A season ago, Boise State fell to Fresno State 28-16 in the Mountain West title game. In 2023, I see the Broncos finishing the job and winning the conference championship.
Look, it’s way too early to predict 2023 conference championship winners, but I’m going to do it anyway. The Broncos are the most balanced team in the Mountain West entering fall camp, and they have a rich tradition of winning. I like their chances to win the conference title, and they’re deserving of preseason hype.
Head Coach Andy Avalos seems to be gaining confidence after some rocky performances early in his coaching tenure, and I think his program is ready to take a leap forward in 2023.
Offensive Excitement?
Offensive inconsistencies were an issue for the Broncos in 2021 and at the beginning of 2022, but Boise State likes quarterback Taylen Green. The young quarterback is a Power Five caliber quarterback, throwing for 14 touchdowns to just six interceptions last season, while also adding over 500 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
Green is a true dual-threat quarterback, and returning running back George Holani ran for over 1,000 yards a season ago. Ashton Jeanty might be as good, if not better, than Holani at the running back position. Few teams at the Group of Five level have the rushing potential that Boise State does. There’s reason to believe Boise State’s offense can average more than 30 points per game, leaning on talented runners and working in a solid passing attack.
If Boise State’s offense becomes a weapon, the Broncos move from a solid Group of Five team to arguably a contender for the Group of Five spot in a New Year’s Six Bowl. That could be a challenge given the team’s non-conference schedule – games against Washington, UCF, and Memphis won’t be easy – but the team possesses the talent to run the table in league games.
Keep a close eye on the development of Green. Him taking a step forward as a young quarterback could catapult Boise State into the AP Top 25 this fall, as he has all the tools needed to terrorize opposing defenses in the fall.
Defense Looks Solid
Despite some key personnel losses, including safety JL Skinner, Boise State’s defense should be strong again in 2023. Linebacker DJ Schramm is a monster (110 tackles last season), and edge rusher Demitri Washington is experienced and dangerous. If Boise State can replace lost production, the Broncos figure to have one of the better defenses in the conference.
It’s also worth noting that Avalos has a defensive background, and the Broncos have the pieces to excel offensively. Boise State fans should sleep well at night knowing that Avalos is accustomed to building productive defensive units.
Given Boise State’s potential offensive explosiveness and quality, Boise State won’t need a top-20 defense nationally to win the conference. If Boise State fields one of the 50 best defenses in college football, the Broncos will be a strong contender in the Mountain West.
If the defense gels after losing key pieces, Boise State could threaten Washington and UCF early in the season. There’s a chance Boise State makes a run at the Group of Five’s New Year’s Six Bowl.
Bennett Conlin is a college football contributor for HERO Sports, and he works full-time covering sports betting industry news and legislation for Sports Handle and US Bets.
