FOUR DOWNS

1. NEW ERA

Junior Joe Southwick (Danville, Calif.) is the presumed heir apparent to Kellen Moore, the winningest quarterback in Football Bowl Subdivision history (50-3). Southwick will scramble more, likely take more risks and bring a little more fire to the huddle than Moore. The Broncos have had tremendous success with their past five choices for starting quarterback — all the way back to Bart Hendricks in the Big West — and expect the tradition to continue.

2. TARGET-RICH ENVIRONMENT

The Broncos have an abundance of targets in the pass game. Sophomore Matt Miller (62 catches last year), senior Mitch Burroughs (49), junior Kirby Moore (22) and senior Chris Potter (11) are smart, versatile wide receivers with terrific hands. The only question is whether they, or guys like Aaron Burks and Geraldo Boldewijn (after his four-game suspension), can do enough damage in the vertical passing game. At tight end, the depth is almost as impressive — watch out for junior Gabe Linehan and freshmen Holden Huff and Hayden Plinke.

3. FRESH FACES

It’s possible the Broncos could use as many as four true freshmen on offense this season — Plinke, wide receiver Shane Williams-Rhodes and tailbacks Jack Fields and Devan Demas. Williams-Rhodes, the slippery 5-foot-6 Texan, generates the most excitement with fans, but Plinke could be a force.

4. PRINCE’S PLAYBOOK

Robert Prince, the widereceivers coach from 2001 to 2003 and in 2011, becomes the third offensive coordinator in as many years. Players and coaches expect an aggressive and energetic, yet balanced, approach.

TO-DO LIST

PROTECT THE FOOTBALL: Boise State hasn’t had a QB throw more than 11 interceptions since 2005. That also was the last time the Broncos didn’t win 10 games.

KEEP HARPER HEALTHY: Senior tailback D.J. Harper’s combination of explosiveness, experience and pass blocking make him invaluable.

CONVERT FOURTH DOWN: If coaches stick to their plan to limit the kickers to field goals of less than 40 yards, the offense needs to produce on fourth downs.