Boise State Football: 5 Most Important Post-Spring Dates

The spring game is done and with it ends spring practice.

Overall, you would have to say that head coach Chris Petersen can be happy with the progress the Boise State Broncos have made considering the number of players he had to replace.

The spring game looked to the naked eye as quite possibly the best such contest in memory for Boise State. It will be interesting to see how it all transitions come fall.

This year will be exciting and nerve-racking for Bronco fans, coaches and players. There is no way of really knowing how good this year's squad is until it laces it up for the season opener at Michigan State. However, the Spartans game is just one important date on the 2012 schedule for the Broncos.

Let's look at the five most important post-spring dates for the Boise State football team.

NFL Draft Day

You wouldn't think that the NFL draft day would be important to the 2012 Broncos, but it is. The Broncos are about to experience an historic NFL draft where as many as eight players could be chosen, beginning April 26.

This will certainly translate to attention from possible future recruits, but the reason it helps this year's squad is the motivation.

The players on the 2012 squad include 26 seniors who have spent their careers backing up or playing along side the Broncos who are preparing to play on Sundays.

Also, the younger players on the team will no doubt be inspired by what they see go down during the draft coverage.

It will be inspiring and satisfying for past, future and present Boise State players.

First Day of Fall Practice

The first day of fall practice will be monumental. Not only will that day signify the continuation of the quarterback position challenge, but new players will join the team.

Several freshman will come on board that day. Jack Fields and Devan Demas are just two of those players, and it is no secret the Broncos are skinny at running back. Fields and Demas could bring some much-needed talent as backups at that position.

D.J. Harper and Drew Wright are clearly the one-two punch coming out of spring practice, but depth is a real problem. However, with Fields and Demas entering the picture you have to believe one or both of them will make an immediate impact, if only as a solid backup.

Also, you can bet Coach Petersen will have the kicking game figured out in the fall. Spring brought more doubt in that area, but Sean Wale enters the mix this fall. You can expect him to fight for the starting spot and elevate all the kickers to a new level.

Fall practice will bring excitement and intrigue, and Bronco fans can't wait.

The Opener at Michigan State

Aug. 31, 2012: Boise State @ Michigan State

The opening game at Michigan State will reveal just how good the Broncos are in 2012.

Michigan State will come into that game with a rebuilt offense of its own, but it returns a number of key starters on defense.

It will be interesting to see if a new quarterback and new-look Bronco offense can be contained by the experienced Spartans defense.

If Michigan State has trouble slowing down that BSU offense, it could spell another opening-day win for the Broncos.

Home Against BYU

Sept. 22, 2012: BYU @ Boise State

The home game against BYU will be a good game. BYU has a number of returning starters, and that should create a significant challenge for the Broncos.

The Broncos will no doubt have a sold out and overflowing Bronco Stadium when the Cougars come to town. Expect it to be loud, intense and electric late September in Boise, Idaho.

This will not be a conference game, but it will be another key game to show just how good the 2012 Broncos are.

At Nevada

Nov. 24, 2012: Boise State @ Nevada

A game in Reno around Thanksgiving—what could go wrong?

Well, Bronco fans know all too well that answer.

This year's contest may be for the Mountain West title, and you can expect Boise State to be ready. Coach Petersen will certainly have his team motivated.

Bronco fans probably don't like thinking about Reno in late November, but it may be the kind of statement game the Broncos need in 2012.

The entire year should build up to this game. Will it come down to a final kick? For the health of the Bronco faithful, let's hope not.