Boise State football practice officially kicks off August 2nd at 10:05 a.m. with veteran players reporting to camp.

The preseason prognosticators have had their say picking the Broncos to win the Mountain Division of the Mountain West and several Broncos have been tabbed for preseason All-American teams and watch lists etc....but what is the reality of the season ahead?

Once again Boise State is facing a season opening marquee game on the road in Florida State in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bronco's do so having to replace their top quarterback, Brett Rypien and top running back, Alexander Mattison, both of whom provided most of the offensive statistics in 2018.

When you lose that type of firepower it stands to reason the preseason predictions are made more on past history than a sense of reality.

That's why this fall camp may be the most important camp Boise State has faced in a long time.

Quarterback is a huge question mark right now. Chase Cord is the only Boise State player with any serious game experience but his knee is still being questioned if only because while cleared for practice, Cord doesn't seem to have a 100% go for action.

True freshman Hank Bachmeier  could be the heir apparent to Rypien in the long run but will he be ready in time to face a Florida State defense?

Jaylon Henderson, a red-shirt senior has played a bit role in the past but is he ready for prime time?

As for running back, freshman Keegan Duncan of Declo tore up Idaho high school opponents but can the 220 pounder make the quick transition to big time college football.

Another freshman running back George Holani has been turning heads but will he be ready to take the rock and run?

The Bronco offensive line looks strong as does the defense and that's probably why BSU has been picked atop the Mountain Division.

Still, Utah State looms large with Jordan Love at quarterback the preseason offensive player of the year selection while teams like Fresno State, San Diego State, Nevada and even Hawaii promise to bring a few surprises in 2019.

Just as a reminder, here are the preseason Mountain West polls from last months media days in Henderson, Nevada as now we eye fall practices underway and a countdown to August 31st and opening weekend.

MOUNTAIN DIVISION

 

Rank      Team (first-place votes)    Points

1.            Boise State (15)                  120

2.            Utah State (6)                     108

3.            Air Force                              73

4.            Wyoming                              66

5.            Colorado State                     52

6.            New Mexico                         22

 

WEST DIVISION

 

Rank      Team (first-place votes)    Points

1.            Fresno State (17)                122

2.            San Diego State (3)            106

3.            Nevada                                74

4.            Hawai‘i (1)                           67

5.            UNLV                                   51

6.            San José State                    21

 

 

 

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