Boise State Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for
By John Buhler
The Boise State Broncos always have lofty expectations. They’ve had a lot of roster turnover this year. Here are their five big storylines for this spring.
The Boise State Broncos have been a mid-major powerhouse for most of the last 15 years. Boise State routinely wins over 10 games and is always a threat to represent the Group of 5 in the New Year’s Six bowls.
That being said, Boise State missed out on playing in a meaningful bowl game last year. The Broncos stumbled to 10-2 during the regular season with tough losses in the Mountain West against division rivals Air Force and Wyoming. Boise State would lose a third time in the Cactus Bowl against Baylor.
Well, that was last year and 2017 could be one of great promise surrounding the Boise State football program. Though they have lost a lot of great players this offseason, isn’t that the case for most good college football teams? Here are the five biggest storylines surrounding Broncos football before their annual spring game.
5. Rebuilding on special teams
Due to limited scholarships, this sometimes happens. Boise State is usually able to win close games in the Mountain West by having strong play out of its special teams units.
However, Boise State will be without their starting kicker and punter from last season. That crucial third phase of the game has often been an area where Boise State can carve out the slimmest margins of victory. Special teams gaffes can wreck a college football team faster than anything.
It is important to see how the Broncos will adjust on special teams in their upcoming spring game. They play in the tougher of the two Mountain West divisions in the Mountain. Boise State cannot afford to lose more than one game in conference play to have any shot at the making the New Year’s Six.
As it is with most programs facing great special teams turnover, it is all about competition. Head coach Bryan Harsin doesn’t have to play favorites. He just needs to find the right mix of guys to make it work in 2017 on special teams. Nothing will make blue turf look worse than missed field goals and botched punts.