Following a 2-2 start and a change at offensive coordinator and quarterback, Boise State bounced back in 2022.
The Broncos finished the season by winning eight of their last 10 games. Though they lost the Mountain West Championship to Fresno State, they beat North Texas in the Frisco Bowl, 35-32.
Boise State has its eyes set on the conference crown in 2023.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
Boise State Football’s Mountain West Title Odds
Boise State has the best odds to win the Mountain West at +200, via BetMGM.
Boise State Football’s Over/Under Win Total
Boise State’s win total Over/Under is 8.5, with Under 8.5 at -130 and Over 8.5 at +110.
Boise State Football’s Schedule
9/2 at Washington
9/9 vs UCF
9/16 vs North Dakota
9/22 at San Diego State
9/30 at Memphis
10/7 vs San Jose State
10/14 at Colorado State
10/28 vs Wyoming
11/4 at Fresno State
11/11 vs New Mexico
11/18 at Utah State
11/25 vs Air Force
Bold indicates Mountain West contests.
Key Boise State Football Returners
2022 All-Mountain West 2nd Team
RB George Holani
OL Cade Beresford
LB D.J. Schramm
George Holani And Taylen Green To Power Boise State’s Offense
Boise State might have the best G5 running back tandem in 2023.
George Holani, an All-Mountain West second teamer last year, ranked third in the conference with 1,157 yards and tied for fifth with 10 touchdowns rushing while averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. He also caught 24 passes for 151 yards and three touchdowns. The former Mountain West Freshman of the Year has totaled 2,848 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground and 578 yards and eight touchdowns on 71 receptions the past four years.
But Ashton Jeanty might take on more work at running back this year. He ran for 845 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per attempt. He also caught 14 passes for 155 yards a year ago.
Taylen Green is also among the best Mountain West quarterbacks this year. After taking over as the starter when Hank Bachmeier entered the transfer portal, Green went on to become the Mountain West Freshman of the Year.
He threw for 2,042 yards, which was fourth in the league, while completing 61% of his passes and throwing six interceptions. Among all freshmen in the country, he ranked fourth with 12 passing touchdowns and fifth with 157.3 passing yards per game. He was also third on the team with 437 rushing yards to go with eight touchdowns.
Boise State’s offensive line helped the Broncos rank second in the Mountain West in rushing yards per game (196.4) and also gave up the second-fewest sacks in the league with 14. Right tackle Cade Beresford is back after making the all-conference second team last year.
O-linemen Garrett Curran, Ben Dooley, and Mason Randolph all return after starting multiple games as well.
Boise State’s receiving corps should be solid as well. Latrell Caples is one of the best Mountain West wide receivers. His 51 receptions, 549 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns were all in the top 12 among receivers in the conference.
Wide receivers Billy Bowens (32 catches, 462 yards, and four touchdowns), Stefan Cobbs (29 receptions, 396 yards, and two touchdowns), and Eric McAlister (11 catches, 259 yards, and four touchdowns) are also back. Boise State added former Colorado wideout Chase Penry this offseason as well.
D.J. Schramm Looking To Lead Boise State’s Defense
Boise State was among the top three Mountain West teams for yards allowed (292.5 per game) and points allowed (19.5 per game). Though the Broncos return just five of their top 11 tacklers from last season, they should still be strong on defense.
Stars like J.L. Skinner and Scott Matlock were drafted in the NFL this offseason. But Boise State returns players like linebacker D.J. Schramm, who was on the all-conference second team last year and is a 2023 HERO Sports G5 Preseason All-American.
Schramm led the team with 107 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss. The linebacker also added four quarterback hurries.
Rodney Robinson is back as well. He was second on the team with three interceptions. The safety also recorded 48 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and three pass breakups.
Demitri Washington is another top returner for the Broncos. The defensive end tied a team lead with 4.5 sacks while chipping in 35 total tackles, 5.5 for loss, and two quarterback hurries.
Boise State hopes a few transfers from other Division I schools will help on defense as well. Defensive linemen Sheldon Newton (Northern Arizona) and Tyler Wegis (Utah), EDGE Kivon Wright (Boston College), and safety Titus Toler (Wisconsin) were added to the team.
For more Group of Five coverage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Boise State Football Season Prediction
Boise State will win the Mountain West Championship and will finish the regular season with more than eight wins.
Every single one of the Broncos’ games in 2023 will be winnable, in my mind. The key to them getting to nine victories will be how they play on the road.
Boise State should be capable of winning at least one of its Power Five games at Washington or against UCF at home. I also see the Broncos beating North Dakota at home, though their road trip to Memphis will prove difficult.
I also believe Boise State will win at least six Mountain West games. The Broncos should be better than San Jose State, Colorado State, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah State, and Air Force.
If the Broncos are going to get to nine wins, though, they’ll probably need to win at San Diego State or Fresno State, arguably two of the other best teams in the conference.
But I believe the Broncos are capable of at least one win between those two matchups, which should set them up for a shot at the conference championship once again.
