Boise State vs. Georgia : How Different Is 2011 from 2005?

In 2005 Georgia beat Boise State 48-13 in large part by controlling the lines, and by pressuring BSU QB Zabransky into a lot of costly mistakes.  Georgia had a great team that year.

Since that time Boise State has been the more successful team, and has won high profile opening games against Pac10 winner Oregon in 2008, and ACC winner Virginia Tech in 2009.

A lot of bragging rights, team pride, and conference pride is on the line in this game, as Boise State takes a shot at beating its first SEC team.

It is a pretty sure bet this game will be a lot closer than the 2005 edition.  Boise States Kellen Moore is not easily rattled, and rarely gives up costly mistakes and interceptions in a big game.

Georgia is being touted a top 25 team this year, and would get a big boost in public perception by beating the Broncos.  Can Georgia dominate the lines?  Can their special teams help them defeat Boise State?

Boise States Offensive Line vs. Georgia's Defensive Front Three

A lot has been written already about the weight difference between Boise States Offensive Line and Georgia's Defensive Front.  Lets take a quick look at the weights from the teams Rosters:

BSU Offensive Line                                     vs.                         Georgia Defensive Line 

LT Nate Potter  -  295 Sr. L-DE Arby Jones  -  309 Jr.

LT Faraji Wright  -  275 Jr.                                  L-DE Garrison Smith  -  294 So. 

LG Joe Kellog  -  303 Jr.                                               

LG Spencer Gerke  -  289 So.                                                

C Thomas Byrd  -  290 Sr.                                  NG Kwame Geathers  -  350 RSo.

C Matt Paradis  -  280 So.                                  NG John Jenkins  -  351 Jr. 

RG Jake Broyles  -  289 So.

RG Chuck Hayes  -  288 Sr. 

RT Charles Leno  -  294 So.                              R-DE DeAngelo Tyson  -  306 Sr.

RT Michael Ames  -  283 Jr.                                R-DE Derrick Lott  -  303 RSo.

Although Georgia's line is heavier, the biggest difference is clearly right over the center-60 lbs. of difference.  How does that play out in terms of strategy?

For Georgia, the large athletic Nose Guards will make a push up the middle to try and disrupt the inside running game, and to pressure Kellen Moore.

Boise State has a variety of ways to negate that size advantage.  One possible approach is to run a fast or no-huddle offense with a lot of different schemes and lateral movement in order to limit substitutions.  Georgia has made an effort to improve conditioning after showing fatigue late in games last year.  The Broncos will almost surely test that by making the big men run.  

When Boise State played Oregon and Virginia Tech in the openers the last two years, each team afterwards reflected that they were initially confused and out of position.  Expect Boise State to do its best to do the same to Georgia.

As a side note, I am curious to what extent form Boise State and now Georgia backup quarterback Mike Tamburo has had on Georgia's game planning.  Georgia touted beating their practice squad with Tamburo running BSU plays.  It may look a lot different with a new game plan and Kellen Moore running the show.

If the Georgia defensive front can push up the middle with their size advantage, stay fresh, and force double teams, that could open things up for their excellent linebackers to harass Boise State's offense.  This could be the key to the game.  

Georgia's Hogs: Can Georgia Wear Down BSU's Touted but Smaller Defensive Line?

I believe Georgia is going to try to establish the running game - right down the middle of the BSU defense.  Can they succeed where Oregon and Virginia Tech failed in opening games?

Lets take a look at the Georgia Offensive Line vs. the BSU Defensive Line:

Georgia Offensive Line                 vs.           Boise State Defensive Line

LT Cordy Glenn  -  348 Sr.                                   L-DE Tyrone Crawford  -  273 Sr.

LT Austin Long  -  304 RSo.                               L-DE Jarrell Root  -  262 Sr.

LG Kenarious Gates  -  328 So.  L-DE Billy Winn  -  309 Jr.             

LG Dallas Lee  -  300 RSo.        L-DE Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe  -  309 Jr.                   

C Ben Jones  -  316 Sr.                                       N Chase Baker  -  298 Sr.

C David Andrews  -  280 Fr.                                 N Mike Atkinson  -  312 Jr.

RG Chris Burnette  -  313 RSo.

RG Dallas Lee  -  300 RSo.

RT Justin Anderson  -  342 Sr.                                 R-DE Shea McClennin  -  255 Sr.

RT Watts Dantzler  -  310 Fr.                                   R-DE Jarrell Root  -  262 Sr.

Boise State has the reputation of being great run stoppers.  But one of the only teams to beat them in recent years was the 2010 Nevada team, that managed to get their running game going in the second half.  

Shea McClennin is a beast, a powerful DE.  But can he manage pushing around Justin Anderson all game when he gives up 87 lbs.?  The Broncos need to use their speed and skill to get off the field.  

If Georgia can keep it a close low scoring game, they might be able to power run late in the game.

Aaron Murray & Kellen Moore

I believe both teams will try and establish the run, and at least initially, both will find little room inside.  That said, it might be the passing game that makes a difference.  

For Georgia, Aaron Murray has to be an able field general, for Boise State can mix up and change defenses right on the line.  He's got the arm, and a year of experience.  

Boise State is breaking in some less experienced defensive backs, though George Iloka and Jamar Taylor are solid returning starters capable of capitalizing on the smallest of mistakes.  If Georgia can get the running game going, forcing Boise State to favor the run, than there might be some room to operate.  If the Broncos carry a lead or can force long yardage situation, then the linebackers and nickel backs are likely to give Murray a really tough time.

As for Kellen Moore?  He is 38-2 as a starter.  He is on a track to easily end up with the most wins in FBS history-by a substantial margin.  Given the time he is used to getting, he'll pick apart a secondary easily-even with less experienced receivers.  

The best thing playing him is to get right in his face.  Even then, he won't crumble, and give away many turnovers.  The best you can hope for is not to be beat to often.  Given a sliver of a chance, he'll give the Broncos a chance to win late.  As a leader, as a field general, there may be no better quarterback in college football.  

Georgia's relative weak point last year was the secondary.  That has to improve, or Georgia will lose.

"Muscle Hampster" Doug Martin, Richard Samuel, & Top RB Recruit Isiah Crowell

Boise State running backs tend to be smallish in size.  Starter Doug Martin is solid muscle though, and gets a lot of his yardage after contact-he is fast, powerful, shifty, and also runs right over people.

Georgia lost a lot of running backs over the course of the offseason.  True freshman Isiah Crowell has gotten a lot of press, and will be a great back.  Is he ready to shoulder the load?  Mark Richt hopes so, but he is hedging his bets, and listed the larger, heavier, and more experienced junior Richard Samuel as the starter.  

I am certain we'll see both backs, but I expect Richt to use Richard Samuel in the power running game to see what kind of traction he can get behind his beefy line.

Sr. Georgia Kicker Blair Walsh Is Part of Georgia's Solid Special Teams

One of Georgia's strong points is their Special Teams.  Senior PK Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler are experienced.

Although Boise State's Kyle Brotzman had a very bad game against Nevada last year, he was a record setting kicker that anchored Boise State's Special Teams for years.  There was a lot of competition this year for kicking duties-but it is not clear a reliable and trusted starter has truly emerged.  

Don't be surprised if Boise State tries to kick away from returns, and goes for two points after touchdowns.  This is one clear area I'd say Georgia has an edge over Boise State going into the game. 

Rest of the Season?

I think Georgia has an improved team, and can challenge for the SEC East crown.  I think they are a year, maybe two away from returning to greatness.  Give Isiah Crowell some time to develop and mature, and Aaron Murray a few seasons to operate, and this team will be hard to beat.

As for Boise State - the time is now.  This is a senior laden team, including not just Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore, but the majority of the starters and leaders on the entire team.

QB:  Kellen Moore, Sr.

RB:  Doug Martin, Sr. & Primary backup D.J. Harper

FB:  Dan Paul, Sr.

TE:  Kyle Efaw, Sr.

LT:  Nate Potter, Sr.

C:  Thomas Byrd, Sr.

DE:  Tyrone Crawford, Sr.

T:  Billy Winn, Sr.

NT:  Chase Baker, Sr.

DE:  Shea McClellin, Sr.

MLB:  Brian Hout, Sr.

WLB:  Aaron Tevis, Sr.

Nickel:  Hunter White, Sr.

S:  Cedric Febis, Sr.

S:  George Iloka, Sr.

CB:  Jerrell Gavins, Sr.

This is the last, best chance to do something really special for Boise State.  They develop well, but this is too much talent to loose without a drop-off.  I think Boise State will have another very strong, maybe undefeated season this year.  

After the Nevada debacle last year, I feel this will be a focused team ready to come in and fight hard in the trenches, with the BCS as a goal.   

Outcome

Boise State plays a very physical game, with immense heart, smart play, excellent coaching, and excellent team play.  I think they will be motivated and have considerable talent.

Georgia is in their own backyard, and has larger lines, and a lot of developing talent.  They are on the edge of returning to greatness.  Given a physical game and time, they could dominate the lines late in the game by virtue of superior size.

I think it will be a tough, hard fought game.

I predict that Boise State pulls it out.  They are just too talented, well coached, and hungry.  If this game was later in the year?  I think I'd pick Georgia.  Boise State has proven they can be extremely competitive against quality BCS teams in season openers these last couple of years - teams that went on to the BCS as conference champions.

Prediction:  Boise State 31, Georgia 27 in a very hard fought game.