BOISE STATE OFFENSE

Well, it’s always hard to tell after Spring Camp, but at first blush this seems like a no-brainer—worse.

It’s not that Boise State’s offense looked particularly bad this Spring…they return a ton of pieces—the entire O-line, the lion’s share of the receiving corps, and nearly every tight end and running back.

However, departed running back Jay Ajayi (NFL 5th round pick to Miami) accounted for 2,300 yards of offense a year ago and the fella that handed him the ball, Grant Hedrick, tossed 23 TDs and rushed for another 8.

Seemingly the only guys the Broncos need to replace are the two that a year ago were irreplaceable…so, while this year’s running-back-by-committee and winner of the quarterback derby are bound to get the job done, it’s hard to imagine they’ll be as good as they were in 2014.

BOISE STATE DEFENSE

The Broncos defense will be better in 2015, and here’s why: experience. Boise State lost just one starter on the D-line (Beau Martin) but gain 3 potential starters back in the front four (that doesn’t include guys coming off redshirts).

A year ago, Boise State’s D-line—led by sophomore Kamalei Correa—was a real force and that was without the services of DTs Tyler Horn (injured), Justin Taimatuia (injured) and Deuce Mataele (ineligible). All 3 of these seniors will be back in 2015 (as is Correa), so the Broncos should be absolutely set up front.

At linebacker, the Broncos return juniors Tanner Vallejo and Ben Weaver—who accounted for 162 tackles a year ago, AND backups Tyler Gray and  Joe Martarano, who combined for 103.

Then, in the secondary, the Broncos return all-conference performers Donte Deayon and Darian Thompson, who combined for 13 INTs a year ago. The Broncos are a little thin at safety at the moment with the injury to Chanceller James and the medical retirement of Dillon Lukehart, but 4-star recruit Dylan Sumner-Gardner played a fair amount a year ago when Jeremy Ioane was ill and he enters the year with some solid game experience under his belt as a true sophomore.

Kam Miles, another 4-star HS recruit (transferred from Bulter CC by way of Texas A&M) should give the Broncos some great support at nickel as should super senior Mercy Maston (who took a medical redshirt in 2014). If the Broncos can keep the safeties healthy and find a viable second CB (like junior Jonathan Moxey), they’ll be stacked to the gills and could be impressive.
 

BUYING OR SELLING?

Definitely buying. Despite the rather large question marks on offense, the Broncos should have the defense to allow them to come along at their own pace. Boise State’s toughest game (on paper) is a home game against Washington and the Broncos don’t often lose at home.

BYU, Virginia and Utah State might be the other games to circle on the calendar, but I think the Broncos are up to winning them all—playoff is probably a tall order because the Broncos will likely start the year ranked in the high teens or low twenties, but I think the Broncos are primed for another run at a MWC Championship and if they avoid some missteps, could be another threat for a NY6 bowl game.

A shocking result on the year, for me, would be if the Broncos fail to win double-digit games.

Drew Roberts of the Boise State blog One Bronco Nation Under God provided the information for our Boise State 2015 Spring recap. For more Bronco football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Drew on Twitter @mybrainissmart.