Players to watch and who has the edge as Boise State seeks first-ever win at Air Force

WHO HAS THE EDGE?

When the Broncos run the ball

Boise State will keep trying, but big plays have been rare running the ball. Minus UConn’s porous defense, the Broncos have had one run of more than 20 yards by a running back in their last 221 carries. Receivers have been edge threats, so keep an eye on that.

It won’t get easier this week — Air Force is No. 13 nationally in rush defense (106.6 yards per game). The most the Falcons have yielded in a single game is 177 yards. They’ve held Navy, FAU and UNLV, all in the top 25 nationally in rushing, to 322 yards combined.

“They run it well ... stout, downhill, good quickness in the box but can still break a run,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said.

Advantage: Air Force

When the Broncos pass the ball

After two interception-marred games, Boise State QB Brett Rypien was great against Colorado State last Friday, throwing for 308 yards with as many touchdowns as incompletions — four. The Broncos and their deep receiving corps are No. 16 in pass efficiency (158.16).

[Related: Three experts predict the Boise State-Air Force score]

Air Force’s defense has been stout, but foes have had some success passing, with 236.3 ypg through the air with 13 TDs to four interceptions. The Falcons have only nine sacks. Of note: FAU, Utah State and Nevada combined for 1,086 yards passing in three Air Force losses.

“They’re still really solid … they’re going to hit the right gaps, their coverage in the back end, they do a really good job of getting hands on guys,” Rypien said.

Advantage: Boise State

When the Falcons run the ball

Running the football isn’t just the Falcons’ bread and butter, it’s pretty much the whole meal. Air Force is No. 8 nationally with 263.3 yards rushing per game, and No. 2 with 429 attempts. Fifty teams have more 20-yard runs (the Falcons have 11), so patience is a virtue.

“It’s definitely the most disciplined we’ll have to be all year long, playing different techniques and fundamentals you don’t usually have to play,” Boise State defensive end Durrant Miles said.

Boise State has been very good against the run, except for a handful of times, as only five teams have allowed more than the five 50-yard runs the Broncos have allowed. The Broncos are allowing 3.8 yards per carry, but minus those long runs, its 2.5 ypc on 219 attempts.

Advantage: Push

When the Falcons pass the ball

Only four teams have fewer pass attempts than the Falcons’ 99, but their 16.5 ypc is No. 7 in the nation. Air Force will lull you with the run, then spring a play-action pass or option pass for big yardage, so again, patience.

“A lot of people don’t think about that with this offense” Boise State sophomore defensive back Kekaula Kaniho said. “… They run 80 percent of the time, that other 20 percent is when they get people.”

The passes off the option sometimes have frustrated the Broncos — in 2016, the Falcons threw for 279 yards on nine completions. Boise State’s pass defense has been decent but could thrive if the Falcons can’t run.

Advantage: Boise State

Special teams

The Colorado State win was a high point for the Broncos on special teams, scoring two touchdowns, and potentially having a third (called back via penalty). They’ve had a kick blocked on both visits to Air Force, so avoiding that will again be key. Air Force has blocked a punt and had a punt blocked, plus had a field goal blocked. The Falcons are 2-of-5 on field goals of 40 yards or more.

“It’s huge,” Boise State special teams coordinator Kent Riddle said of the special teams battle against Air Force. “They’re trying to make something happen. They’ll come after punts … they’ve faked punts over the years a bunch, so that’s concerning. We’ve got to find ways to make opportunities.”

Advantage: Push

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BOISE STATE

Avery Williams, CB/PR

Rypien said Williams had one of the best all-around games he’s seen last week — five tackles, a forced fumble, an interception and a 44-yard kickoff return TD on an onside kick. He had an 87-yard punt return TD called back because of a penalty, and lost a fumble on what would’ve been a big return but, luckily for him, Kekaula Kaniho picked it up and ran it back for a score.

“He just has the ‘it’ factor when he’s in the game for us back there returning. We know he’s going to do something special no matter what it is. ... You expect the guy to get the ball (on the onside kick) and get down, and he takes it to the house,” Kaniho said.

John Ojukwu, OT

The redshirt freshman, a Boise High graduate, appears to have a solid grasp on the starting job on the right side of the line. He played the second half Oct. 13 at Nevada and started last Friday against Colorado State. The 6-foot-6, 299-pounder had a strong offseason.

“He was always the one around watching film or outside hitting the sled by himself. He’s always working, and it’s paid off,” offensive coordinator Zak Hill said. “He’s going to be a really talented player for us in the long run.”

Curtis Weaver, STUD

The sophomore burst onto the scene with 11 sacks last season, and he’s right on pace again, tied for the Mountain West lead with Utah State’s Tipa Galeai and New Mexico’s Rhashaun Epting with 0.79 sacks per game (5.5 in seven games).

“What Curtis has done a good job of is not focus on (topping last season). ... Every week is a little different, that STUD position,” coach Bryan Harsin said. “The guys that get hung up on that, that’s where issues come into play.”

AIR FORCE

Isaiah Sanders, QB

The reigning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week rushed for 173 yards and three TDs, plus threw for 217 yards on 9-of-11 passing last Friday against UNLV. The junior is second on the team with 348 yards rushing and tied for the team lead with five TDs.

“He can throw it, and he’s got some receivers that he has some good timing with. … You’ve got a quarterback that can put it on the spot,” Boise State defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said.

Cole Fagan, FB

Your classic Falcon fullback, the 6-foot-1, 230-pound junior is the sledgehammer of the offense, leading Air Force with 93 carries and 419 yards. He’s only been downed for 4 yards of losses this season and has a run of 40 yards or more in consecutive games.

“I love hitting people,” he told The (Colorado Springs) Gazette, with running backs coach Ben Miller adding, “you could tell meeting him, he was mean.”

Jordan Jackson, DE

A big, 6-5, 270-pound sophomore, Jackson leads the Mountain West with 1.36 tackles for loss per game (9.5 total). In the Falcons’ last two games, he has 2.5 sacks, one going for a safety. He was one of only three freshmen to play last season for the Falcons.

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

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

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

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

Right tackle

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

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

Defensive end

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

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

Nose tackle

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

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

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

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.)

30 Robert Lewis, 5-10, 176 (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.)

AIR FORCE DEPTH CHART

Quarterback

4 Isaiah Sanders, 6-2, 210 (Jr.)

2 Arion Worthman, 5-11, 210 (Sr.)

5 Donald Hammond III, 6-2, 210 (So.)

Tailback

24 Kadin Remsberg, 5-9, 185 (So.)

28 Joseph Saucier, 5-10, 200 (Jr.)

19 Nolan Eriksen, 5-9, 195 (Jr.)

Fullback

34 Cole Fagan, 6-1, 230 (Jr.)

33 Taven Birdow, 6-1, 220 (Jr.)

Wide receiver

10 Andrew Smith, 5-8, 170 (Sr.)

84 Garrett Amy, 5-8, 190 (Sr.)

Wide receiver

8 Marcus Bennett, 6-0, 195 (Sr.) OR

7 Geraud Sanders, 6-3, 210 (Jr.)

Tight end

87 Kade Waguespeck, 6-2, 225 (Jr.)

81 Lesley Dalger, 6-4, 235 (Jr.)

Left tackle

77 Parker Ferguson, 6-5, 280 (So.)

79 Stone Miller, 6-3, 270 (Sr.)

Left guard

66 Nolan Laufenberg, 6-3, 295 (So.)

75 Colin Marquez, 6-3, 280 (Jr.)

Center

72 Connor Vikupitz, 6-3, 275 (Jr.)

68 Christopher Mitchell, 6-2, 265 (Jr.)

Right guard

74 Griffin Landrum, 6-2, 285 (Sr.)

64 Kyle Krepsz, 6-1, 280 (So.)

Right tackle

61 Scott Hattok, 6-5, 280 (Jr.)

54 Christian Frost, 6-4, 280 (Sr.)

Defensive end

94 Jordan Jackson, 6-5, 270 (So.)

57 Ryan Darby, 6-3, 250 (Sr.)

Nose guard

99 Mosese Fifita, 6-1, 213 (Jr.)

95 Cody Gessler, 5-11, 260 (Sr.)

Defensive end

90 Micah Capra, 6-2, 275 (Sr.)

93 Danny Highland, 6-2, 260 (Sr.)

Outside linebacker

8 Lakota Wills, 6-2, 235 (So.)

30 Grant Donaldson, 6-3, 225 (So.)

Inside linebacker

40 Kyle Johnson, 6-0, 220 (Jr.)

42 Blake Dailey, 6-3, 220 (Sr.)

Inside linebacker

49 Brody Bagnall, 6-2, 235 (Sr.)

38 Demonte Meeks, 6-1, 235 (So.)

Outside linebacker

29 Kyle Floyd, 6-2, 215 (Sr.)

45 R.J. Jackson, 6-3, 235 (Sr.)

Cornerback

5 Dailen Sutton, 6-1, 175 (Sr.)

4 Milton Bugg III, 5-9, 165 (So.)

Cornerback

6 Zane Lewis, 6-1, 190 (Jr.)

16 Robert Bullard, 5-9, 175 (Sr.)

Free Safety

2 Jeremy Fejedelem, 5-10, 185 (Jr.)

13 Abraham Nuno, 6-0, 205 (Sr.)

Strong Safety

31 Ross Connors, 5-11, 185 (Sr.)

20 Benjamin Waters, 6-1, 205 (Jr.)

Kicker

92 Jake Koehnke, 6-0, 180 (Jr.)

94 Tevye Schuettpelz-Rohl, 5-10, 185 (Fr.)

Kick returner

28 Joseph Saucier, 5-10, 200 (Jr.)

24 Kadin Remsberg, 5-9, 185 (So.)

Punter

14 Charlie Scott, 6-1, 195 (Jr.)

92 Jake Koehnke, 6-0, 180 (Jr.)

Punt returner

10 Andrew Smith, 5-8, 170 (Sr.)

84 Garrett Amy, 5-8, 190 (Sr.)