The face value of this year’s Boise State football team is that they are 2-1, have a QB who can run the ball, pass efficiently, and the ground game is averaging almost 150 yards a game.
The market value is much lower. Yes, a 2-1 record is nothing to turn your nose up at, but the book is out on how good Troy and New Mexico are. Troy killed Alabama State 34-7 last week and has a good test vs. New Mexico State Saturday. We will learn more. New Mexico has lost to New Mexico State at home and now Boise State on the road. UNM beat Abilene Christian, a bad FCS school, for their only win this season. ACU had 20 first downs, 274 yards passing and 282 yards of offense vs. New Mexico. Boise State had 12 first downs, 137 yards passing and 264 yards of offense vs UNM. ACU has won five games since 2015.
On the other hand, Boise State should have beat Washington State and be ranked in the Top 25.
Take your pick.
Montell Cozart got his first start at QB and most importantly played well down the stretch, had a 28-yard TD QB draw, stayed away from making mistakes, or wasn’t allowed to, and ran and passed Boise State to a 28-7 lead with 4:27 to go in the game. Never mind that the coaches asked him to run sweeps, draws and roll outs. Cozart is one hit away from sitting next to Rypien. The offense can’t seem to afford protecting Cozart from injury so through three games he leads the team in rushing. WOW. Yes, he passed efficiently but not on third down and not for many yards. He had one awesome throw to Cedrick Wilson for 47 yards and 14 other completions FOR 90 YARDS. And, they are lucky to have him. But, when the offense needed a third down throw for a first down, he only converted one time. He had three vs. Washington State so he can do better and will have to with the run game not dependable.
Yes Boise State averages 146 yards rushing per game. BUT, if you take away three runs, Boise State is averaging 2.8 yards per carry. Against New Mexico, they had a QB draw for 28 yards, a gutsy Wolpin run for 18 yards and 30 other carries for 97 yards. New Mexico had seven tackles for loss.
So, against Virginia we may find out about the Boise State 2017 football investment. The truth lies somewhere in the middle but I do believe the O-line will improve and allow the QB’s to do more. So, I will side with the face value. For now.
