Boise State is well known for its offensive trick plays. But, the Defense?
This one turned the game around.
During the first quarter and a half of the 41-14 win over Nevada last Saturday, the Nevada offense was empting the kitchen sink. They had had 2 leads in the game and were driving to take another one with 8:35 to go in the half. QB Ty Gangi had hit 13 of 17 throws for about 91 yards and a touchdown. Gangi was also running the ball well, hitting Boise State with a critical 13 yard run on the opening drive. RB Kelton Moore had run right up the middle and outside 9 times for 76 yards including a back breaking 34 yard run. Nevada had run no huddle, wildcat, an end around, went for it on 4th and 1, tried a double reverse pass, confused Boise St. in pass coverage, and picked on seldom used safety Jordan Happle for a touchdown.
They seemed in control of the defense save for a great interception by Nawahine. When the Boise St. defensive trick play was called, Nevada was almost at 200 yards total offense in the first half.
Nevada was on a 9 play drive and had moved the ball from their own 25 to the Boise St. 45 facing a 3rd and 10. Boise St. called time out to adjust their defense based on the Nevada offensive formation. After the time out, both teams lined up in the same formations. Nevada with 2 WR on each side and 1 RB and Boise St with its DE’s out wide and LBs threatening a blitz. At the snap of the ball, both DE’s Jabril Frazier and Curtis Weaver didn’t pass rush, they dropped back into zone pass coverage.
Gangi and the WR in the pattern never saw it coming and Weaver made the easy interception and set up Boise St with great field position at the Nevada 47. Boise St. went on to score to make it 24-14.
Nevada never scored another point and only gained 128 yards from that point forward. Nevada OL Austin Corbett said “That’s a great defense we just played today..they made their adjustments and started making big plays. That’s what happens when you’re playing a championship-caliber team. All the credit goes to them and what they were doing.”
And a trick play here or there.
