Boise State has an in-game adjustment problem. Coaches look for solutions
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Boise State offense fails to adjust in-game, producing four low-scoring losses.
- Coaching staff cites turnovers but also needs clearer halftime adjustments.
- Head coach emphasizes sideline focus and simpler directives to boost second-half play.
At one point during Boise State’s 17-7 loss to San Diego State on Saturday evening — one very long stretch — the Broncos ran the ball on 22 consecutive plays.
The string of plays stretched across two quarters, chewed up nearly 13 minutes of clock, and resulted in 79 yards of offense, or 3.6 yards per carry. The longest rush in that stretch was 9 yards, which happened twice — once was when sophomore Dylan Riley scored Boise State’s only touchdown of the game.
If the Broncos were making significant gains and putting San Diego State into conflict, then 22 straight runs might not be a problem. But the lack of creativity is an issue when a bunch of runs produce a bunch of punts. There were no play-action calls or two-back sets; just a whole lot of basic plays up the middle against an Aztec front seven that didn’t look overly bothered.
Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson stood by his offensive staff after the game, including first-year offensive coordinator Nate Potter. Yet, similar to his sentiments Saturday night, he conceded Monday afternoon that the offense is not performing at a high enough level and needs to function with more variety.
“We need to put a defense in more conflict. We need to find ways to put them on their heels more than we did in the game,” Danielson said on Monday. “We had some things in the game plan that we didn’t use, that we had good conversations about why, and making sure that we don’t leave those bullets unshot.”
It’s become increasingly apparent that the Boise State offense is struggling to adapt in games when things aren’t going well.
In six wins, the team has averaged 44.7 points per game and has cruised when its offensive plan is working. But when things go sideways, the Broncos have not had answers, scoring just a single touchdown in all four of their losses. And in all of those games, Boise State scored in the first half before being shut out in the second.
Potter said Monday that turnovers have been a big reason for those struggles. Boise State turned the ball over three times in the losses to South Florida and Fresno State, and four times in the loss at Notre Dame.
But there were no turnovers last weekend at San Diego State, despite a lot of rain. There was one fumble, from redshirt sophomore quarterback Max Cutforth, that was recovered by the Broncos.
“I think we need to do a better job, I need to do a better job,” Potter said. “Number one, as far as second-half adjustments, going out and executing those, and making sure if there’s something in our process we can change. We can get that done during halftime and do a better job communicating it. There are a lot of solutions there.”
When asked what those solutions might be, Potter said that’s for himself and the staff to discuss.
However, Danielson provided some insight. One idea was not bombarding players with too much information during games, especially using iPads on the sidelines to dissect a series.
“It’s not a lack of information; if anything, it’s probably too much,” Danielson said. “We’ve got to simplify to make sure, ‘Hey, this is the one thing for my position group or side of the ball, that next series is a non-negotiable we have to get done.’ That’s where we’ve got to be better.”
If there’s one thing that won’t change, it’s where Danielson’s focus is during games. He said Monday that his attention is on whichever unit is on the field. When the defense is out there, he leaves Potter, who’s in the coaching box in the press box, and quarterbacks coach Zak Hill to deal with the offense.
When asked Monday whether Danielson might let defensive coordinator Erik Chinander take charge of a series so he can focus more on the offense, he said that’s not going to happen.
“In-game, when one side of the ball is out, they need my attention,” Danielson said. “Those players, I want them to see me looking at them. All of them to see me with them. That’s a non-negotiable for me.”
Boise State vs. Colorado State
- When: 5 p.m. Mountain time Saturday
- Where: Albertsons Stadium (32,796, turf)
- TV: Fox Sports 1 (Chris Myers, Spencer Tillman)
- Radio: KBOI 670 AM / 93.1 FM (Bob Behler, Pete Cavender)
- Records: Boise State 6-4, 4-2; Colorado State 2-8, 1-5
- Series: Boise State leads the series 12-1
- Betting line: Boise State by 16.5
- Weather: 55 degrees, partly cloudy, 6% chance of rain
