BY BOB BEHLER
This is Boise State’s biggest non-conference game since Georgia in 2011. It is big because it is in an inter-sectional game that shows the Broncos can beat someone east of the Rockies and can be the springboard to a magical season.
The game at Oklahoma State (1:30 p.m. MT, 93.1 FM and 670 AM) won’t be easy. After two games against Missouri State and South Alabama, we really don’t know a whole lot about the Cowboys. Boise State’s win at Troy, looks like a good one, but after just two weeks it is still hard to tell, too.
The number one key will be play in the trenches. The team that protects its quarterback and opens holes for its running backs will win. Brett Rypien has had great protection and has looked great. If he continues to have time, he will continue to look great. The Broncos O-line looks big, stronger and more confident. I think they’ll get the job done. The reverse is true. The Broncos need to make Cowboys quarterback Taylor Cornelius, who has started just two games in his career, uncomfortable. I think Boise State’s D-line is one of the strengths of the team and I look for a couple of mistakes that will allow a couple of players to sit in the turnover throne.
I think the Broncos receivers will need to make 1-on-1 plays down the field. OSU is a man-to-man defensive team. There will be opportunities. BSU needs to take advantage.
They’ll also need handle the Cowboys tempo. The best way to do that is don’t let them get going. In talking with Coach Bryan Harsin on the coaches show Thursday, he said the best way to slow them down is not let them get yards on the early downs. Get them to third and long and they’ll have to be more careful and will slow down. So pay attention to what OSU gets on first down. I will be watching whether they try to get it on the ground with their all Big 12 running back, Justice Hill, or whether they will try to throw.
The Broncos haven’t had a whole lot of opportunities like this. True road games at non-Pac 12 Power Fives. This is the game the program has been waiting for with a team capable of doing it.
I can’t wait for kickoff. The Virginia Tech and Georgia games have been my favorite two games to call in the time here. I have a feeling this game will join those for me.
Bob Behler, the Voice of the Broncos, 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 @BSUBob (Twitter).
