A 2008 Boise State Preview- Part I: Moore Than A Feeling

Boise State has never been about rebuilding. So when head coach Chris Peterson surprised many and named freshman Kellen Moore the winner of the QB battle the decision wasn't made to signal that the Broncos were waiving the white flag for 2008 to prepare for the future. Rather, Peterson made the decision believing what many fans came to realize after Moore led the Broncos to a 49-7 victory over Idaho State last Saturday: he gives the Broncos the best chance THIS year. 

Moore, a record-setting passer from Prosser, WA, symbolizes what kind of year this will be for the dethroned WAC champs. They'll take their lumps, win a few games convincingly, maybe even surprise a team or two, and build late season momentum that will carry over to 2009. He also symbolizes the immense potential that this team holds. Potential that Peterson hopes to turn into results. 

The QB battle defined the program this off-season. Moore beat out stiff competition from senior Bush Hamdan, whom many expected to start for the Broncos this year, sophomore Michael Coughlin and junior Nick Lomax, who sought a transfer after falling to number four on the depth chart. Moore emerged victorious due to his innate knowledge of the game, his preparation skills, and his ability to make all the throws and out-think defenses. While the passing competition garnered all the attention, there were several other notable story-lines that emerged heading into the season. 

The running back position, which showed it's depth last year when Ian Johnson was forced to miss games due to injury, is back and better stocked than '08. Sophomores Jeremy Avery and D.J. Harper proved they can handle the load if IJ stumbles again, both presenting a slightly different option. Expect redshirt freshman Doug Martin to contribute in an all-purpose way this year as well. The offensive player of the year on the scout team in '07, Martin should see time at running back and fullback, and on kick return duties. Opening up holes for the talented running corp and possibly scoring a few touchdowns of his own if the ISU game was any indication is junior Richie Brockel who has established himself as a receiving threat already. 

Almost the entire wide receiving corp from '07 returns with stand-out Jeremy Childs, a junior, leading the way. Childs sat during the opener due to a suspension, but should be Moore's main target throughout the season. Titus Young emerged last year as an all-purpose threat and should improve upon those skills this year. He had the game of his life against Idaho State, netting a TD catch and run. Sophomore Austin Pettis really hit his stride in the last half of 2007, and while not playing a major role in the opening victory, should be a major contributor. The wild-card of the receivers is Tyler Shoemaker, a freshman who made headlines with two touchdown receptions against Idaho State and a wicked stiff arm. The tight ends will also play a key role in the passing game. Chris O'Neill leads the staff which includes freshman Kyle Efaw and junior Tommy Gallarda.

The offensive line played well-enough to wear down and beat a team from the Big Sky conference, but could experience problems when facing bigger, better, and more experienced opponents like Oregon and Fresno State. Freshman center Thomas Byrd has the makings of a four-year starter and should help anchor the line, along with seniors Jon Gott and Andrew Woodruff. Sophomores Kevin Sapien and Matt Slater round out the rest of the line, which will need to progress if they hope to create any sort of running room for Johnson, Avery, Harper and Co. 

On the defensive side of the ball the Broncos have more potential than experience. The defensive line will be anchored on the ends by senior Mike T. Williams and freshmen Jarrell Root, Shea McClellin and budding star Ryan Winterswyk. Seniors Joe Bozikovich and Sean Bingham will get most of the reps at D-tackle, rotating with freshmen Billy Winn and Chase Baker. 

If the ISU game is any indication, the linebacking corp should be Boise State's strongest defensive attribute this year. Loaded with experience from starters Tim Brady, Dallas Dobbs, David Shields and Ellis Powers, and blessed with young talent in sophomore Derrell Acrey and freshmen Aaron Tevis, Byron Hout, Hunter White, Dan Paul and Travis Stanaway, this rotation should help the Broncos avoid games like last year's Nevada contest in which their linebackers tired from chasing Colin Kaepernick all over the field. The loss of juco transfer Daron Mackey to injury will be felt, but hopefully absorbed by the talented mix at linebacker.

Cornerback and safety should also prove to be two more strengths of this young team. Kyle Wilson, a junior, provides the experience and the most talent of any Bronco defensive back. He has great hands and possesses the intangibles of a great CB. Manning the other CB position will be Brandyn Thompson, who saw the field a lot last year, gaining experience he hopes to build off of this year. Backing them up will be two freshmen with high ceilings, hyped recruit Jamar Taylor and Cedric Febis. At safety the Broncos return sophomore Jeron Johnson, who by the time he graduates should make fans forget about Marty Tadman (YES, he's that talented), and fellow sophomore Jason Robinson, who made great strides last year and this off-season. Backing up the JJ tandem will be true freshman George Iloka and Ellis Powers, who will see action at linebacker and safety.

The Broncos should be loaded on special teams this year, with Jeremy Avery, Doug Martin, Titus Young, Kyle Wilson, and even Ian Johnson all playing a role. Expect pressure on every punt and field goal attempt and tons of big plays on returns. Kicker Kyle Brotzman was a revelation last year drilling field goal after field goal and regularly sending kickoffs over the returner's head. Expect another big year from him and a bounce-back year from sophomore punter Brad Elkin. Elkin was a top 5 recruit so expect him to do his best to make fans and coaches forget about last year, when Brotzman had to take over the punting duties near the end of the season. In all, the Broncos special teams should truly be special.

In my next article I will project both season statistics for each offensive and defensive player and also what I expect from the Broncos in each game this season.