No. 19 Boise State Football Struggling
Not since 1990 have the Boise State Broncos had to rally so often in the fourth quarter to win football games. Three times this year, including back to back games, Boise State has trailed entering the fourth quarter.
They did it two weeks ago a San Jose State, down by 14 and last Saturday at home against Wyoming, down by 7. In fact Cowboy coach Craig Bohl was undefeated when his team led heading into the final stanza.
Throw in the Florida State comeback opening weekend and Boise State now has a hat-trick of fourth quarter comebacks. Saturdays 20-17 overtime win against Wyoming however was especially troubling.
At least in the Florida State and San Jose State games the Broncos showed the ability to dominate at times. Except for the first drive versus Wyoming, it was the Cowboys who seemed to dominate.
Sure, Wyoming came into the game with a 6-2 record, 3-1 in league and nobody expected them to be easy. In the end, a win is a win and Boise State is now 8-1 and jumped to 19th in the AP and Coaches football polls so everyone should be happy right?
Not even close and that includes head coach Bryan Harsin. Something is wrong and because of it Boise State is consistently inconsistent.
One half running game great, next half there is no running game. One drive six receivers catch the ball and the Broncos move down the field at will. Other drives it appears BSU has no offense at all.
Defense, a sack here and a sack there followed by an alarming inability to play pass defense. When the Broncos do defend, they drop certain interceptions extending the agony for players, coaches and fans.
Anyone who can complain about an 8-1 record needs to chill but by the same token it's frustrating because given the talent, Boise State shouldn't be struggling to the extend they have been this season.
Maybe the best trait this Bronco team has right now is a never say die attitude. When Boise State is up against the odds they've come back every time except BYU and even then the Broncos made a run forcing the Cougars to convert on a fourth down play to seal the deal.
Boise State will be a big favorite against New Mexico this Saturday but if the BSU coaches can't fine tune some nagging issues, we could be in for another nail biter.
Remember, the Broncos finish on the road at Utah State and Colorado State and if you think things can get interesting on the Blue just wait!