Boise State vs. New Mexico: Who gets the edge, players to watch in Mountain West tilt

WHO GETS THE EDGE?

When the Broncos run the ball ...

Boise State has been OK on the ground thus far, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, buoyed by senior quarterback Montell Cozart’s scrambling abilities. The Broncos have not had a 100-yard rusher in their last four games. The last time they went five without one was during the 2008 season.

“We have that mentality like we’re going to be a downhill run team, and we’re going to try to keep establishing that,” offensive coordinator Zak Hill said. “... We’ve just got to stick with it and things will start popping.”

New Mexico has allowed 107 rushing yards thus far, and the game plan likely will be similar as last year against the Broncos, when the Lobos held Jeremy McNichols to 54 yards.

ADVANTAGE: New Mexico

When the Broncos pass the ball ...

If it’s senior quarterback Montell Cozart starting for Boise State, as expected, he might be in for a big passing day. Last season, Brett Rypien threw for five touchdowns against the Lobos, who keyed on stopping the run and used blitzes that left cornerbacks on an island.

“It’s the same defensive plan we saw last year,” Hill said. “They like to bring pressure — that can be both good and bad.”

Hill hopes Cozart can stay in the pocket “and not have to rely on his legs all the time.” Boise State has allowed eight sacks, but New Mexico has only three. The Lobos have yielded 675 passing yards this season to New Mexico State and Abilene Christian.

ADVANTAGE: Boise State

When the Lobos run the ball ...

The triple option has given the Broncos nightmares throughout the years, but they were actually pretty good against it last year. Though New Mexico got plenty of yardage, Boise State only allowed New Mexico past the Broncos’ 45-yard line once in the first half in 2016. Boise State’s young and athletic 2017 defense has given up just 98 yards on the ground.

New Mexico, No. 1 in the nation in rushing in 2016, is 40th entering Thursday’s game (217.5 yards per game). A raw offensive line has been unable to create gaps up the middle, and teams have sent ends and linebackers wide to prevent pitches and outside runs.

“There’s concern, because we’re not what we’ve been right now,” coach Bob Davie said.

ADVANTAGE: Push

When the Lobos pass the ball ...

Boise State’s young defensive backfield has been outstanding, holding Washington State’s prolific passing attack without a touchdown the first 52 minutes last week and Troy without one in the opener. The pass rush has been impressive, tied for sixth in the nation with nine sacks.

New Mexico focused this offseason on adding some more balance into the run-heavy offense. The Lobos threw 179 times last season, sixth-fewest in the nation, but so far have doubled their rate, with 56 attempts in two games.

“There’s an added dimension there,” Boise State defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said.

ADVANTAGE: Boise State

Special teams

Minus Saturday’s bad luck bounce off Reid Harrison-Ducros on a punt that led to Washington State’s tying score, the Broncos have been much improved on special teams. They have a punt return touchdown and are 4-for-4 on field goals. Opponents have averaged 17.3 yards per kickoff return and 17 total yards on punt returns.

New Mexico has two great specialists in punter Corey Bojorquez (48.7-yard average, No. 4 in the FBS) and kicker Jason Sanders, who has made 11 field goals in a row.

“That guy has done a really good job. He’s been sharp,” Harsin said.

ADVANTAGE: Push

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BOISE STATE

Alexander Mattison, running back

The sophomore is picking up a larger workload, as his 13 and 14 carries the first two games are the third- and second-most of his young career. His 27 rushes for 145 yards and two touchdowns lead the team. Boise State hopes to get him going against a New Mexico defense that has been solid against the run.

“He’s still young, he’s got a ton of talent, he’s going to be a phenomenal back for us,” offensive coordinator Zak Hill said.

Tyson Maeva, linebacker

At 6-foot, 214 pounds, the sophomore from San Diego isn’t exactly your typical-sized middle linebacker. But in this day of needing an athletic, smart presence on defense, that’s what Maeva brings. At Washington State, he had 10 tackles, including a sack, and also tipped a pass that was intercepted by junior defensive end Durrant Miles.

“Tyson has a great footbal IQ, he’s very intelligent,” Boise State defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said. “He prepares like he’s been here three, four years. His leadership is starting to show up.”

Curtis Weaver, end/linebacker

Avalos knows a thing or two about big men scoring long touchdowns. His 92-yard interception return in the 2004 Liberty Bowl earned a few light-hearted jabs. When Weaver ran a fumble back 55 yards for a score Saturday at Washington State, Avalos joked that “it seemed like 10 minutes.”

But the 6-foot-3, 252-pound Weaver, who has dropped 35 pounds in a year, played every snap that drive, adding to the fatigue. There’s good reason: in the redshirt freshman’s first two career games, he has two sacks to go with the touchdown.

“He’s a playmaker, and if you can’t tell from the last two games, it’s going to show up all year,” senior linebacker Gabe Perez said.

NEW MEXICO

Lamar Jordan, quarterback

He’s shifty, and the perfect type of triple-option quarterback to frustrate any defense. The Lobos went 7-1 last season when he started. He’s rushed for 2,202 yards and 15 touchdowns with 2,937 yards passing and 18 touchdowns. He struggled mightily last week against New Mexico State with two interceptions and minus-8 rushing yards. Redshirt freshman Tevaka Tuioti replaced him and led a near-comeback, but coach Bob Davie is confident in the senior.

“As a team we have to get better and Lamar realizes that he has to play better, but he is absolutely our starter,” Davie said.

Jay Griffin IV, wide receiver

During fall camp, Davie told Albuquerque TV station KOB: “Keep your eye on Griffin. ... (he’s a) take-it-to-the-house guy.” After redshirting last season, the 5-foot-10, 162-pounder has been as advertised. Griffin has seven receptions for 131 yards with two touchdowns and also has a 61-yard touchdown run on his only carry.

Jake Rothschiller, nickel

The senior is not your typical size for a nickel, at 5-foot-8 and 181 pounds, but he’s a playmaker. A former walk-on, he is on pace for a career year. Through two games, he leads the team with 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. He also has recovered a fumble and has a 91-yard interception return for a touchdown.

“He is an amazing, amazing guy,” Davie said.

This story was originally published September 13, 2017 at 3:43 PM.