Instant analysis: Time for Boise State to make a change as offense tanks in loss to UTEP
Final score: UTEP 27, Boise State 10
Records: Boise State 2-2. UTEP 2-3.
Why the Broncos lost: Boise State’s offense has no identity. The Broncos spent the whole first half huddling and playing ball control, and netted 53 yards. In the second half, they went back to the up-tempo attack offensive coordinator Tim Plough built his reputation on at UC Davis. It worked on the first drive, which ended with quarterback Hank Bachmeier throwing a touchdown pass to Stefan Cobbs. It didn’t last long, though. Boise State’s offensive line struggled to open holes from the Broncos’ running backs or protect Bachmeier, who finished the game 13-of-34 for 93 yards. Meanwhile, Boise State’s ultra-athletic redshirt freshman quarterback Taylen Green spent the game on the sideline. Is it time for a change at quarterback? Is it time for Boise State to change who is calling the plays for the offense? It certainly seems so.
Main takeaway: Simply put, Boise State’s offense is bad this year. The offensive line, which does have injuries, can’t put four competitive quarters together, the wide receivers are getting no separation, and Bachmeier hasn’t been able to put the team on his back and will it to a win. Even the defense, which had been dominant the past two weeks, struggled Friday. UTEP gashed the Broncos with its running game in the second half, even after starting running back Ronald Awatt went out with an injury in the third quarter. Whether it’s the personnel on the field or the coaches calling the plays, major changes are needed if Boise State is going to salvage this season. The worst part of Friday’s loss is the Broncos’ schedule is about to get tough now, with consecutive games against San Diego State, Fresno State and Air Force on the horizon.
Player of the game: UTEP quarterback Gavin Hardison completed his first nine passes Friday night and finished 10-of-11 for 123 yards and a touchdown. He also used his legs to evade Boise State pass rushers, and though he had just 20 yards rushing, that included a key run to convert a third down on the game-sealing drive. Hardison would have had two touchdown passes to his credit, but a 66-yard scoring toss was negated in the first half by a penalty.
Stat of the game: Boise State was held to less than 100 yards both on the ground and through the air. The Broncos finished one of their worst losses in recent memory with 84 rushing yards and 93 passing yards.
Play of the game: Boise State punter James Ferguson-Reynolds was able to get a punt off with the Broncos’ offense pinned at its 1-yard line late in the third quarter, but it was a low line drive and he didn’t get much help from the coverage team. UTEP’s Marcus Bellon caught the punt at Boise State’s 47, weaved around a couple of blockers and dove into the end zone to give the Miners a 20-10 lead with 1:01 left in the third quarter.
What’s next: Boise State hosts Mountain West rival San Diego State on Friday (6 p.m., FS1). It will be the third time this season that a Boise State game kicks off on a Friday, and it also kicks off the toughest stretch of the Broncos’ schedule. After facing the Aztecs, Boise State hosts Fresno State on Oct. 8 and comes out of its bye week with a trip to Air Force on Oct. 22.
This story was originally published September 23, 2022 at 10:21 PM.
