Instant analysis: Boise State’s offense was a mess in opener, QB controversy brewing
Final score: Oregon State 34, Boise State 17
Records: Boise State 0-1. Oregon State 1-0.
Why the Broncos lost: Boise State turned the ball over five times, the offense could muster only 22 rushing yards by the third quarter and the Broncos’ vaunted secondary got torched for big plays.
The Broncos made a change at quarterback in the second quarter, benching four-year starter Hank Bachmeier in favor of athletic redshirt freshman Taylen Green, who struggled early but got the offense moving some in the second half. Green scored on a 74-yard touchdown run after scrambling from the pocket, powered across the goal line for another late score and finished the game with a game-high 102 rushing yards. He also completed 19-of-28 passes for 155 yards and one interception.
Main takeaway: The Broncos now seem to have a quarterback controversy on their hands. Bachmeier came into the season with all kinds of experience and expectations, but he was completely out of sorts. He threw two interceptions and lost a fumble after standing in one place for far too long. Green looked explosive. But it won’t matter how athletic he is if the offensive line can’t find a way to open some holes in the running game. The Broncos got a combined 25 yards rushing out of running backs George Holani and Ashton Jeanty on Saturday night. It’s going to be a long season if Boise State can’t figure out how to win at the line of scrimmage.
Player of the game: Boise State safety JL Skinner had some trouble in coverage, but finished with a team-high 12 tackles and contorted his body in an unnatural position to come up with an interception on a tipped pass late in the first half.
Stat of the game: Boise State’s defense got three turnovers. Skinner and cornerback Caleb Biggers came up with interceptions, and Biggers scooped up a fumble. Two potential fumble recoveries were also overturned.
Play of the game: Green showed off his impressive speed and scored Boise State’s first touchdown of the game late in the third quarter. A pass play was called, but Green took off after his protection broke down and sprinted down the sideline for a 74-yard TD.
What’s next: Boise State opens its Mountain West schedule on the road at New Mexico on Friday (7 p.m., CBS Sports Network). The Broncos are 11-1 all-time against the Lobos, including a 37-0 win last season at Albertsons Stadium. New Mexico opened its season Saturday with a 41-0 win over FCS opponent Maine.
This story was originally published September 4, 2022 at 12:18 AM.
