BOISE STATE’S OFFENSE VS. COLORADO STATE’S DEFENSE

The Rams run the type of defense that has given the Broncos trouble all season with lots of unpredictable blitzes.

“Their scheme presents problems,” Boise State quarterbacks coach Jonathan Smith said. “They do a lot of different things that can cause some confusion. And they’ve got the guys playing hard.”

The Rams have generated 20 sacks, seven interceptions, 12 forced fumbles and 41 pass breakups. They rank fourth in the Mountain West in yards allowed per game (402.2) and third in pass-efficiency defense (129.1).

Some of the opponents who have blitzed heavily include BYU (zero offensive points for Boise State), Fresno State (20) and San Diego State (19) — all at home. The Broncos haven’t scored 40 points on the blue this season.

“We need to get the running game going more than we have so we can feel good about our offense as a whole,” junior center Matt Paradis said.

The Rams are led by the dynamic duo of senior end Lanston Tanyi (70 tackles) and freshman linebacker Cory James (7.5 sacks).

“When you look at the flash plays that Cory James has made, they’ve been probably because of the effort of Lanston,” Colorado State coach Jim McElwain said.