Boise State’s defense, dynamic past 2 weeks, among nation’s best in some key categories
Boise State struggled to stop the run early on last season, but the Broncos evolved into one of the most stout defensive units in the Mountain West by the end of the year.
After the Broncos surrendered 198.3 rushing yards a game through the first seven contests of 2021, which ranked No. 111 in the country, they didn’t allow a player to surpass 100 yards on the ground in the final five games.
The defense has carried that momentum into this season.
Linebacker Jack Colletto was Oregon State’s leading rusher against Boise State in the season opener, with just 44 yards. The Broncos’ past two opponents, New Mexico and UT Martin, were held to less than 30 yards on the ground apiece — as a team.
The Lobos managed just 25 rushing yards in the Broncos’ 31-14 road win on Sept. 9. On Saturday, UT Martin mustered just 26 in Boise State’s 30-7 win in its home opener.
The Broncos (2-1, 1-0 MW) are surrendering just 76.3 rushing yards a game this season, which ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West and No. 14 in the country. They will put those gaudy stats on the line Friday at UTEP (7 p.m., CBS Sports Network) against what coach Andy Avalos called one of the best offensive lines they’ll face all season.
“We’re very proud of the discipline the guys have played with on the line of scrimmage and the physicality, but this is going to be one of our biggest tests,” Avalos said. “UTEP’s offensive line is good. They’re big, they’re athletic and they run almost every run scheme there is.”
UTEP (1-3) has rushed for more than 100 yards in a game only twice this season, and the Miners are averaging just 74.3 yards on the ground per game. They managed just 54 rushing yards while turning the ball over seven times in a 27-10 loss to New Mexico on Saturday.
The Broncos’ defense has been so stifling against the run because of a commitment to understanding what offenses are trying to do and playing with an aggressive mentality, defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson said.
“Our first emphasis on defense is to stop the run,” he said. “It’s paramount regardless of who you’re playing. It’s not just the D-line, and it’s not just the edge guys or linebackers. It goes all the way from the corners to the nose guard, because winning the line of scrimmage requires defending all 53 yards of the field.”
The Broncos also have had success because of improved depth on the line, according to Avalos.
Defensive tackle Scott Matlock has fought through double teams and done a nice job clogging the middle; edge rusher George Tarlas got more involved against the run the past two weeks; and young defensive linemen Herbert Gums and Ahmed Hassanein have made the most of their limited opportunities, the head coach said.
“You just see the amount of pride the defensive front takes in their job,” Avalos said. “It’s a lot of work every week to figure out run schemes and leverages, and it starts with the defensive line and edge guys so the linebackers and safeties have clean fits.“
Winning the ‘money down’
Boise State’s defense has been very good at winning on third down this season — or, as Danielson calls it, the “money down.”
The Broncos have allowed their first three opponents to move the chains on third down just 15.8% of the time, which ranks No. 2 in the country. Boise State has held teams to a 6-for-38 effort. Minnesota leads the nation in third down defense, holding opponents to 4-of-34 (11.7%).
“We call them money downs because that’s where you win on defense,” Danielson said. “Hats off to our players for taking the time to understand offenses and how we’re being attacked on third down, and then what our plan is to attack them.”
Boise State allowed New Mexico to convert on just 1-of-14 third-down attempts. UT Martin was successful on 1-of-11, and the Broncos held Oregon State to 4-of-13.
Avalos said the Broncos’ success comes down to preparation and working as a unit.
“They know the coverage is dependent on the front to get pressure on the quarterback,” Avalos said. “A lot of work goes into third down, just like defending the run, and the guys’ commitment to it has been awesome.”
Linebacker out for season
Boise State linebacker Marco Notarainni will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, Avalos confirmed on Monday.
Notarainni, a redshirt freshman, was carted off the field in the first half of the Broncos’ win over New Mexico. He’s the second player Boise State has lost for the season, following wide receiver Austin Bolt, who suffered a broken leg in the season opener.
Avalos didn’t comment on defensive back Jared Reed, who was carted off the field with a knee injury on Saturday, but he said after the game that Reed’s injury “didn’t look good.”
Avalos also didn’t comment Monday on the health of cornerback Markel Reed, who was carted off the field with an apparent knee injury at Oregon State and hasn’t played the past two weeks, or cornerback Caleb Biggers, who exited Saturday’s home opener with what looked like an arm injury.
Linebacker Ezekiel Noa was injured in the third quarter against UT Martin and did not return. Avalos also would not comment on that.
NOTE: Boise State kicker Jonah Dalmas was named Mountain West special teams player of the week on Monday. He went 3-for-3 on field goals against UT Martin, including one from 48 yards, his longest of the season. Dalmas was named special teams player of the week twice last season.
BOISE STATE AT UTEP
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Sun Bowl Stadium (45,971)
TV: CBS Sports Network (Rich Waltz, Aaron Taylor, Sherree Burress)
Radio: KBOI 670 AM/KTIK 93.1 FM (Bob Behler, Pete Cavender)
Records: Boise State 2-1, UTEP 1-3
Series: Boise State and UTEP have played six times since 2000, and the Broncos are 6-0 in the series. The Miners traveled to Albertsons Stadium last season and lost 54-13.
Vegas line: Boise State by 15
Weather: High of 91 degrees, 0% chance of rain, 7 mph winds
This story was originally published September 19, 2022 at 5:25 PM.
