and Dan Goodale, who made 60 percent of his field goals a year ago.

The Broncos have a lot of worries as it is, and the last thing they should have to worry about are missed field goals.

Quarterback Battle to Remain a Battle

I think we all knew the quarterback battle between Joe Southwick, Grant Hedrick and Nick Patti would not be decided until later in the year. They've all made progress in spring ball, but when you're trying to replace one of the great collegiate quarterbacks of all-time, it's going to take a while—especially when you have three or four candidates to choose from and they all have little to no experience.

So, whoever starts the spring game for the Broncos, try not to read too much into it. This is a battle that will last well into August before a final decision is made.

A Confident and Motivated Football Team

No Kellen Moore at quarterback, no Tyler Shoemaker at wide receiver, no Doug Martin at running back, missing seven defensive starters—head coach Chris Petersen says no problem:

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We’re not slowing down one second. Our expectations aren’t changing one bit. We have different guys and it’s maybe going to be more of a struggle at times but that’s the beauty of this thing, but we really expect to win. We really expect to play well. We really don’t expect a big drop-off. We just don’t.

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This isn't a squad that's going to roll over and fall off the face of the earth like many expecedt them to after they lost so much talent. To be honest, why should they? Last time I checked, they still play in the MWC, and that's enough to feel optimistic about heading into the year.

Many Veterans Limited in the Game

Boise State may not have many veterans on this team left, but for the few that are still on the roster, don't expect them to play much this weekend. That includes running back D.J. Harper, who won't participate in order to prevent an injury, according to Idaho Statesman. There will also be other players who will be limited throughout the game for the same reason.

Opens the Door for Drew Wright

With running back D.J. Harper not participating in the spring game, it only opens the door up for senior running back Drew Wright. He's a back who's seen limited action the last three seasons, but he had his best year a season ago when he averaged over five yards a carry and scored three touchdowns. With the lack of depth at the running back position, it's important for Wright to take advantage of the opportunity and prove he can help carry the ground game.

“I figure it’s my last chance. It’s my senior year. This is all I’ve got to give. I don’t get another year,” said Wright (via Idaho Statesman).

Wright is a former walk-on who finally was awarded a scholarship this year. He should be in for his most successful season at Boise State.

A Solid Spring Game

Bottom line is that Boise State has a lot of work to do if they want to continue the success they've experienced the last few seasons. They're trying to replace more starters than they have returning and will be searching throughout the entire offseason to try and answer these many questions. That's why this spring game is so important for the Broncos as they try to put a respectable team together and the best 22 guys on the field by the time September rolls around.

Regardless of what happens in the spring game, it will be a success for a rebuilding Boise State team.