In the first game of a pivotal season for Boise State, Coach Bryan Harsin introduced a two-quarterback system in Saturday’s 24-13 win against Troy. That is the most important and only meaningful takeaway from Game 1 of the season.

Let’s not call it anything else. Boise State is now a team that uses a two-quarterback system. Harsin said after the game that the plan was to give Montell Cozart at least a series to show what he could do. That means, taking out a two-time, first-team all-conference quarterback who led the Broncos to a couple of the most productive offensive seasons in school history. The two traded series, and Cozart finished the game with a clinching touchdown drive.

Outside of the theatrics of the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, this is one of the boldest moves I’ve seen from a Boise State team. Harsin is a former quarterback. He’ll continue to downplay the development because that’s what smart coaches do. However, I have to imagine that someone who has played the position understands the magnitude of rotating that role.

In a season where it’s important to reestablish a presence atop the conference, Harsin is trusting an unconventional tactic that doesn’t have many recent examples of working at the highest level. Boise State now has a fascinating storyline to follow throughout the season. Contrary to the result of the game, I didn’t think it was beneficial in the opener. Starter Brett Rypien looked out of rhythm from the beginning, missed on key throws, and threw a pick-six the first drive after Cozart had his run. It was perhaps his worst game as a Bronco in the first game of a dual-QB system. I don’t think that was a coincidence.

I’m willing to be proven wrong as the season moves on. There are some benefits for the program if the Broncos can get this tactic to work. First of all, helping someone with Cozart’s skill set flourish can open up a new set of recruits for Boise State. In the past, why would an athletic, run-heavy quarterback consider Boise State when it had been a long time since one thrived here. Also, it’s a unique advantage of stockpiling depth at a position that’s difficult to do in college football. Bronco fans are familiar with QBs leaving because they sense they won’t play. If Boise State can prove to be successful while playing two, perhaps more would stick around.

Harsin, offensive coordinator Zak Hill, and the Boise State offensive coaches have put their chips all-in. They might prove to be among the smartest coaches in college football if this works. They’ve also opened themselves up to criticism if this doesn’t go well. Either way, as long as both quarterbacks are healthy and playing, this is the story we will remember when we look back at 2017 Boise State football.

Chris Lewis, the play-by-play voice of Boise State women’s basketball and Olympic Sports, co-hosts Idaho Sports Talk with Bob & Chris weekdays from 1-3 p.m. on KTIK 93.1 FM The Ticket. He can be found @ChrisLewisTweet (Twitter).