Who has the edge and players to watch as Boise State hosts CSU in Friday showdown

WHO HAS THE EDGE?

When the Broncos run the ball

The Broncos are 77th nationally in rushing (160.7 yards per game), and coaches said this week they’re close to more long runs — only 13 teams have fewer runs of 10 yards or more. It was a wide receiver who provided a big run Saturday (John Hightower’s 88-yard TD).

Relief may come in the form of the Rams, who have yielded 203.9 ypg (5.3 yards per carry) and allowed at least 199 yards on the ground to their first five opponents. Mattison rushed for a career-best 242 yards and three touchdowns in last season’s win at Colorado State.

“I see some opportunities, not because of their defense, but maybe it’s their scheme, I feel like we do well against those types of schemes,” Mattison said. “Hopefully we can get some things going.”

Advantage: Push

When the Broncos pass the ball

Three interceptions tied a career high, but QB Brett Rypien’s 299-yard game and clutch second-half throws at Nevada were a step forward from a brutal showing the prior week. At least eight Broncos have caught passes in every game, challenging most defenses.

Colorado State is 120th in pass efficiency defense (157.34), having allowed 18 touchdowns while intercepting six passes and the Rams’ 8.9 yards per attempt allowed is 122nd. In seven games, the Rams have 11 sacks, nine having come during their two-game win streak.

“I just love watching this kid play, there’s no hesitation,” Colorado State coach Mike Bobo said of Rypien. “His decision-making is pretty good, it’s a little bit scary, it’s got me scared.”

Advantage: Boise State

When the Rams run the ball

Usually a power-run based offense that has produced some consistently strong numbers, Colorado State has struggled mightily (113.4 ypg) with just three touchdowns on the ground. The Rams’ 3.23 ypc is tied for 12st, and they’ve rushed for more than 134 yards once.

Boise State will benefit from the Rams likely missing two starters on the offensive line (center Colby Meeks and guard Tyler Bjorklund are questionable to doubtful), and the Broncos, 31st against the run, are coming off allowing just 82 yards rushing to Nevada.

“Their quarterback can (run) ... the running backs are physical,” Boise State defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said.

Advantage: Boise State

When the Rams pass the ball

With a veteran quarterback and two receivers with 500 yards receiving or more, the Rams’ passing attack is the team’s greatest strength. They’ve had at least one touchdown pass in each game (17 total), average 298.1 ypg and have 28 passes of at least 20 yards.

“They have a veteran quarterback back there, he’s going to have us on our toes, a really great receiving corps to work around,” Boise State safety Tyreque Jones said.

Boise State’s pass defense starts up front with its pass rush that ranks 13th nationally with 3.2 sacks per game. The Broncos allowed a 300-yard passer last week for the first time this year, so preventing big gains like they allowed (three of 32 yards or more) will be key.

Advantage: Boise State

Special teams

Though Boise State has not been consistent in the kicking or return game, there were no errors Saturday at Nevada. That’s a step forward. But the Broncos need to find more of a spark, though kickoff returns (48th nationally) have been closer. They’re 114th on punt returns.

Typically solid, the Rams have been subpar at best on special teams, outside of their outstanding punter Ryan Stonehouse, who is No. 3 in the nation with a 50.3-yard average. One punt has been blocked, kicker Wyatt Bryan is 9-of-14 on field goals, and two touchdowns have been scored off Colorado State punts.

Advantage: Push

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BOISE STATE

A.J. Richardson, WR

The senior admits he is seen as a possession receiver (his 27 catches are second on the team), but he’s provided some serious highlight touchdowns — two of the one-handed variety, including a 41-yarder last Saturday at Nevada. CSU’s subpar pass defense will be wary.

“As long as you come down with it, that’s what really matters,” Richardson said, adding of his spectacular catches, “I’ve built a pretty good resume for that.”

Emmanuel Fesili, NT

A 6-foot-2, 319-pound junior, the Long Beach, Calif., native fits the role of a run-plugging nose well. In 19 career games, he has eight tackles, but his role should be greatly increased this week as Sonatane Lui appears unlikely to play with an injury.

“I think I’ll be ready this week to step up, stop the run game. ... I’ve been trying to star in my role, be the perfect backup for this team,” Fesili said.

Jabril Frazier, STUD

Always an energetic presence, Frazier was tuned up to 11 at Nevada, where he set the tone for the defense with a quarterback pressure, a half-sack and a forced fumble in the first quarter. He finished with a season-high six tackles, active after having been limited the prior week.

“He played his best game thus far this year,” defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said. “That’s something we’ve got to build on, handle ourselves in the run game the way he did.”

COLORADO STATE

Preston Williams, WR

Second in the Mountain West with 671 yards and tied for second with seven TDs, the 6-foot-4 Tennessee transfer made an immediate impact. A former five-star recruit, the junior hopes to follow in the footsteps of current NFLers Rashard Higgins and Michael Gallup.

“They paved the way for me,” Williams told The Coloradoan. “They set outstanding records. I just want to be like those guys.”

KJ Carta-Samuels, QB

When he was a class of 2014 recruit, Carta-Samuels’ final two choices were Washington and Boise State. He played for ex-BSU coach Chris Petersen for four seasons in Seattle but is a senior grad transfer for the Rams. He’s completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 1,934 yards with 16 TDs and six INTs.

“KJ came here, we liked him, still do, he can throw it, he’s fast. ... He was always good to us, fun to recruit,” Boise State coach Bryan Harsin said.

Josh Watson, LB

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound senior anchors the middle of the Rams’ defense, and though it has been a tough year for the group, Watson has been solid — his 10.4 tackles per game ranks fifth in the conference. His 310 career stops rank 10th among active FBS players.

“They’ve got some pretty good guys, their middle linebacker is very talented,” Boise State offensive coordinator Zak Hill said.

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BOISE STATE DEPTH CHART

Quarterback

4 Brett Rypien, 6-2, 202 (Sr.)

9 Jaylon Henderson, 6-1, 211 (Jr.)

3 Riley Smith, 6-4, 206 (Fr.)

Running back

22 Alexander Mattison, 5-11, 211 (Jr.)

34 Robert Mahone, 5-10, 204 (So.)

21 Andrew Van Buren, 6-0, 227 (Fr.)

Wide receiver

8 Sean Modster, 5-11, 189 (Sr.)

1 Octavius Evans, 6-1, 199 (So.) OR

16 John Hightower, 6-2, 183 (Jr.)

Wide receiver

6 CT Thomas, 5-8, 171 (So.)

81 Akilian Butler, 5-10, 192 (Jr.)

Wide receiver

7 A.J. Richardson, 6-0, 209 (Sr.)

2 Khalil Shakir, 6-0, 186 (Fr.)

Tight end

86 Chase Blakley, 6-4, 239 (Sr.)

85 John Bates, 6-6, 246 (So.)

47 Matt Pistone, 6-3, 244 (Jr.)

5 Garrett Collingham, 6-4, 229 (Jr.)

Left tackle

76 Ezra Cleveland, 6-6, 309 (So.)

69 Austin Dixon, 6-6, 289 (So.)

Left guard

77 John Molchon, 6-5, 310 (Jr.)

68 Jake Stetz, 6-2, 296 (RFr.)

Center

67 Garrett Larson, 6-4, 298 (Jr.)

71 Donte Harrington, 6-2, 306 (So.)

Right guard

79 Eric Quevedo, 6-4, 295 (Jr.)

66 Isiah Moore, 6-4, 292 (Jr.) OR

65 Zachary Troughton, 6-6, 322 (Sr.)

Right tackle

78 Andres Preciado, 6-6, 295 (Sr.)

70 John Ojukwu, 6-6, 297 (RFr.)

Defensive end

91 Durrant Miles, 6-6, 261 (Sr.)

45 Kayode Rufai, 6-4, 255 (So.)

Nose tackle

98 Sonatane Lui, 6-1, 305 (Jr.)

57 Emmanuel Fesili, 6-2, 319 (Jr.)

90 Scale Igiehon, 6-2, 300 (Fr.)

Defensive tackle

93 Chase Hatada, 6-3, 253 (Jr.)

54 Matt Locher, 6-2, 269 (Jr.)

40 Jabari Watson, 6-1, 253 (So.)

STUD end

8 Jabril Frazier, 6-4, 238 (Sr.)

99 Curtis Weaver, 6-3, 266 (So.)

53 Sam Whitney, 6-2, 233 (Jr.)

Weakside linebacker

44 Riley Whimpey, 6-1, 218 (So.)

7 Ezekiel Noa, 5-11, 243 (RFr.) OR

36 Blake Whitlock, 6-1, 214 (Sr.)

Middle linebacker

58 Tyson Maeva, 6-0, 228 (Jr.)

25 Benton Wickersham, 6-2, 230 (So.)

56 Joseph Inda, 6-0, 231 (Sr.)

Nickel/strongside LB

28 Kekaula Kaniho, 5-10, 185 (So.)

9 Desmond Williams, 5-11, 205 (So.)

41 Will Heffner, 6-2, 225 (Jr.)

Cornerback

14 Tyler Horton, 5-11, 197 (Sr.)

15 Jalen Walker, 6-0, 174 (So.)

Cornerback

26 Avery Williams, 5-9, 197 (So.)

15 Jalen Walker, 6-0, 174 (So.)

Boundary Safety

10 Kekoa Nawahine, 6-2, 207 (Jr.)

5 Evan Tyler, 6-2, 191 (Jr.)

Field Safety

21 Tyreque Jones, 6-2, 197 (RFr.)

32 Jordan Happle, 5-11, 199 (So.)

Kicker

96 Haden Hoggarth, 6-0, 195 (Sr.) OR

46 Joel Velazquez, 6-0, 224 (So.)

Kick returner

26 Avery Williams, 5-9, 197 (So.) OR

16 John Hightower, 6-2, 183 (Jr.) OR

81 Akilian Butler, 5-10, 192 (Jr.)

Punter

49 Quinn Skillin, 6-4, 189 (Sr.) OR

46 Joel Velazquez, 6-0, 224 (So.)

Punt returner

26 Avery Williams, 5-9, 197 (So.) OR

2 Khalil Shakir, 6-0, 186 (Fr.)

COLORADO STATE DEPTH CHART

Quarterback

1 KJ Carta-Samuels, 6-2, 225 (Sr.)

15 Collin Hill, 6-5, 210 (So.)

Tailback

24 Izzy Matthews, 6-0, 220 (Sr.)

5 Marvin Kinsey, 6-1, 206 (Jr.)

32 Marcus McElroy, 5-11, 218 (So.)

Fullback

46 Adam Prentice, 6-0, 230 (So.)

45 Nate Ryken, 6-1, 235 (Sr.)

Wide receiver

11 Preston Williams, 6-4, 210 (Jr.)

3 E.J. Scott, 6-1, 192 (Fr.)

Wide receiver

81 Olabisi Johnson, 6-0, 203 (Sr.)

80 Nikko Hall, 6-0, 180 (Fr.)

Tight end

16 Cameron Butler, 6-2, 225 (So.)

85 Trey McBrid, 6-3, 245 (Fr.)

Left tackle

69 Barry Wesley, 6-6, 310 (Fr.)

58 T.J. Roundtree, 6-6, 332 (Sr.)

Left guard

73 Tyler Bjorklund, 6-4, 300 (Sr.)

70 Joctavis Phillips, 6-4, 329 (Fr.)

Center

51 Colby Meeks, 6-3, 310 (Sr.)

64 Scott Brooks, 6-3, 296 (So.)

Right guard

71 Jef Taylor, 6-1, 305 (Jr.)

74 Salofi Gaoa, 6-6, 317 (Jr.)

Right tackle

78 Ben Knox, 6-6, 320 (Sr.)

77 Keith Williams, 6-7, 275 (So.)

Defensive end

33 Emmanuel Jones, 6-4, 266 (So.)

91 Jan-Phillip Bombek, 6-3, 255 (Jr.)

Nose tackle

94 Devin Phillips, 6-1, 318 (Fr.)

99 Damion Dickens, 6-2, 265 (Jr.)

Defensive tackle

98 Ellison Hubbard, 6-1, 285 (So.)

92 Livingston Paogofie, 6-1, 269 (So.)

Defensive end

53 Caleb Smith, 6-3, 255 (Sr.)

42 Arjay Jean, 6-4, 245 (Jr.)

Strongside linebacker/nickel

52 Tre Thomas, 6-2, 223(Sr.)

25 Darius Campbell, 5-9, 170 (So.)

Middle linebacker

55 Josh Watson, 6-2, 240 (Sr.)

5 Dequan Jackson, 6-1, 215 (Fr.)

Weakside linebacker

13 Trey Sutton, 6-0, 230 (So.)

5 Dequan Jackson, 6-1, 215 (Fr.)

Cornerback

19 V.J. Banks, 6-0, 200 (Sr.)

2 Dajon Owens, 6-0, 185 (So.)

Cornerback

4 Rashad Ajayi, 5-10, 175 (Fr.)

14 Anthony Hawkins, 5-10, 185 (Jr.)

Safety

11 Jordan Fogal, 5-10, 195 (Sr.)

8 Quinn Brinnon, 6-0, 185 (Fr.)

Safety

7 Jamal Hicks, 6-1, 200 (Jr.)

18 Braylin Scott, 6-3, 196 (Jr.)

Kicker

96 Wyatt Bryan, 6-1, 175 (Sr.)

83 Braxton Davis, 6-0, 170 (Sr.)

Kick returner

14 Anthony Hawkins, 5-10, 185 (Jr.)

11 Preston Williams, 6-4, 210 (Jr.)

Punter

41 Ryan Stonehouse, 5-11, 170 (So.)

Punt returner

81 Olabisi Johnson, 6-0, 203 (Sr.)

23 Brenden Fulton, 5-10, 184 (Jr.)

This story was originally published October 17, 2018 at 10:22 PM.