Players to watch and who has the edge as Boise State and BYU battle on the Blue

WHO HAS THE EDGE?

When the Broncos run the ball

Though their 121 yards rushing last Saturday at Air Force were the third-fewest this season, it felt like a step forward since junior Alexander Mattison had a season-high 136 yards. Still, Boise State is 82nd nationally, averaging 154.4 rushing yards per game.

Boise State coach Bryan Harsin made sure to note that BYU’s defense is one of the largest around, including a 340-pound nose tackle and a 6-foot-9 end/linebacker. The Cougars are 45th in rush defense (141.9 ypg) and one of 13 teams to not allow a run of 40 yards.

“Our strength is in our front seven, we’ve got a good crew of linebackers, and we have big D-linemen that can plug holes,” BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki said in a phone interview Tuesday.

Advantage: BYU

When the Broncos pass the ball

As much as they’d like to run the ball, the Broncos will live and die by the pass. Senior QB Brett Rypien has been sublime (No. 7 nationally with 320.6 ypg and 11th in efficiency). The varied attack is a key reason Boise State is No. 2 on third downs, at 55.6 percent.

Opponents are completing 63.6 percent of passes against the Cougars, and have 10 TDs to five interceptions. Their 12 sacks are near the bottom of the country, but they’re good at stopping big plays — only eight teams have allowed fewer 20-yard passes than BYU’s 16.

“They switch personnel a lot, they do a pretty good job of that, they keep fresh guys in the game ... that means they have a lot of depth and guys they trust to be on the field,” Rypien said.

Advantage: Boise State

When the Cougars run the ball

Not much has come easy for the Cougars, who average 134 ypg on the ground, which is 102nd in the nation. In their four wins, they’ve averaged 204.8 ypg, but a ghastly 64.3 ypg in their losses. They’ll mix it up, as six players have more than 20 carries.

Boise State handled the unenviable task of Air Force well last week (201 yards, 62 below average). The Broncos are yielding 132 ypg, good for 33rd nationally, and would be near elite if not for a few big runs (only six teams have given up more 50-yarders).

“They’re gap sound and they’re a solid defense, play assignments really well,” BYU running back Squally Canada said in a phone interview Wednesday. “We have to be patient. They’ve given up some long runs, so we’ve got to capitalize when there’s a chance.”

Advantage: Boise State

When the Cougars pass the ball

Ex-Boise State commitment Zach Wilson has been more efficient in his two starts than Eagle High grad Tanner Mangum, but the pass game still has been little threat with 192.4 ypg. Seven receivers have between 11 and 23 catches, but have just two plays of 40-plus.

“I’ll keep telling Zach to be aggressive and let it fly,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said in his postgame news conference last Saturday. “He’s a gunslinger. We’ve got to let him sling it a little bit.”

Air Force hit some deep passes on the Broncos, pushing them to 96th in pass efficiency defense (143.25). All but UConn have thrown for at least 214 yards. However, the Broncos (24 sacks) must like what they saw last week when Northern Illinois had five sacks at BYU.

Advantage: Push

Special teams

Boise State has been inconsistent, but when things have gone well, the kicking game has been a major factor. Avery Williams is 13th in punt return average (12.1) after a 67-yarder at Air Force. Kicker Haden Hoggarth is 7-of-10 on the season and hit a career-long 47-yarder last week.

With a roster full of size, BYU has blocked two field goals, and opponents are 4-of-11. The Cougars are a solid 24th in net punting (40.4 average), but are 71st and 92nd on kickoff and punt returns, respectively.

Advantage: Push

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BOISE STATE

CT Thomas, WR

The sophomore has shown a tendency to make clutch catches for the Broncos’ offense — of his three TD receptions, two have come on fourth down, the other on third-and-10. Half of his 28 catches have been on third or fourth down, 13 of the 14 good for first downs.

“He’s a guy that doesn’t shy away from any matchup, he’s got really strong hands, and I’ve always thought he has a really good ability to go up and get the ball for his height,” Rypien said of the 5-foot-8 Thomas. “... I trust him in those situations.”

Ezra Cleveland, OT

In the Broncos’ tradition of excellent left tackles, Cleveland may wind up among the best. Offensive coordinator Zak Hill said the 6-foot-6, 309-pound sophomore is “a next-level guy.” He’s been rated as the nation’s top OT for consecutive weeks by Pro Football Focus.

“He’s a special player, he’s athletic, he can run like some of our tight ends ... we’re lucky to have him,” Hill said. “He’s got that confidence on the field like ‘nobody’s gonna beat me.’ At times, you can really see him take over and dominate.”

Jabril Frazier, STUD

Frazier already has set a career best with seven tackles for loss, and his 4.5 sacks are just behind his best of six, which he had in 2017. He’s proven to be an all-down factor, picking up 2.5 TFLs last Saturday at Air Force, including a sack against the run-heavy Falcons.

“I feel like my senior year is going good, just got to keep leading, keep getting better, bring along the guys beside me,” Frazier said.

BYU

Squally Canada, RB

His name may be familiar to Boise State fans, as he was a verbal commit to the Broncos way back in the summer of 2013. He eventually signed with Washington State but transferred to BYU in 2015. Canada leads with 366 yards rushing (44 last four games) and five TDs.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride,” Canada said. “I was having a great start, then was battling through injuries, just trying to find my rhythm again. It took a different path, but I’m living my dream, getting my degree and contributing on the field.”

Sione Takitaki, LB

Harsin singled out Takitaki among all BYU players Monday, saying “he’s a stud.” Harsin said similar of linebacker Fred Warner two years ago, and Warner had a pick-six in the ensuing game. Takitaki’s 57 tackles lead the Cougars. Harsin isn’t alone in taking notice: Utah State coach Matt Wells told reporters last month, “Sione Takitaki is doing really well right now, and I’m really impressed with him.”

Corbin Kaufusi, DE/LB

The son of Provo’s mayor, the Kaufusis are an important part of BYU. One brother, Bronson, plays for the New York Jets. His dad, Steve, was a longtime Cougar assistant. Another brother, Devin, is his backup. The 6-9, 275-pound Corbin leads the team with 6.5 sacks.

“We’ve used him more at linebacker lately, and we know he can get after the quarterback, but he also does a really good job with his size of getting into passing lanes — it’s really hard to throw over that guy,” Takitaki said.

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.)

BYU DEPTH CHART

Quarterback

11 Zach Wilson, 6-3, 205 (Fr.)

12 Tanner Mangum, 6-3, 205 (Sr.)

Tailback

22 Squally Canada, 5-11, 210 (Sr.) OR

4 Lopini Katoa, 6-1, 210 (RFr.) OR

2 Matt Hadley, 6-0, 210 (Sr.)

Wide receiver

21 Talon Shumway, 6-3, 210 (Jr.)

13 Micah Simon, 6-1, 190 (Jr.)

Wide receiver

80 Genner Romney, 6-3, 185 (Fr.)

84 Neil Pau’u, 6-4, 213 (So.)

Slot receiver

15 Aleva Hifo, 5-10, 187 (Jr.)

3 Dylan Collie, 5-10, 180 (Sr.)

Tight end

89 Matt Bushman, 6-5, 245 (So.) OR

32 Dallin Holker, 6-5, 230 (Fr.)

Left tackle

67 Brady Christensen, 6-6, 295 (RFr.)

74 Kieffer Longson, 6-7, 305 (So.)

Left guard

61 Keanu Saleapaga, 6-6, 295 (RFr.) OR

59 Thomas Shoaf, 6-5, 300 (Jr.)

Center

66 James Empey, 6-4, 297 (RFr.)

70 Jacob Jimenez, 6-5, 305 (Jr.)

Right guard

69 Tristen Hoge, 6-5, 305 (So.)

77 Chandon Herring, 6-7, 302 (So.)

Right tackle

71 Austin Hoyt, 6-8, 315 (Sr.)

73 Ului Lapuaho, 6-7, 330 (Sr.) OR

76 Harris LaChance, 6-8, 303 (Fr.)

Defensive end

52 Trajan Pili, 6-2, 247 (Jr.)

58 Uriah Leiataua, 6-4, 265 (So.)

Nose tackle

95 Khyiris Tonga, 6-4, 340 (So.)

54 Merrill Taliauli, 6-2, 310 (Sr.)

Defensive tackle

93 Bracken El-Bakri, 6-3, 285 (So.)

99 Zac Dawe, 6-4, 280 (So.) OR

91 Earl Tuioti-Mariner, 6-4, 280 (RFr.)

Outside end

90 Corbin Kaufusi, 6-9, 275 (Sr.)

92 Devin Kaufusi, 6-7, 260 (Fr.)

Field linebacker

44 Riggs Powell, 6-2, 220 (Sr.)

41 Adam Pulsipher, 6-1, 220 (Sr.)

Middle linebacker

16 Sione Takitaki, 6-2, 230 (Sr.)

38 Butch Pau’u, 6-0, 225 (Sr.)

Weakside linebacker

53 Isaiah Kaufusi, 6-2, 210 (So.)

37 Matt Criddle, 6-1, 200 (RFr.)

Cornerback

18 Michael Shelton, 5-8, 175 (Sr.)

10 Isaiah Herron, 6-1, 175 (Fr.) OR

12 Malik Moore, 6-1, 175 (Fr.)

Cornerback

32 Chris Wilcox, 6-2, 195 (Jr.)

36 D’Angelo Mandell, 6-1, 175 (RFr.)

Free Safety

11 Austin Lee, 6-0, 200 (Jr.) OR

1 Troy Warner, 6-1, 197 (Jr.)

Strong Safety

5 Dayan Ghanwoloku, 5-11, 200 (Jr.) OR

1 Troy Warner, 6-1, 197 (Jr.)

Kicker

20 Skyler Southam, 6-0, 195 (Fr.)

29 Andrew Mikkelsen, 6-0, 200 (Sr.)

Kick returner

15 Aleva Hifo, 5-10, 187 (Jr.)

2 Matt Hadley, 6-0, 210 (Sr.)

Punter

26 Rhett Almond, 6-4, 200 (Sr.)

19 Danny Jones, 6-4, 240 (So.)

Punt returner

18 Michael SHelton, 5-8, 175 (Sr.)

3 Dylan Collie, 5-10, 180 (Sr.) OR

15 Aleva Hifo, 5-10, 187 (Jr.)

This story was originally published November 2, 2018 at 4:28 PM.