2002 Statistics

written by Dave Bagchi

QB Ryan Dinwiddie returns after leading Boise State to the top-ranked total offense and scoring offense in the nation. Dinwiddie quietly threw for 2,283 yards, 65% accuracy, only three interceptions and a national best 188 pass efficiency rating! The keys to his, and therefore the team's success are smart decision-making and a quick release. He is tremendous at close-lining passes into the seams right behind the opposing linebackers. 6'4 junior Michael Sanford will be Dinwiddie's backup.

Boise State will continue to run the I-formation but now will hand the ball off to senior RB David Mikell. In subbing for Forsey, Mikell gained 606 yards and also showed he has capable hands. This is key because in 2002 the Broncos threw around 25% of their completions to backs. Junior Donny Heck will provide depth and experience. State had a 59/41 run/pass percent breakdown of their offensive plays. This total number was skewed because their wins were so lopsided. When the game is still in doubt, Coach Hawkins calls around 50/50 run to pass. Senior FB Greg Swenson will move up from third on the depth charts to now start. He will need to bulk up from last season's 220 pounds, especially with the fresh faces in the middle.

The OL's versatility as blockers is confirmed by 2002's offensive averages of 209 yards rushing and 293 yards passing. Gone this season are three of the starting five, returning only senior RT Jason Turner and sophomore LT Daryn Colledge. The Broncos will have to replace the entire interior of the line. Although at this point it has not been decided who will take over, keep an eye on 6'7 sophomore Kevin Worack and junior Michael Ansel. Inexperience will cause problems in the early going, but Boise State has talent waiting in the wings. This off-season, offensive line coach Chris Strausser will have to find the right mix. Look for our updates on this key area.

With the inclusion of Forsey the top four Bronco leaders in receptions from last season have graduated. Two seniors in 5'8 speedster Tim Gilligan and Jerry Smith will partially replace them. A concern - the duo combined for only 32 2002 receptions. Smallish junior TE Trent Lundin, 6'3" 230-pound, will be Dinwiddie's only tall target downfield, although he is undersized as a run-blocker.

QB Ryan Dinwiddie

written by Dave Bagchi

The defense was especially tough against the run, ranking 16th nationally as they allowed only 109 yards per game. Boise State returns two of their three linebackers including the team's leading tackler, junior Andy Avalos. Avalos is under-sized, but plays with extreme aggressiveness and is a sure tackler. Senior LB Travis Burgher will flank him, and needs to play bigger as he is also of smaller stature at 215. Burgher started all 13 games but underachieved statistically. Sophomores Chris Barrios and Chris Furr will battle to replace departed Chauncey Ako. This talented duo each saw significant playing time and could shuffle with Burgher.

When you see that Boise State finished 81st in pass defense, you may or may not realize total yards don't tell the whole story. Keep in mind that the Broncos blew out most of their opponents and the defense saw passes on 56% of opponent's plays. The more telling stat is that the Broncos finished 21st in the nation in pass efficiency defense and return three of four starters in a secondary that allowed less than six yards per pass attempt. Back are senior FS Wes Nurse (89 tackles), senior DB Julius Brown's 15 pass break-ups and the star of the group, junior DB Gabe Franklin. Franklin led the team with eight interceptions and performed all season as a lock-down corner. Junior rover safety Chris Carr has significant experience, but is small for the physical rover position.

Boise State lines up primarily in the 4-3, though they hover five to six men at the line of scrimmage, depending on what the offense shows. Man-for-man, the Broncos are under-sized. To compensate, defensive coordinator Ron Collins has the team play aggressively and gamble by using their speed. The system works especially well on the fast turf at home. The 2002 Broncos got 16 of their 29 sacks from their back seven. Collins had a magical season but the defense especially seemed to be playing above their abilities. This year reality should settle in with air-attack after air-attack on the schedule.

Left DE Julius Roberts is the only returning starter, and his 15 tackles do not bode well for assuredly anchoring the newbies. The Broncos will look to senior DT Paul Allen, sophomore DT Alex Guerrero and senior DE Fernando Yanez to fill the voids. They are big and physical guys without much experience playing together. Mostly in mop-up duty, the trio combined for 42 tackles and three sacks. They'll have to mature fast and learn to occupy opposing linemen so the strong linebacking corps can make plays.

This defense is poised to lose a few games for the squad. The size issue, along with run-stopping worries, means opponents will start pounding away until stopped on the ground. Shoot-outs can be closed out if a team can easily run late in the fourth, grinding away the clock to end the game as they put themselves ahead. If the run is not kept in check early on in 2003, look for State to lose this way in one game they may need late.

TB David Mikell