By Jeff Caves
@JeffCaves
Only 19,000 showed for the Utah State vs Boise State game. The fans I spoke to before the game were not optimistic about the outcome. I could hear it in the way they didn’t support the team. And didn’t show up. 8pm kickoffs for 4-4 teams with temps in the 40’s wont work in small towns like Logan…
Boise State was pulling 19,000 fans per game in 1978. But, the 1978 Treasure Valley had twice as many people as Cache Valley does now. I know Salt Lake is close but they don’t care about Utah State…
Joe Martarano told me during Bronco Game Day he loved playing for Harsin. Said he was emotional and had a lot of passion for his alma mater. We never see that in Harsin during media opportunities. I see it on the sidelines. When Cozart hit Modster with a 38 yard 3rd down pass down the middle of the field, he pumped his fist and let out a few choice words…
Vigil, Fackrell and Davis are all legendary LB’s/DB’s Boise State has had to face since 2013. USU has had 5 LB/DB drafted into the NFL since then. Jalen Davis could be next but he sure seemed small out there.
Brett Rypien admitted post game it wasn’t easy at first to split time with Cozart. He said both of them had to put their egos aside. Maybe the tape didn’t lie to Rypien and only he knew how he felt about his performance. I think his ego needs to grow by next season for Rypien to be able to handle the pressure of carrying a team. I think for now he has started to learn how to enjoy the pressure he DOESN’T feel to produce in the red zone, 3rd downs and when his team is down. He is just watching like the rest of us…
I have NEVER seen a QB substitution pattern like this one. The package has evolved to a down and distance substitution pattern. Cozart was often times in on 2nd and 3rd down and then back out of the game. That is an offense begging for turnovers, lack of leadership and ineffectiveness. The opposite is occurring. I don’t think this a trend Harsin is starting, just a one off.
The intensity the BSU defense plays with is impressive. They feed off home crowds of the opponents. The bigger the better it seems. The crowds should be big in Fort Collins and Fresno. I do think some of the intensity of a Boise State home crowd has been lost because of the barrage of promotions, commercials and public service stuff. In radio and tv we know you must limit the intrusion to your audience when you are establishing a story line. The first half of Bronco home games is littered with interruptions. Looks like a trash dump. Boise St may not be able to go back on promises to advertisers but they can cut back the public service and self promotion. I know I am like a dog with a bone about this stuff.
