Boise State Football: 2012 Season Preview for the Broncos

The 2012 college football season is one of the most mysterious for Bronco Nation in quite some time. So many questions flood the minds of most Boise State fans as the opener against Michigan State quickly approaches.

How will the Broncos look in 2012?

Will coach Petersen be able to do it once again?

Who will step up at quarterback?

How will D.J. Harper do over the course of a full season as a starter?

How will the defense do?

These questions and more will be answered all in due time, but until then, it is really just guess work.

If history is any indication however, and it usually is, the Broncos will be a force to be reckoned with in 2012. Although many have written Boise State off expecting them to have a "rebuilding" down year, fans, players and coaches know that this years team is going to be very good.

The talent level of players lacing up for the Broncos has seen a steady climb in recent years, and this year's squad is loaded.

Just how good are they?

Fans have a whole season to find out.

Let's take a closer look at the Broncos and how it all might work out for them in 2012.

Offseason Synopsis

Before we move forward, let's look at some key points of interest that occurred in probably the busiest offseason in BSU football history.

A New Athletic Director

Boise State announced the hiring of the new Athletic Director at the end of last season, but Mark Coyle has since taken over the position, and seems to be doing a great job. His experience should provide the Broncos with a plan to keep Bronco Nation going in the right direction for some time to come.

Construction

Construction of the new 70,000 square foot football complex started and is due for completion by the time the Broncos enter the Big East in 2013. With the construction, seats were also added to Bronco stadium, giving fans about 3,750 more places to sit.

East and West is the Answer

Boise State finalized its plan to go east in football over the offseason. There was of course, some worry about the Olympic sports, which almost threw a wrench into the works. However, it was officially announced recently that Boise State will be sending its basketball teams, softball team and other quality Olympic sports to the Big West.

There are some who scoff at such a move, noting that the BSU is now in the Big West and the Big East. However, for a team that has a national following, it seems quite appropriate. Not to mention, the amount of increased revenue the school will receive from a lucrative Big East television deal.

Not only that, but with Hawaii and San Diego State joining the Big West, the conference seems like a good fit for Boise State. There will be excellent competition, decent exposure and it is a great place to compete while building up the basketball programs at BSU.

Academic Progress Rate

For two years in a row, the Broncos have found themselves ranked No. 2. Oh, not on the field, but in the classroom. Boise State had the second-highest multiple-year Academic Progress Rate score in all of the FBS for the second straight year. Tied with Duke University, the only team to out perform them was Northwestern.

NCAA to Reconsider Scholarship Sanctions

The NCAA announced that they will reconsider scholarship sanctions against Boise State's football program. This is good news for a Bronco team that was set to lose three scholarships a season for the next three years. No news yet as to how many of those scholarships the Broncos will get back, but any amount is good news for Boise State.

Other Notable Items

The Washington Huskies moved their 2013 game with BSU up one week to make it an opening weekend matchup. It will all take place in the $250 million newly renovated Husky stadium and of course, it will be nationally televised.

The Broncos also had a record number of players picked in the NFL Draft of 2012. Of course, the headlines are that the Broncos had two players taken in the first round alone.

Shea McClellin went to the Chicago Bears at pick 19, and Doug Martin, a.k.a. "Muscle Hamster," went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at pick 31.

Several other players were taken as well, with Tyrone Crawford going to Dallas in the third round, George Iloka to Cincinnati in the fifth, Billy Winn to Cleveland in the sixth and Nate Potter to Arizona in the seventh. Kellen Moore is currently playing with the Detroit Lions as a free agent, and looks like a lock for the third-string quarterback position.

Overall

It was a very busy offseason for Boise State, and Boise State President Kustra, the BSU administration, coach Petersen and his staff, players and all of Bronco Nation should be commended for what this program has accomplished and continues to accomplish.

Offensive Preview

Coach Chris Petersen waited very late in the preseason to name his starting quarterback. However, as mentioned in a recent Bleacher Report article, that isn't such a bad thing. In fact, if you read the article, you may agree that it could actually give the Broncos some advantage.

Quarterback

It is official, as reported by Chadd Cripe in the Idaho Statesman, Joe Southwick is the starting quarterback for Boise State in 2012. But, look for redshirt sophomore quarterback Grant Hedrick to participate in various packages to give the Broncos a different look. He has done that in the past and there seems to be no reason or indication that his involvement will cease.

Southwick was quoted in the article, and seems ready to go.

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“It feels great,” Southwick said. “To finally be named a starter, it’s a great privilege. There’s been a great line of quarterbacks here for a long time. To be one of those guys next in line is a great privilege and a lot of responsibility.”

"

Petersen chimed in about his feelings on Southwick and his potential.

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He knows the stuff. He knows our system inside and out. And like we’ve said, there’s a lot there. And we’ll always pare our system to play to our quarterback’s strengths and how much a guy can actually learn and assimilate will dictate our game plans. But mentally, we can do as much with Joe as anybody we’ve had at this point.

"

True freshman Nick Patti probably redshirts, and redshirt freshman Jimmy Laughrea is set to carry a clipboard as third on the depth chart. However, both of these players seem to have a solid future and it will be fun to watch them battle it out in coming years.

Running Backs

D.J. Harper is the clear starter, but after the fall scrimmage, you have to wonder who the backup will be. It is currently penciled in that redshirt senior Drew Wright is set to be No. 2 behind Harper. However, Jay Ajayi looked very good in the limited action of the fall scrimmage.

If Ajayi is healthy this year, he could give Wright a run for his money. But, don't think Wright will just stand by and allow that. He is a fierce competitor and a solid running back.

Beyond those three, you have what looks to be two true freshman. However, look for Petersen to redshirt one of them, most likely Devan Demas and keep the other, Jack Fields on the ready.

At fullback, the job is all Dan Paul's. He is back and he is healthy, which means he will be a huge factor in the Boise State offense. Pass protection, run blocking and pounding it out are his specialties. His backup will be tight end Chandler Koch.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Probably the deepest spot on the roster for Boise State, wide receivers will be looking to shine.

Geraldo Boldewijn is out for the first four games of the season serving a suspension, but that shouldn't effect the receiving core too much. Look for Matt Miller to have a stellar sophomore performance, and look for Kirby Moore, Chis Potter, Mitch Burroughs, Aaron Burks and Troy Ware to make Bronco fans smile all season.

Joe Southwick will have plenty to work with when it comes to passing targets. This will be a key strength of the offense for the Broncos in 2012. Look for Petersen and new offensive coordinator Robert Prince to do some creative things with this list of very talented players.

At tight end, look for Gabe Linehan and Chandler Koch to get most of the action. However, true freshman Hayden Plinke did show up big in the fall scrimmage with a 75-yard touchdown.

Look for redshirt freshman Holden Huff to be the third guy on the list, but don't count out Plinke who could see some playing time.

Offensive Line

Another real strength of the Broncos this season will be the offensive line. Although, it did lose one link in the chain when center and sixth-year senior Cory Yriarte went down with a season-ending knee injury. However, the Broncos have enough depth to account for the loss of Yriarte, but nonetheless his leadership will be missed.

Look for Charles Leno to fill the left tackle spot and Joe Kellogg to be next to him at left guard. Marcus Henry will backup Kellogg and Faraji Wright will be second to Leno.

At center, Matt Paradis will take over for Yriarte and at right tackle it looks to be Jake Broyles. Senior Michael Ames will start at right guard and be backed up by another senior in Brenel Myers.

This offensive line is experienced, talented and deep. Look for the Broncos to get good pass protection and have an effective running game all season long.

Defensive Preview

You have probably heard the old saying that says, "Rome wasn't built in a day." This popular saying is usually uttered when a task is too large to be completed without serious time and effort. Well, these six words could have certainly be said about the 2012 Boise State defense.

The entire defensive line, most linebackers and some key secondary players are all gone from last season's dominating defense. Many of those 2011 players are now wearing the colors of various NFL teams. This has made the job of rebuilding the Broncos' defense a daunting task for the BSU coaching staff.

Another old saying, while politically incorrect, asks a question and then gives the proper response. How do you eat an elephant?

Answer: One bite at a time.

In this case, how do you rebuild a defense?

Answer: One player at a time.

It looks like coach Petersen and his staff have taken the bite-by-bite approach to the meal set before them. With the addition of junior college transfers, now healthy players, new faces and veteran backups, the Bronco defense that once appeared to be Swiss cheese now looks more like its going to be very Gouda. Sorry, that may have been a bit cheesy.

In any case, the holes in the roster seem to have been filled up with quality players, and from the way the defense appeared to be playing in the fall scrimmage, the drop-off expected may have been greatly exaggerated.

Still, you never know until the players take the field, but it looks like the 2012 Boise State defense could be a very nice surprise for Broncos Nation.

Defensive Line

This is the foundation of the defense. Boise State lost every starter from 2011, and rebuilding a foundation is not easy. However, look for sophomore Tyler Horn and junior college transfer Demarcus Lawrene to make some waves on one end. Both looked good in fall camp and both are going to be very solid.

On the other side of the line, look for Beau Martin and Sam Ukwuachu to make it happen. Again, both had a great fall camp and both seem ready to go.

In the middle, it is no surprise that senior Michael Atkinson will get the start, but on a defense that rotates in and out players according to package, his backup Greg Grimes will see a considerable amount of playing time. Both players are dominating and should give troubles to any opponents running game.

Joining those two down front will be junior Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe and veteran senior Darren Koontz. Boise State should feel really good about the middle of this line, and you can expect good things all season long.

Linebackers

The linebackers looked good in the spring and they looked even better in the fall. J.C. Percy will be back for his senior campaign, as will Tommy Smith. Both of these guys are poised to have amazing seasons. Both have veteran experience, and both are leaders on the defense.

Impressive sophomore Blake Renaud will back up Smith in the middle, and true freshman Tyler Gray will back up Percy as the weak-side backer. Renaud had an interception in the spring game and looked good in the fall scrimmage. He is a very capable player and could easily be a starter.

Gray is a mystery, but coaches have liked what they have seen from the youngster. Gray is the recruit that was once headed to the University of Hawaii, but opted out, instead choosing Boise State. Gray was quoted in an article posted on KSBY.com as to why he made the decision to come to Boise State over Hawaii.

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"With all of Hawaii's coaches leaving, I didn't really know anybody that was there anymore so we decided to go with Boise State," said Gray, referring to the fact that Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin resigned after the 2011 season. "I feel very lucky that all of this, not just Boise State, but this whole thing happened. It's just the cherry on top."

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Broncos coaches have to be happy with his decision, and very soon Bronco fans will be too.

Defensive Secondary

The Broncos' starting secondary could possibly be the best the school has ever fielded. The starting lineup, should it remain healthy, will be a dominating force for the Broncos all season long.

It is full of talent, experience, speed and ability. Seniors Jerrell Gavins and Jamar Taylor will be an effective one-two punch at corner. Both of these guys are incredible and you can expect some opposing quarterbacks to be very frustrated.

Gavins will be backed up by sophomore Bryan Douglas and Taylor will have junior Ebo Makinde in his shadow. Look for another player to wade into the mix as well. Junior college transfer Deon'tae Florence could make some noise.

Florence looked great in the team's private scrimmage, taking down two interceptions, and creating, recovering and scoring a touchdown on a fumble.

At strong safety look for redshirt sophomore Jeremy Ioane to get the start with senior Hazen Moss backing him up. At free safety, it will be sophomore Lee Hightower and his backup redshirt freshman Darian Thompson.

Thompson shined at the fall scrimmage racking up seven solo tackles, which was the team high, and two interceptions, which was also the highest total on the team.

The all important nickel spot will go to senior Dextrell Simmons with Corey Bell backing him up. However, don't forget about junior Jonathan Brown, who will no doubt see some playing time.

All three of these guys are quite capable, but it remains to be seen if any of them can become a dominant force.

Overall:

The defense looks poised, loaded and ready to rumble. Look for a surprising performance out of this crew in 2012.

Special Teams Preview

The fall scrimmage showcased a lot of talent, but one player certainly stood out. It's not that he towered over the others, after all he is only 5'6", but his moves and speed made everyone take notice.

Coach Petersen will have no problem burning the redshirt of Shane Williams-Rhodes, a.k.a. "SWR."

His snake like moves and quick cuts on something smaller than a dime, impressed many at the fall scrimmage. Of course, he did have a touchdown called back because of excessive celebration, but you have to believe he and coach Pete got that all worked out.

Punt and Kick Returns

Look for SWR to compete with Mitch Burroughs and Chris Potter for some punt return opportunities. As is stands now, Burroughs will get most of the action and Potter his backup. However, on kickoffs coach Petersen is also working out D.J. Harper.

Not to second guess the very smart and extremely successful coach, but Harper returning kickoffs seems a bit risky. With SWR around, why would you risk it?

Still, Petersen knows much better than anyone, and he will no doubt do what he thinks is best for the team.

Punter and Long Snapper

Chris Roberson will be the ever important long snapper backed up by sophomore Kevin Keane, but who will they be snapping to?

Well, junior Trevor Harman finds himself starting. In the spring game, Harman struggled greatly. So much so that it was hard to see him winning the job. However, he came into fall camp kicking very well, and in the fall scrimmage proved he was the guy.

Kickoffs

Harman will also be the guy for kickoffs. With the location of kickoffs being five yards closer, look for Petersen to do some different things when it  comes to kickoff strategy.

Coaching

Boise State had some significant changes in the offseason as it pertains to assistant coaches.

Gone is the former offensive coordinator Brent Pease who left to take the same position at Flordia. Gone also is special teams coach Jeff Choate. Coach Choate chose to join Mike Leach's staff at Washington State.

Defense backs coach Marcel Yates also left for a position on the staff at Texas A&M.

So what does all this mean for Boise State? Well, let's break it down.

Special Teams

Jeff Choate will be missed. He was a good coach with good energy and fire, which is what a special teams coach should have.

He will be replaced by Scott Huff. Coach Huff is a former Bronco player who started 40 games at center for the Broncos from 1999-2002. Huff is the new all-around guy, which is what Choate was for BSU. Huff coaches tight ends, fullbacks and he is the special teams coordinator.

It remains to be seen if Huff can keep the momentum that Choate started going. However, with the talent he has on the team this season, he may just be able to do it.

Defensive Backs

Marcel Yates is a great guy and a good coach. He will do good things at Texas A&M. However, his replacement couldn't have been better.

Jimmy Lake is the new defensive secondary coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Lake played at Eastern Washington in the late 1990s, but it is his five years of combined experience in the NFL that gives him some invaluable knowledge.

Look for the most talented secondary Boise State has had, perhaps in school history, to benefit greatly from Lake's wisdom. They are a good group of players, but with his help, they could be great.

Offensive Coordinator

Brent Pease took his talent to the SEC, which probably isn't a bad thing for him or the Broncos. Pease's conservative style frustrated some fans, but will probably fit in just fine in Florida.

Look for the new OC, Robert Prince, to shake things up a bit. He has history with Petersen having been part of the Broncos staff together as assistants. You have to believe the creative juices are flowing, and between Prince and Petersen opponents should be nervous.

The Rest of the Staff

Boise State has an excellent coaching staff, and that all starts with coach Pete.

Chris Petersen is now 73-6 as the Broncos' head coach. Look for him to add double digits to that win total once again this season.

Petersen added quarterbacks coach Jonathan Smith and defensive line coach Andy Avalos to his staff as well. Smith is a former Oregon State quarterback who brings a player's perspective to a position that needs that kind of coaching.

Andy Avalos, on the other hand, was a linebacker for Boise State, but he is now coaching the defensive line. You can be sure he will bring his toughness and hard working attitude to the field every day. It is exciting to see how this new D-line will look in 2012.

Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski is back, as is Bob Gregory. Both these guys could easily be head coaches somewhere, and BSU fans should be happy they choose to stay in Boise. The defense is in good hands, and this is one of the reasons the drop-off won't be what some "experts" expect.

Chris Strausser is another head coach capable guy who chooses to stay with the Broncos. As the offensive line coach and run game coordinator, to say he is important is a huge understatement. This year should be a special year for coach Strausser and his players.

Keith Bhonapha is the running backs coach, and he should also be excited with the line, fullbacks and running backs on this years team.

Schedule

The Boise State 2012 football schedule has some interesting matchups. None of those contests is bigger than Michigan State, which is the season opener for the Broncos.

Other intriguing games are BYU at home in the third game of the season and Southern Miss on the road October 6.

Wyoming, San Diego State and Fresno State will be good contests, but the best Mountain West game figures to be the game against Nevada in Reno the last game of the year.

Look for that game to be for the MWC title, and look for the Broncos to leave Reno this time with a smile on their faces.

Boise State 2012 Football Schedule:

8/31/2012: @ Michigan State 6:00 p.m. ESPN

9/15/2012: Miami Ohio 2:00 p.m.NBC SN

9/20/2012: BYU 7:00 p.m. ESPN

9/29/2012: @ New Mexico 4:00 p.m. Not Televised

10/6/2012: @ Southern Miss TBA FSN

10/13/2012: Fresno State 1:30 p.m. NBC SN

10/20/2012: UNLV 1:30 p.m. NBC SN

10/27/2012: @ Wyoming 1:30 p.m. CBS SN

11/3/2012: San Diego State 8:30 p.m. CBS SN

11/10/2012: @ Hawaii 5:00 p.m. NBC SN

11/17/2012: Colorado State 1:30 p.m.NBC SN

12/1/2012: @ Nevada TBA ABC - ESPN - ESPN2

One Game the Broncos Will Absolutely Win

When you look at the schedule for the Broncos, you realize there are a few games that could fit this category. However, further study narrows it down to two contenders.

The first is New Mexico. The Broncos demolished the Lobos last season at home 45-0 in the regular season finale. In the offseason, New Mexico did hire a new coach in Bob Davie. However, the former Notre Dame head coach and television commentator is probably not enough alone to show a huge difference in one season.

The other team on the potential list of the one game BSU will absolutely win is UNLV. Last season, the Rebels were the only victory for the Lobos. But, that same UNLV team played the Broncos tough early on and didn't let Boise State just walk all over them.

The final score was Boise State 48 and UNLV 21. At first glance, you would think the New Mexico game would be the easiest of the two this season as well. However, the switch of venue is the only thing that may turn the tide.

UNLV has to come to Boise, while the Broncos have to visit lonely Branch Field to take on the Lobos.

A lonely half-filled stadium that isn't televised will probably be a bit deflating for the Broncos. Not that they will overlook New Mexico, but it may not be the same kind of thrashing last season brought. Still, Boise State should win the game easily, but how easy is the question.

UNLV will visit Boise State, and the Broncos probably remember the way the Rebels came out last year. It was a less than stellar performance for the Broncos, but this year on "The Blue" look for the Rebels wish they hadn't rebelled.

Final analysis says that the UNLV game at home on national television becomes the most convincing win of the season for Boise State.

Prediction: Boise State 45 UNLV 7 

One Game That's a Tossup

The one game on the schedule that seems to be the biggest tossup game would have to be BYU. Even though the game is in Boise, BYU returns a good number of starters from a team that went 10-3 last season including a Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl victory over Tulsa 24-21.

BYU fans still remember the last time the Cougars came to Boise. They lost 28-27, and the deciding play was of all things a missed field goal by BYU.

Even though that game was all the way back in 2004, some BYU fans have never forgotten it.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and Cougar fans have to be chomping at the bit. The game will be live on ESPN on a Thursday night, and you know that Bronco Stadium will be sold out, loud and rocking.

The home crowd should give Boise State the edge, but in the end it is anyone's guess how it will all pan out.

One Game the Broncos Could Lose

The first game of the season is the toughest opponent on the 2012 Boise State football schedule. On one hand, playing this game early does help the Broncos either way. On the other hand, if they lose, it will be very disappointing and could take some air out of their sails.

If they win the game, it vaults them up the rankings and puts them in position for another BCS run. If they lose the game, they would fall out of the limelight, but could potentially, quietly win games the rest of the season and still end up in a BCS bowl game because of the placement early in the season.

Boise State will have a lot of things that will have to come together to win this game. The new quarterback, Joe Southwick, will have to keep his nerves in check and make good decisions. D.J. Harper and that offensive line will need to play to their potential.

The potent wide receiver group will need to make sure they don't drop balls or allows the talented Michigan State secondary to dominate them. They will need to run crisp routes and create some separation.

On the other side of the ball, the BSU defense will have to come together and play like a veteran defense rather than the newly formulated crew they really are.

It starts up front. Michigan State is rebuilding its offense, so you can bet the running game will be key. They will try to run early and often on the Broncos. If Atkinson and the boys up front can slow down or even stop the run game, the talented secondary of BSU will have a field day.

If the run game is successful for the Spartans, it could be a long night for the Broncos.

Offensive MVP Prediction

Most people just assume that D.J. Harper will be the offensive MVP for the Broncos in 2012. Well, that may be so, but there may be a surprise in the works.

Folks, Joe Southwick is a good quarterback. Many fans were skeptical after the fall scrimmage, but some of that performance can be directly attributed to the familiarity of the defense to the offense. These players face each other day after day in competition, and that always benefits the defense.

With that said, there were some poor decisions on Southwicks part. A no look, underhand, backwards, over the head pass out of bounds that didn't make the line of scrimmage was not very pretty. Neither was the near interception or the actual interception, both in the red zone.

But, some of the things Southwick did do were impressive. He threw a few passes out of the end zone instead of taking a sack or risking throwing into coverage. Of course, on one of those there was a guy wide open, but we will give him the benefit of the doubt.

Southwick also had some pretty passes that threaded the needle, and his mobility is certainly an asset. The way he moved out of the pocket, when needed, looked a lot like a Drew Brees type of guy that can think fast on his feet.

No, he is not Drew Brees, but he has that look to him.

Another key about Southwick is that he is the most veteran quarterback on the roster. He has stood behind Kellen Moore and learned from the Prosser Passer, the Simple Surgeon, the Doctor of Detroit, Baby Face, Lefty, No. 11 for a few years and you have to believe he learned a few things.

Also, as a freshman in 2009, Southwick was the Offensive Scout Player of the Year and as a redshirt freshman and sophomore he saw some playing time as Moore's backup.

If Joe Southwick plays to his potential, and Jay Ajayi and Drew Wright are able to carry some of the load for Harper, the offensive MVP may very well be Joe Southwick.

Defensive MVP Prediction

There are a few players that come to mind when thinking about Boise State's defensive MVP in 2012.

Michael Atkinson comes to mind as does Tommy Smith, J.C. Percy, Tyler Horn, Dextrell Simmons, Jerrell Gavins, Jamar Taylor, Jeremy Ioane and Lee Hightower.

This doesn't even mention some of the new faces like Demarcus Lawrence, Bryan Douglas or Darian Thompson.

Last year, the award went to Shea McClellin, and for good reason. McClellin is now with the Chicago Bears, and looks to be fitting in quite nicely. Back at Boise State this year's defense is stacked with players that have potential and ability, but there isn't one that stands out. Or is there?

J.C. Percy

Last season, J.C. Percy was named the Special Teams Player of the Year along with Hunter White, but he was also a key backup at linebacker.

In 2011, Percy played in all 13 games and was fifth on the team in tackles racking up 48 with 19 of those being solo. But, the one thing to remember is that he did all of this without being a starter.

This season, Percy is set as a starter and you can expect great things from him.

Last year, it was a guy from a small Idaho town that finished his career out with a dominating defensive performance. That player was Shea McClellin.

This season, look for another local player in J.C. Percy, who hails from Blackfoot, Idaho, to have a special year and possibly be the defensive MVP for Boise state.

Newcomer of the Year Prediction

If you were at the fall scrimmage, you don't need this article to tell you that Shane Williams-Rhodes made an impact. However, there was another player in that contest that quietly showed what he could do.

Last season, Jay Ajayi came to Boise State with high hopes and a lot of fan hype. However, after a season-ending knee injury and an arrest and conviction for shoplifting, his career as a Bronco seemed in doubt.

A second chance is an amazing gift, and one that Ajayi is certainly happy was given to him.

Coach Petersen kept Ajayi on the team, and it appears that he is making the most of it. He looks healthy and powerful. In the fall scrimmage, the redshirt freshman looked at sometimes like a dominating back. His legs kept churning and on a few occasions the entire pile was moved under his strength.

Ajayi finished that scrimmage with 78 yards on seven carries and one touchdown. His yards per carry were an incredible 11.1. He looks like the Jay Ajayi so many fans were expecting.

If you watch his game film, which is highly recommended, you will see his overwhelming talent and potential. Look for Ajayi to make his second-chance count. Expect him to have a breakout year, and by the end of the season Ajayi may very well be looked at as one of the Broncos key weapons.

Of course, this is all subject to the running back staying healthy. If he does that, opponents better be worried.

Best NFL Draft Prospect

There are a few seniors on the team that could be selected in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Michael Atkinson, Joe Kellogg, Darren Koontz, Dan Pual, D.J. Harper, Jamar Taylor and Jerrell Gavins are all potential NFL players.

Of that list, however, the top four players have all had injuries in the past that could effect their status. Joe Kellogg, D.J. Harper, Jamar Taylor and Jerrell Gavins are amazing players who have the ability to play on Sundays.

However, as mentioned, they all have had serious injuries or a history of injuries that may effect their status.

Joe Kellogg missed some game time the last two years, and while it hasn't been a serious injury that sidelined him, the history may scare some NFL teams.

Jamar Taylor missed four games last season with injury, but is healthy this year and may be a decent pick for some NFL team.

It is no secret that D.J. Harper has missed two seasons with serious knee injuries. His NFL future will be weighed greatly by the season he has in 2012. If he has a great year with no problems, some NFL teams may take a chance. However, the two season-ending knee injuries will haunt him a bit.

If some NFL team looks at the work ethic, heart and determination it takes to come back from what Harper did, maybe they look at that over the injuries themselves. There is no question Harper has the talent to play at the next level, but does he have the durability? That will be the question NFL teams have. Bronco fans are hoping that D.J. shows them all that he is healthy and ready in 2012.

Last, but not least, Jerrell Gavins. Last season he started off the year like an all-American. With three interceptions in the first three games, he looked unstoppable. That is, until he went down with a season-ending knee injury.

If Gavins is healthy this year, and has the kind of year he is capable of, he may go high in the draft. Still, like others with past injuries, an NFL team may pause before selecting Gavins. Only time will tell, but Gavins looks like a serious contender to be the highest draft pick for Boise State in 2013.

Best 5 Twitter Follows

So there was a rumor going around that Youtube, Twitter and Facebook were going to combine into one entity called "You Twit Face."

Okay, not true, but it is a funny joke once spoken by a witty older gentleman with a keen sense of humor. Of the three mentioned, all have had influence on the sporting world, but probably none as influential as Twitter.

Stories, rumors, rants and raves now move at the speed of thought around the globe. When a coach wrecks his motorcycle or a recruit gives a verbal commitment, Twitter is there to get the party going.

On that note, who are the best or most important people, groups or publications in the Boise State Twitterverse that no Boise State fan should go without?

Well, besides this guy: @GamedayReporter

Who are the 5 (ish) Twitter follows a BSU fan shouldn't go without?

Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman does excellent work and gets the inside scoop. @IDS_BroncoBeat

Dave Southorn of the Idaho Press-Tribune is a an excellent source of all things Boise State football. @BSUDave

Brian Murphy is probably the guy that every Boise State fan already follows, and for good reason. @murphsturph

Even though they left a certain person off of their list of recommended BSU Twitter folks to follow, ehem... No self respecting Bronco fan should leave One Bronco Nation Under God off their list. @OBNUG

There are so many others, and it is hard to narrow it down.

For the official school Twitter account you should certainly follow @BroncoSports and @BroncoSportsFB

Local Radio KTIK @ktik931fm also @KBOI670 and about two hundred more!

What Does Vegas Say?

The odds makers may not believe in the Broncos in 2012. The featured matchup this week on Oddsshark.com has Michigan State favored +7 over the Broncos.

The same site have the Broncos odds of actually winning a national championship at 100/1, but a huge -300 favorite to take the Mountain West.

After the Michigan State game, you can expect the Broncos to be favorites in every other game of the season.

Beyondthebets.com had an early projection of every Boise state Game and there was an article here on Bleacher Report that covered that in detail.

No matter the odds, Boise State will be looking to shock the nation in 2012, and they might just do it.

Bowl Bound

CBSSports.com has already projected a Florida State versus Boise State matchup in the Orange Bowl. Which raises a couple of questions. First, is this even possible? Second, how would it happen?

Well, the scenario is possible, even if BSU loses to Michigan State. However, one loss is all the Broncos could have going into the bowl-selection process.

If Boise State was to beat Michigan State and go undefeated the rest of the season, they are probably not starting the year ranked high enough to have a legitimate chance at being in the national championship discussion. However, they would certainly make a lesser BCS bowl.

This is where it would get tricky. The Fiesta Bowl would get the first at-large pick and CBSSports.com is projecting that they would take a highly ranked Wisconsin team over the Broncos if this hypothetical, unlikely scenario were to play out. But, could the folks at the Fiesta Bowl turn down a Boise State versus Oklahoma rematch if the Sooners were to qualify?

It would be a very interesting rematch, and the nation would certainly tune it to watch it. However, it is all about money, politics and agendas and Boise State fans know that.

If the Broncos go undefeated or lose just once this season, they could easily be placed in the Orange Bowl. It is a scenario that actually makes sense, but the Broncos have to make it happen on the field.

The first game against the Spartans should be a good indication of the talent and team the Broncos have and whether or not Boise travels to Miami or back to Las Vegas.

Bronco fans are hopeful it is the former rather than the latter.

Final Prediction

Boise State will have a much better year than critics might think. Will they make a BCS bowl game this season?

Well, it is actually possible.

The schedule favors Boise State this season as does the fact that there seems to be no other so called "mid-major" teams out there competing for the spot except maybe BYU, but the two teams face each other so it will be resolved on the field. What a concept.

Remember all Boise State has to do is finish in the top 16 ahead of any other so-called "BCS" conference champion, and they are guaranteed a spot.

The Big East champion and the ACC champ are two that could have a conference champion ranked behind Boise State by the end of the season. If this happens, the Broncos will be in a perfect position to play in a big money game.

Best-case scenario

Boise State goes undefeated and plays in the Fiesta or Orange Bowl.

Could happen scenario

Boise State loses one game and is still playing in a BCS game come January.

Worst-case scenario

Boise State loses two or three games and ends up playing in Las Vegas or another decent, but less than BCS bowl.

There doesn't seem to be a huge drop off in the cards for coach Chris Petersen and his 2012 Boise State football team. For those who are expecting it, they should probably not hold their breath.

Prediction

Boise State 11-1 and plays in the Orange Bowl  

Let's hear what you think.