Boise State Broncos
Mountain West
Following a loss to Ole Miss in their season opener and another early loss at Air Force, Boise State quickly found themselves on the outside of the national picture. Failing to beat Mississippi was certainly understandable, but losing to the Falcons 28-14 made it seem like this was not the same quality Boise State team that we have become accustomed to seeing. But just when everybody stopped paying attention, the Broncos’ offense came around and they dominated just about everybody they played.
2014 Record: 11-2, 7-1
Coach: Bryan Harsin
Coach Bowl Record: 0-0
Big Wins: 9/6 Colorado State (37-24), 10/24 BYU (55-30)
Bad Losses: 8/28 vs Mississippi (13-35), 9/27 at Air Force (14-28)
Strengths:
When the Broncos offense is clicking, this team is winning. Outside of their two losses, Coach Bryan Harsin’s offense has scored at least 34 points every game. It starts with quarterback Grant Hedrick. He has had some huge games. Against BYU he threw for 410 yards and four touchdowns. A week later in New Mexico, Hedrick threw for 367 yards and four touchdowns and added 131 yards and two scores on the ground. Hedrick is an efficient quarterback, but when things start going bad, they tend to get really bad. He threw four interceptions in each game against Ole Miss and Air Force. The Broncos can rely on Jay Ajayi. In the 12 regular season games, the speedy running back rushed for 1,619 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding 45 catches for 536 yards and four more scores. Ajayi obviously provides a lot for this team, but Hedrick needs to have a good day too or this team is not beating a quality team opponent in a bowl game.
Weaknesses:
The defense has been susceptible this season and not just in their losses. Back on November 8th at New Mexico, Boise State gave up 49 points; and those were not meaningless second half points. The Broncos were down 42-35 at the half and it wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Boise State had any luck stopping the Lobos. It was the ground game that was so problematic. New Mexico rushed for 505 yards in that contest. The pass defense has not been any better. But the unit can make big plays. Safety Darian Thompson and cornerback Donte Deayon have picked off quite a few passes and Boise State will need those two to make a big play or two, especially if they give up a big play or two.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Jay Ajayi, RB, 1,689 yards
Passing: Grant Hedricks, QB, 3,387 yards
Receiving: Thomas Sperbeck, 678 yards
Tackles: Tanner Vallejo, LB, 86
Sacks: Kamalei Correa, DL, 10.0
Interceptions: Darian Thompson, S, 7
2014 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 223.6 (26th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 288.5 (18, 2)
Total Offense: 512.1 (8, 1)
Scoring Offense: 40.8 (9, 1)
Rushing Defense: 147.4 (45, 4)
Pass Defense: 216.1 (45, 3)
Total Defense: 363.5 (37, 4)
Scoring Defense: 27.6 (72, 6)
Turnover Margin: 0.33 (37, 3)
Sacks: 2.92 (18, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 2.17 (72, 8)
Recent Bowl Appearances:
2013 Hawaii Bowl Oregon State (23-38)
2012 Las Vegas Bowl Washington (28-26)
2011 Las Vegas Bowl Arizona State (56-24)
2010 Las Vegas Bowl Utah (26-3)
2009 Fiesta Bowl TCU (17-10)
2008 Poinsettia Bowl TCU (16-17)
2007 Hawaii Bowl East Carolina (38-41)
*all team stats through 12/1
