Boise State Football: 11 Reasons Why the Broncos Run the Table in 2011

The Boise State Broncos will once again be legitimate title contenders in 2011, much to the dismay of many college football fans. The Broncos have only lost two games since 2008, making Boise State nearly a sure-fire lock to finish in the top five at the end of the season. 

Last year, Boise State was an overtime loss away from finishing the regular season with an unblemished record—can the Broncos run the table in 2011?

11. Numbers Don't Lie

Over the past few years, the Boise State passing attack has been too much for opposing defenses to stop. 

In 2011, the Broncos notched 38 touchdowns through the air, while only giving up eight on the other side of the ball.

Defensively in 2011, Boise State sacked opposing quarterbacks 49 times while only giving up eight sacks. 

Boise State has been superior over its competition—it's hard to argue against some of the numbers.

10. Bryan Hout and Aaron Tevis Make Mark

Byron Hout may be most famous for taking a right hook to the face from Lagarette Blount, but he will be a leader for the Broncos at the linebacker position in 2011, along with fellow senior Aaron Tevis.

The linebacker duo will need to play big for Boise State in 2011, as the linebacker position has been one of the weaker spots for past Bronco teams.

Tevis and Hout will play a vital role in Boise State running the table in 2011. 

9. Nate Potter and Thomas Byrd Anchor Offensive Line

The main ingredient for any offense to be efficient is to possess a strong offensive line. The Broncos have just that with Nate Potter and Thomas Byrd.

The two seniors will be the centerpiece in what will once again be a strong offensive line for Boise State.  

8. Home-Field Advantage

Boise State does not lose at home. No, they really don't. 

The Broncos have won 62 strait home games, dating back 10 years when Boise State lost to Washington State.

Maybe there really is something to that blue turf. 

7. Chris Peterson

Chris Peterson has been the definition of a winner during his five-year tenure as the Broncos head football coach. 

Peterson boasts a 61-5 overall record, while being the only head coach ever to be twice named the Paul Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year. 

Boise State has lost some key talent on both sides of the ball from their 2010 team, it will be up to Coach Peterson to find new guys to step up. 

To run the table you need a great coach, Chris Peterson is just that for Boise State.

6. First-Half Scoring

The Broncos jump on their competition early, and with quarterback Kellen Moore still at the reigns, I don't see that changing much in 2011.

Boise State scored an astonishing 369 first-half points in 2010, while holding their opponents to just 55.

Many say the key to winning is getting off to a good start. If that's the case, Boise State should be the example people use when using that expression. 

5. Geraldo Hiwat Emerges

If the Boise State Broncos have one main question lingering for the 2011 season, it's who will fill in at receiver for Austin Pettis and Titus Young.

The Broncos will have some reliable options in Tyler Shoemaker and tight end Kyle Efaw, but neither of those players are premier targets. 

Geraldo Hiwat stands 6'4'' and he should step in as Kellen Moore's big-play weapon.

4. Shea McClellin and Tyrone Crawford Terrorize Opponents

The Broncos will lose their star defensive end, Ryan Winterswyk, but the Boise State defensive line will still be a dominate one led by veteran Shea McClellin and junior Tyrone Crawford.

McClellin was a first team All-WAC defensive end in 2010. Look for him to shine even more in 2011 with Ryan Winterswyk no longer lining up next to him. 

Tyrone Crawford recorded seven sacks last year in a reserve roll, so he looks poised for a breakout year in 2011. 

3. Doug Martin Carries the Load

Running Back Doug Martin does not get the credit he deserves for his role in Boise State's high-octane offense.

Martin ran for over 1,200 yards in 2010, while rushing for 12 touchdowns as well.

It's safe to say that Boise State will rely a bit more heavily on Martin in 2011 with some questions at the receiver position, but the 5'9'', 200-pound senior will be up for the task. 

2. Favorable Schedule

The schedule lines up nicely for Boise State in 2011, with their biggest test coming opening week on the road against the Georgia Bulldogs.

If the Broncos can escape Atlanta with a win, it should be relatively smooth sailing from there.

Boise State will face TCU at home November 12th, but no other game stands out as a legitimate threat for the Broncos in 2011.  

1. Kellen Moore

The No.1 most important factor in the Broncos' quest to run the table in 2011 is star quarterback Kellen Moore.

Moore has thrown for over 10,800 yards during his three-year career at Boise State, while tossing 99 touchdown passes. More impressively, Moore has only thrown 19 interceptions—giving him a near five-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Boise State will seemingly ride the arm of Kellen Moore in 2011, which is not a bad thing.