Boise State’s football program has long been known for its offensive prowess and mastery.

And for good reason: The Broncos are the highest-scoring team in the country since 2000, averaging 41.27 points per game in 162 games.

Talk about a decade of dominance.

But this year’s Broncos haven’t produced at nearly the same level on offense. Boise State is 75th in the country in scoring (26.14 points per game).

Instead, it is the Broncos’ often unheralded defense that is dominating and, finally, emerging as the glamour unit in the post-Kellen Moore era.

“I feel like we always had a defensive reputation. People always paid attention to Kellen, but I feel like Kellen was able to do some of the things he did because of the things we did on defense,” said senior cornerback Jamar Taylor, a top contender for Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors.

“We’ve had great guys come through here on defense. We’re doing a good job and our coaches are doing a good job of keeping the tradition alive.”

For as much attention as the offense has gotten, the Broncos’ defense has produced a string of NFL players.

But this year has been different. Instead of being part of the supporting cast, the defense has taken a starring role.

“Any time we can put the team on our backs we’re going to be happy that we can do that and we’re going to do that to the best of our ability,” senior linebacker J.C. Percy said. “A lot of this year we feel like we’ve done that and we’ve really taken note of it and we’ve been proud about it.”

They should be proud. Consider Boise State’s national defensive rankings:

• Second in turnovers gained (22);

• Sixth in scoring defense (13.57 points per game);

• Seventh in pass efficiency defense (95.64 rating);

• Eighth in pass defense (158.71 yards per game);

• 20th in total defense (316.86 yards per game).

“The goal is to be No. 1,” Taylor said. “We pride ourselves on being No. 1 in turnovers and overall defense. And you know we’re not going to be satisfied until we get to No. 1. We’re not there yet. We’ve still got some time to improve.”

An improving Boise State defense?

Now that’s a scary thought for opposing offenses.

Brian Murphy: 377-6444