Boise State Football: 9 Items on the Summer to-Do List
In 2010, the Boise State Broncos had another successful season. With a 12-1 record, and an eventual MAACO Bowl blowout win over the Utah Utes, Boise State once again proved in terms of mid-majors, it doesn't get better than the Broncos.
Heading into 2011, the same questions as well as some new questions face this year's Broncos squad.
How will they adjust to a new conference?
Will having a new offensive coordinator slow down their high flying attack?
Both of these questions warrant attention for the boys in blue, and coach Chris Petersen will seek out answers to both of these issues over the summer.
Here are nine things the Broncos need to accomplish before the summer is over:
Find a Replacement for Kyle Brotzman
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Former Boise State kicker Kyle Brotzman has etched his name into Boise State football lore for both good and bad reasons.
Brotzman left Boise State as the all-time leading scorer in the WAC. He also missed two critical field goals during his senior season, which kept Boise State from having their coveted BCS berth.
Whether you remember the great moments or the heart-wrenching moments from 2011, one thing is for sure, Brotzman's leg will need to be replaced before the season opener for the Broncos.
The vacancy looks to be filled by junior kicker Jimmy Pavel, but other names like Trevor Harman, Dan Goodale and Jake Van Ginkel are also still in the mix.
Six names are listed on the Broncos' spring roster to line up and take kicks. Chris Petersen will need to narrow that list down before their week one showdown with Georgia in the Georgia Dome.
Welcome in Brent Pease as Offensive Coordinator
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When former Boise State offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin decided to bolt for the University of Texas, to fill the same position, the Broncos knew his replacement would be vital to their 2011 success.
So, who better to replace Harsin than former Boise State wide receivers coach Brent Pease?
Pease, who had been on the Indiana University sidelines as an offensive coordinator in 2010, returns to Boise State with big expectations.
Boise State is known for their incredibly efficient offense led by star quarterback Kellen Moore, and a stable of running backs led by Doug Martin.
The familiarity between the Boise State program and Pease should make his transition easier.
What shouldn't be easy is readjusting his eyes to that blue field.
Answer Questions from the Media
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This offseason proved to be a major milestone for fellow BCS-busters, the Utah Utes and the TCU Horned Frogs, as they made the respected jump to power conferences. TCU will join the Big East beginning in 2012, and Utah has headed to the Pac-12 conference.
So how did Boise State answer these power-shifting moves?
Boise State decided to make the much less celebrated move to a conference not much different than where they already were, the WAC.
Beginning in 2011, Boise State is officially a member of the Mountain West Conference, and while TCU will be in the conference for one more season, there is hardly more prestige involved.
The Broncos will be under scrutiny for this timid move all summer as they prepare to enter another questionable conference schedule.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Replace Titus Young and Austin Pettis
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Austin Pettis and Titus Young were perhaps the biggest keys to quarterback Kellen Moore's success in 2010.
Heading into 2011, Moore will have to find new targets to lean on as both Pettis and Young have moved on the NFL careers.
Pettis leaves Boise as their all-time leader in receptions, touchdown receptions, and ranks second in receiving yards. Young was also extremely effective, amassing over 3,000 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns in his Broncos' career.
They brought two different dimensions, Young a shifty player in space and Pettis a possession receiver, but the two formed a dynamic duo.
Returning for Boise is Tyler Shoemaker, last year's third receiver, and he is set to start.
Battling it out for the other starting spot will be Tyler Jackson, Alexander Miles, and Anthony Clarke.
The development of the receiving position will be a major stepping stone for the Broncos' success in 2011.
Find Ways to Use Doug Martin
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On any other team, Doug Martin could be a Heisman Trophy contender.
However, when you play with Kellen Moore, you are forced to play sidekick.
Martin averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2010, and also managed to punch the ball in the end zone 12 times.
Despite being only 5'9'', Martin can break tackles and has the explosiveness needed to be one of the best backs in the nation.
In 2011, it would be wise for the Broncos to lean on Martin early on. Moore's ability to lead the Broncos' offense cannot be overstated, but with two new starting receivers the transition could be bumpy at first.
Even with a bumpy start through the air, Boise State should feel very fortunate to have a talent such as Doug Martin pounding the rock on the ground.
Develop a Quarterback Behind Kellen Moore
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To put it simply, Kellen Moore has done everything for this Boise State football program.
A 2010 Heisman finalist, Moore was also a 3rd-team All American for the Broncos.
Compiling a 38-2 record as a starter in Boise, Moore's value to this program is beyond important.
However, all great things must eventually come to an end, and they will after this season as Moore graduates and leaves a tremendous void behind center.
Joe Southwick looks to be the backup to Moore in 2011, with coaches also looking to develop true freshman Jimmy Laughrea.
No matter who the Boise State coaches set their sights on to replace Moore, it is important that someone other than Moore gains some experience.
During the season, Boise should have several lopsided victories. I hope they use that time wisely.
Solidify the Secondary
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The Boise State secondary returns two players to their unit in 2011.
Safety George Iloka is back for his senior season, and looks to improve on his 63 tackle season in 2010. Iloka has been consistent and durable for the Broncos, having now started 27 straight games for the Broncos.
Junior cornerback Jamar Taylor also returns to the Broncos after registering two sacks and forcing three fumbles in 2010.
The other two spots in the secondary are up for grabs. Players such as Dane Turner, Travis Stanaway, and Bryan Douglas all hope to earn a starting opportunity, as well as incoming freshman Lee Hightower and Darian Thompson.
In a conference featuring traditionally weak, but pass-happy teams, it will be very important for Boise to nail those last two secondary positions down and continue to work on depth behind those four players.
If they do, Boise could once again boast a very strong defense.
Find Ways to Utilize Kyle Efaw More Frequently
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In 2010, tight end Kyle Efaw was overshadowed by Austin Pettis and Titus Young.
However, Efaw still managed to pull in five touchdown catches, and proved to be a reliable target.
In 2011, Efaw could go from safety valve to primary option in an offense starving for receiving targets.
As Boise State attempts to work new wide receivers into the offensive fold, look for Kellen Moore to lean on Efaw on a more frequent basis.
Over the summer, new offensive coordinator Brent Pease needs to find new and creative ways to utilize his big target over the middle.
Stretching the middle of the field with Efaw will open things up down the field for the Broncos' passing attack and possibly make the development of the inexperienced receiving corps a little easier.
Prepare for the Showdown in the Georgia Dome
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Last year, the Boise State Broncos scheduled a headline matchup with the Virginia Tech Hokies in week one. Boise State would wind up coming out on top 33-30.
In 2011, the Broncos will square off against the Georgia Bulldogs in a "neutral" site, the Georgia Dome.
Respect, credibility, and most importantly a victory will be at stake for the Broncos as they look to score a major win over a major player in the SEC.
A week one victory is of the utmost importance for a Boise State team who yearns for respect among the big boys at the collegiate level.
The Broncos must prepare for this game like it is their last because, make no mistake, if the Broncos stumble and suffer a loss they will not be in the BCS hunt past September 3, 2011.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
