Boise State vs. Colorado State: Grading the Broncos' Win

Boise State made its premiere as a Mountain West Conference member on Saturday...

With a 63-13 victory, I think it's safe to say they made a statement. 

The game took place at Fort Collins in beautiful Hughes Stadium, but the game got quite ugly. It was never close, and at one point in the first half it looked like the Broncos might lay down 50 points. A couple of miscues and a fumble let Colorado State feel like they were part of the contest. 

The half-time score was 35-13 in favor of Boise State, but the second half was even more dominant for the Broncos. 

It was an impressive display of an entire team effort on the Broncos part, but how did each area do? 

Let's look at their grades for this game...

Grading the Offense: A+

Boise State Offense

Hmm... I wonder, how would you grade an offense that ran up 742 yards in total offense? 

Kellen Moore was fantastic.  He went 26 of 30 passing (that's 86 percent, folks),  338 yards, and four touchdowns.  I think his Heisman stock went up today again.  What do you think? 

On the ground Boise was brilliant.  Doug Martin ran over the Rams with 20 carries for 200 yards and three touchdowns of his own.

393 yards total rushing, 349 yards total passing, a balanced and monster outing for the Blue and Orange.  

Boise State Offense grade: A+

Grading the Defense

Boise State Defense

The Boise State defense held Colorado State to 11 first downs, 231 yards, and 13 points.  Those 13 points are the only reason I am not giving the Broncos an A+.  Instead they deserve only an A. 

I am being a little sarcastic of course, but other than a second quarter hiccup, the Broncos looked as good as they have all year on defense. 

The Bronco D forced two turnovers, and smacked the Rams around all day.  They swarmed to the ball, wrapped up, and thumped Colorado State at every turn. 

After reading my own comments I change my mind. 

Defense Grade: A+

Grading the Special Teams

Boise State Special Teams

The only thing keeping the Special Teams from getting an A+ is the continued struggles with the kicking game. 

A missed field goal in the second quarter reminded Bronco fans of a very inconsistent kicking game.  Let's hope the Broncos don't find themselves needing a game winning field goal any time soon.  This is an area I know that bothers Coach Petersen, and I am sure they will keep working on it. 

Other than the kicking, the special teams play was incredible.  A blocked punt, a successful fake punt, excellent punt returns, and outstanding kickoff coverage made special teams very special today. 

Special Teams Grade: A

Grading the Coaching

Boise State Coaching

What can I say about Chris Petersen?  Well, how about this... When the Broncos expand their stadium in the next few years you had better name it "Chris Petersen Stadium". 

His call to try a fake punt after losing a little momentum in the game today was amazing.  It was successful and it led to a Bronco touchdown drive.  It robbed Colorado State of any hope to make a comeback, and it showed how smart and aggressive Petersen can be.

On the other hand, pulling Kellen Moore and some other starters in the third and early fourth quarters show that he also knows when enough is enough.  He is not one to run up the score, regardless of what the final was today. 

Coach Petersen is a class act, and all his assistants follow his lead.

Coaching Grade: A+

Overall Grade for the Broncos Win over Colorado State

Boise State overall grade

Dominant, commanding, domineering, impressive, outclassing, overbearing, I wish I could come up with the word that fits the Broncos performance today. 

In every area of the game Boise State out played the Rams of Colorado State.  If you saw the game, you know what I am talking about.

From the offensive fireworks to the smash mouth defense and everything in between BSU did its thing, and they did it well. 

Coach Petersen keeps showing why he might just be the best coach in college football. 

Overall Grade for the Broncos win over Colorado State: A+