What else can be said about Boise States 38-6 loss to Washington? For a fan base with no answers to most of their questions, a lot could be said.
But it won’t be.
If fans were shocked that the BSU offense didn’t run constant motion, 2 back sets, and QB’s under center and in the shotgun formation, I can understand that. Coach Pete didn’t warn us. He just did it. And, I believe Coach Prince is executing what Coach Pete wants and that is a new and improved offense. Some of the play selection is his but Pete has his hands all over the fast break offense. I can understand fans being confused and disappointed. The BSU offense was creative, powerful and made things look easy. It is what attracted fans from around the country to Boise State.
Now, here comes this fast break offense with no touchdowns to show for it.
It embarrasses the fans and if they don’t pay attention, its 3rd down AGAIN. Fans shouldn’t expect Coach Pete to tip off his opponents what he is going to run or who he is going to play. We still don’t know if this change is permanent or was just used in excess for UW. I suspect it is here to stay.
I am not as high on the pistol and the zone read when your QB NEVER ran the ball. That isn’t too sneaky. And looking at the back ups, I think we can all agree they can’t afford to have a running quarterback.
How is that going to work long term?
I doubt it does and the run game portion of this fast break offense will evolve. Here is what I saw from the game:
OFFENSE
Positives: O line. Protected well and provided nice running lanes. Only fail was occasional short yardage play. This will be a team strength. Jay Ajayi does run like a Brahma Bull, heck call him Bodacious if you want. He is a star. Boldewijn also became more dependable with several catches in a row. And Baltazar is also headed for big things. Southwick didn’t make many big plays but he took care of the football for the most part.
Negatives: Who can get Yards After the Catch? When you throw quick outs, slants and screens, you need playmakers who have some wiggle. Was Shane Williams Rhodes hurt and couldn’t practice or is it something else? They need his flair BADLY. Tight end play was poor. The blocking cost BSU some big plays and Huff dropped a td pass. 2 catches for 11 yards from the tight ends isn’t getting it done. Stretching the defense deep is important or they will start loading the box and keeping BSU in front of them. Also, 3 OR 4 TIMES, IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS, EITHER PLAYS BROKE DOWN OR THERE WAS NO RECEIVER OPEN. Those were play call mistakes or coaching errors. Unacceptable. The bottom line is this offense couldn’t make plays and finish drives.
DEFENSE
Positives: I thought Tyler Horn played a good game overall and Corey bell made several positive plays and had good energy. That’s about it.
Negatives: Boise State recruiting has missed on several corners and defensive ends and it shows. The classes of 2009-11 have had 9 CB’s or DE’s either move positions or leave the program. That’s a lot of red shirt seniors, juniors and sophomores not around. Both Donte Deayon and Bryan Douglas were punished in this game. They were blocked, beaten in pass coverage and really struggled. Newcomers at LB Weaver and Saxton were often blocked and not in tackling position. True DE freshman Correa and Perez were not ready for this level of play and need more physical development. Even Bell was pushed around at times and missed some tackles. There were several busted pass coverage’s with safeties and corners not being on the same page and very soft CB coverage on UW wide receivers in general. Overmatched really describes it.
I do think Coach Pete knows what he has and is trying to maximize it by going to this offensive system. He has to score more points to compensate for a young defense not ready for prime time. The lack of defensive depth Boise State has is no surprise to me. Boise State has enjoyed some great years with fantastic front line players who got more snaps because the pace of play was different. Not anymore. It will take a few years to develop the depth and the freshman and sophomores need more time.
