Offense: Boise State converted on 12-of-14 third-down tries and scored on all five trips (four touchdowns) inside the Wyoming 20, showing improvement in two areas that have been consistent trouble spots this year. Four different players scored rushing touchdowns, including two from senior D.J. Harper, who now has 10 rushing TDs on the season and 34 in his career. QB Joe Southwick was solid once again, completing 20-of-28 passes for 198 yards. He did have one interception. The Broncos had terrific balance, rushing for 214 yards and passing for 223. WR Matt Miller was terrific, hauling in seven passes for 78 yards. Miller has 104 career catches in 21 games. Grade: B
Defense: Wyoming carved up the Broncos’ defense on the first two drives of the game, amassing 151 yards on 28 plays. The defense adjusted and Wyoming managed one total yard on its next five drives. The defense scored its fourth touchdown of the season on a fumble return by Corey Bell. It was a great team play as Beau Martin, Darren Koontz and Tyler Horn all played a key role in the sack and fumble recovery. Boise State had just one forced turnover and defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake lamented the turnovers that slipped through the Broncos’ hands. Boise State is ranked in the top 10 nationally in pass efficiency defense, pass defense and scoring defense. But the Broncos’ depth will be tested. Boise State played without suspended safety Lee Hightower (who won’t be back next week either) and lost four defenders to injuries in the game. Grade: B
Special teams: The Broncos continue to get good work out of their special teams units. Kicker Michael Frisina improved to 10-for-10 from 30 yards and in with a 29-yard field goal. Frisina leads the Mountain West in field goals (10). Chris Potter had a 36-yard punt return and Dallas Burroughs had a 36-yard kickoff return to give the Broncos good field position. Boise State is ninth in the nation in kickoff return average (27.85), just one way the Broncos are winning the important “hidden yardage” battle each week. Grade: A
Coaching: The in-game defensive adjustments stymied Wyoming and turned what might have been a shootout into a blowout. The offense got creative with Shane Williams-Rhodes and found a great balance. Even in a rebuilding year, the Broncos are creating noise in the Bowl Championship Series chase. This may be Chris Petersen’s best job — and with an 80-7 career mark, that’s saying something. Grade: A
