Brian Murphy hands out the grades for Boise State’s 39-12 win over Miami (Ohio):
OFFENSE
Boise State rolled up the yardage against Miami (Ohio), rushing for 295 yards and passing for 304 more. The Broncos converted on 8-of-11 third-down tries and did not punt in the game. Running back D.J. Harper set a career high with 162 yards rushing and four touchdowns (one receiving). The Broncos controlled the ball throughout the fourth quarter with much of their second-team offensive line in the game. What’s not to like? There is certainly room for improvement. Quarterback Joe Southwick, who completed 24-of-31 passes, threw an interception in the end zone. Freshman running back Jack Fields fumbled inside the Broncos’ 10. And in six trips inside the Miami 20, Boise State came away with just three touchdowns. More efficiency inside the red zone is a must. Grade: B+
DEFENSE
Even without starting defensive tackle Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe, who was suspended for the game for violating team rules, the Broncos defense was dominant. Boise State limited the RedHawks to 227 yards of total offense. The Broncos had four sacks, including 2.5 from defensive end Demarcus Lawrence. The tackling was much better than in the season opener against Michigan State. Miami completed 21-of-28 passes, but they went for a mere 178 yards as the Broncos stuffed pass catchers immediately after the reception. Miami’s only touchdown came as a result of a turnover. Boise State did not force a turnover, something the coaching staff will surely point out this week. True freshman Armand Nance, pushed into duty at defensive tackle, had four tackles, including 1.5 for loss. Grade: A-
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Michael Frisina was 1-of-2 on field goal attempts. Trevor Harman had three touchbacks on seven kickoffs. Special teams have not played a large role in either of the Broncos’ first two games. Grade: C
COACHING
Boise State improved in each area that caused it problems in the season opener. The Broncos ran the ball much better, had more explosive plays and tackled better. Those were three areas of focus during the bye week. The Broncos are also breaking in lots of new starters and plenty of young players, including true freshmen such as Fields, Shane Williams-Rhodes, Hayden Plinke and Nance. Offensive coordinator Robert Prince and Southwick said the mechanics of play-calling were much better in the second game, something else the Broncos were hoping to improve after Michigan State. Grade: A-
IN THE POLLS
Boise State (1-1) returned to The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday at No. 24. The Broncos fell out of the Top 25 after their season-opening loss to Michigan State. The Broncos fell from No. 26 to No. 27 in voting in the USA Today Coaches’ poll. BYU, which lost to rival Utah late Saturday night, fell out of the AP poll.
