Heart of the Broncos: Boise State Must Regain National Respect in 2008!

While reading through many different articles, blogs, and emails, all I keep hearing is that Boise State is in a rebuilding year.  The Broncos have a small offensive line, no returning quarterback, and are losing talent in the defensive backfield. 

Returning the majority of their starters on defense, the Broncos shouldn't have much problem getting back on track.  Yeah, they are losing Marty Tadman and Orlando Scandrick, but Kyle Wilson will do fine—along with some help from new blood. 

I thought the defense had a great spring.  The scrimmages seemed to have the defense right on cue.  With David Shields sitting out his senior season due to injury, sophomore Daryl Acrey should be able to step in and create some confusion. 

Returning two explosive ends, Mike T. Williams and Ryan Winterswyk, should help the Broncos contain some of those potential threats inside and outside the pocket. 

At the end of the day the talent is there.  The question is, who has the heart to make it happen?

The offense will definitely be missing some key starters this year, but that doesn't mean there is no chance for success.  From what I have seen and heard, the offensive line is the weakest link, but not the straw. 

This is where I tend to disagree with a lot of people.  I really believe with all the talent the Broncos have on offense in skill positions—including quarterback—there should be no problem continuing the Boise State tradition of explosive offensive football. 

The O-line may not be as big as offensive lines we have seen in the past, but on the flipside, they should be faster and more agile.  The O-line will have a little help in returning four-year starting tackle Andrew Woodruff. 

In the running game, Ian Johnson needs to return to his 2006 form.  There is a deep stable of backs, and plenty of talent to go around to keep all the backs fresh and healthy. 

In the passing game everyone has their favorite, and like last season, it comes down to a senior looking for his first start or a potential four-year starter.  Recieving—well, yet again, no reason to worry there.  Needless to say, skill positions should be the least of the offense's worries this season.

Which brings me to my point.  All in all, I feel the Broncos have a team that can go undefeated and potentially make another showing in the BCS.  It is hard for me to believe that with all the talent addressed above, there should be anything less then a WAC title and a potential BCS bid at the end of the 2008 season. 

You want to talk about lack of size, strength, and schedule.  Isn't that what Boise State Football has always been?  Haven't they always played with a chip on their shoulder?  I think that is how it should be, and frankly last season that chip wasn't there.  They made the Fiesta Bowl in 2006, and in 2007 they forgot how they got there.  What happened to that chip, the drive, the Heart of Bronco football? 

With the talent, character, and strength of these players, and thirteen returning starters, there is no reason why they shouldn't regain that "Heart," and prove any naysayer wrong.  I say go back to what you do best defying all the laws of college football.  Play with the heart of the Bronco.