In a night that saw the Broncos take the field without Marco Notarainni, Ashton Jeanty, Kanohi Kaniho, Demitri Washington and others, Boise State fought hard and were almost never out of it, but ultimately came up short.
FIRST QUARTER
Fresno got the ball first and sustained an efficient 78 yard drive that concluded in the end zone for a Fresno touchdown after an elapsed two minutes and 44 seconds. The connection was made between Mikey Keene and his tight end, Tre Watson. Fun fact: It was actually the first time so far this season the Broncos had allowed a touchdown on an opponent’s opening drive.
Fresno 7, Boise State 0
After the Broncos failed to make anything of their first possession (for those wondering, Taylen Green got the start…for one play), the bad guys got the ball back and put another three on the board with a 48 yard field goal, after a 35 yard drive that lasted 3:39
Fresno 10, Boise State 0
Thankfully, the Broncos finally found a little rhythm on offense with their third possession and got Dalmas in range to put one between the uprights from 45 yards out. Not only did it put 3 points on the board for the good guys, but it tied Kyle Brotzman’s record for field goals in a career with 67
Fresno 10, Boise State 3
SECOND QUARTER
Boise State had a nice drive going and got down into Fresno State territory before Madsen threw a ball right to a Fresno defender. The Bulldogs took the ball 68 yards the other way and ultimately put another one through the uprights from 22 yards out.
Fresno 13, Boise State 3
Yet again, the Broncos had a nice, little drive going. Primarily on the timely spin moves of one George Holani; who, we should not forget, is more than capable of being one helluva feature back. Unfortunately, a nearly 50 yard attempted pass from Taylen to McAlister was intercepted in the end zone by a Fresno defender. Thankfully, however, the Bulldogs failed to get additional points and when the Broncos got the ball back on an Oladipo pick a few possessions later, they made it count! After a 12 play drive that spanned 67 yards and somehow only took 1:37, Madsen to Bowens resulted in six more points before half.
Fresno 13, Boise State 10
In a decidedly unfortunate turn of events, the Bulldogs returned the ensuing kick 95 yards for a touchdown…
Fresno 20, Boise State 10
Halftime
THIRD QUARTER
The Broncos started the second half with the ball, but it was the Bulldogs that were the first to actually do something with it once it was their turn. After Fresno received the punt, they took 7:25 off the clock, traversed 68 yards, and ultimately scored on a one yard run from Elijah Gilliam.
Fresno 27, Boise State 10
The Broncos answered right back with a six play, 75 yard drive that only took 2:56. The passing game was heavily featured in the effort to score, with McAlister catching one pass for 35 yards and Austin Bolt another for 33–his first career catch. Holani was the one that capitalized, from one yard out, for his first rushing touchdown of the season.
Fresno 27, Boise State 17
FOURTH QUARTER
The next team to add some numbers to their score was the Broncos again. This time on an 11-play, 43 yard drive. The drive was sustained on a rather incredible 4th and 13th fake punt pass from James Ferguson-Reynolds to…defensive end, Jayden Virgin?? Okay! We accept. Soon after, Dalmas broke the record for career field goals that he had previously tied, kicking his 68th from 38 yards out.
Fresno 27, Boise State 20
The Bulldogs matched it with a field goal of their own after 40 yards and 2:42 off the clock.
Fresno 30, Boise State 20
The Broncos answered in emphatic fashion with a VERY efficient 80 yard drive that took eight plays but only 2:04 off a rapidly dwindling clock. The score came when Madsen took off for what initially seemed to just be a heads-up scramble for a first, but after a few head fakes and weaves, Maddux found himself 27 yards downfield and in the end zone for another six points.
Fresno 30, Boise State 27
Bad guys. 75 yards–the final 52 of which came on a back fracturing touchdown.
Fresno 37, Boise State 27
After gunning down the field with less than two minutes remaining, the Broncos brought the field goal team out on fourth down with no timeouts left. Dalmas dang near grazed one of the uprights, but still put it through from 52 yards.
Fresno 37, Boise State 30, Final
That would end up being the final score as the Broncos fall to 4-5 on the season. Which is… not the best.
Minor silver linings:
-The Mountain West is still not out of reach, but very much no longer in the Broncos’ control.
-George Holani is still an absolute stud. 79 yards rushing and 61 yards receiving. Great all-purpose numbers, but the manner in which he got them was the most impressive part. Still just a very elusive man.
Other cloud related things that are more “mushroom” than “silver”
-The coverage units are still struggling. The kickoff return for a touchdown allowed before halftime was the second this season that would have made the difference in the game.
-The defense actually had some pretty bright moments, but wilted at some other key points. Most notably, allowing a 52 yard touchdown when they couldn’t allow another first down. This unit has made some real progress in recent weeks, but they are still very very young and it still shows up sometimes.
-Turnovers are still killing the Broncos. Madsen and Green both threw interceptions. One of them–Madsen’s–on what very likely would have been a scoring drive. Honestly, with as well as the offense was operating, Taylen’s drive could have just as easily been a score too. It had made it to midfield before the interceptions
Other random observation
-Taylen Green didn’t see the field much after that interception…
The Broncos will be back in action next weekend, the 11th, at home, vs the New Mexico Lobos.
We hope to see you all there. Until then, and always (yes…even now):
Go Broncos!! I can’t wait for them to achieve their potential again.
The way things have been going, you are going to have to wait. Never agreed with the Fire Harsin or Fire Avalos crowd but I fail to see how this team moves forward with this coaching staff..
With McAlister leaving it probably opens the floodgates for others to leave. This isn’t going to get any better for a while
That was rough. Offense looked disheveled. Defense is an unmitigated disaster. Again, cover guys can’t cover (but that doesn’t stop them from jacking their jaws), and we literally look like the Keystone cops out there. I can’t get that short pass to the running back out of my mind where 3 bronco players all whiffed. Ever wonder why every time we attempt a tackle the opposing team picks up 2-5 more yards after contact? It’s because our tackling fundamentals are so poor. Our players are typically not attacking the ball carrier. They are standing still flat footed. No acceleration means… Read more »
The hopes were that a defensive-minded HC would turn the Broncos into a defensive juggernaut–a jugger they are not. I saw a Craig’s List post, “For Sale, Contact Boise State Football Team, Talking Dummies–still in the wrapper.”
Say what ya want to about Maddog but after he tossed an interception he made a good tackle; solo.
Yes. Madsen might be the most solid tackler on the team. Lol!
Kicker nearly got himself one too!! It was a valiant effort for a kicker. Just didn’t quite have enough push.
Let’s just hope they can win 2 of the last 3 and get bowl eligible. It wouldn’t be much consolation but it would be something build on next year. Winning a low level bowl game won’t help recruiting but it will send the seniors out with a win. I also hope it’s not the Potato bowl too. As I’ve said before, winning a bowl game on your own home field deligitimizes the victory. But if it ends up that way then so be it. Its kinda funny? I never thought the name ” New Mexico bowl” would actually sound good?
I don’t really want us bowl eligible. A losing season, rough as it would be, at least allows Dickey to flush Avalos & Co. and start fresh. The program is in need of a complete reset right now. Also, let’s hope Tiller can be the guy at QB in the future. TG10 is ruined and will likely transfer; Madsen is not a good decision maker and his arm strength and size is a liability. This is the worst I’ve ever felt as a BSU fan (I’ve been a fan since 1994). This team is broken, on just about every level.
The unfortunate part is that the program put together a really nice schedule for next year. Would have been a wonderful opportunity. At this point though I think that as bad as this year has gone, the start of next season could be catastrophic.
Yeah, I’d like to think that a new coach could take a decent core of players and get them moving in the right direction. However, we might be looking at a multi-year rebuild – especially if TG, Jeanty, and others portal out of here. Crazy and sad.
I’d be astounded if Jeanty is on this team next season and not in the transfer portal. He’s basically the lone bright spot on the offense. I just can’t understand how Koetter figures out how to utilize the strengths of Green and clearly picked plays that worked with his strengths and Hamden can’t figure out anything to do with him.
I don’t disagree. I think if Jeanty leaves, the last of my hope for anything other than crap will be gone. Congratulations, Broncos, we’re New Mexico. 🙁
McCallister just announced he’s left the team….Top Receiver, there is something afoot.
Trying to be optimistic about the entire situation but I get the feeling it’s the beginning of an exodus.
Not just what AA and Co has done to the team, but to me as well. I used to get so upset and would have trouble getting to sleep with the shock of an unexpected loss when I felt we were the better team. Now, I just laugh at the inevitable blunders, garbage play calling, drops, surrendering 1st downs on every big 3rd and long, missed tackles and opposing WR running free…the usual disappointment and anger doesn’t even register anymore, I literally expect it every game. I suppose if we are wanting a cleansing of the staff we should feel… Read more »
Yeah, I’m not sure what to say about the QB situation. Green throws some decent passes. I thought at the beginning of this year that he had grown a lot and had turned into a serviceable passer. I think you have to look at the common thread between green and Madsen. They both regularly throw into double and triple coverage. The question is are they being told where to throw the ball? Why can’t we run schemes that result in one on one matchups ? At least that gives our guy a chance. Why can’t the QB’s read a defense?… Read more »
I think the players….. especially the seniors deserve to go out with a bowl especially after the unfair disasters of 2020 & 2021.
A cold Frisco Bowl in 2022 was only a slight improvement & a bit of a joke for a conference runner-up. If Boise can pull it together & go to the Hawaii Bowl or Arizona Bowl then I’m fine with that…….. or even the New Mexico Bowl.
BSU has two below-average QBs. One of them really isn’t a QB, he’s an athlete. Madsen is a redshirt freshman, and as such is playing like one. In fact, he’s playing not so bad for a redshirt freshman. I think both QBs have big hearts. The coaching staff, (Avalos in particular) should have known from the start TG10 would have been figured out. He should have looked at things from a defensive-minded coach’s point of view and saw the obvious. He should have gone to the portal and got a fifth or sixth-year QB who would like to finish his… Read more »
And another thing, Madsen had some bad passes. They may be bad passes or bad routes. However, some were bad. However, (Another however) Why can’t our guys catch the ball like the other guys? It seems like every game the other team’s receivers look like all-conference. Our guys look like walk-ons. EMac has suddenly contracted dropsy.
Went to bed at halftime, these late games kill me. Watching all the TERRIBLE decisions, porous at best defense and inept offense lose games makes it difficult for my brain to settle into sleep. At least if the crap show is over early, I have time for my brain to settle and forget the disaster I just witnessed. I’m wondering how long Avalos will actually be coaching here and what is going to happen if/when he’s replaced. Doubtful that the school has enough money to fire him and cover his buyout/whatever so we probably have to wait until contract expires… Read more »
I feel you. The rough part is that I’m a homer and really try to stay optimistic about the program (as do most of you), But there have been so many red flags and indicators of a program in decline over the last two seasons. There are key indicators that simply cannot be ignored. Tackling, special teams, drops, turnovers, QB play. These are the fundamentals that make Bronco football Bronco Football and we aren’t doing them. As many others here have said, the Koetter experience tells the story. We were hapless before he came on staff. We were worse in… Read more »
It all does come down to coaching. Even the recruits. Our overall grade for recruits is tops or near it for the G5, every single year. We even out-recruit some P5 teams. But, we don’t recruit solid QBs – even when there is a great need. And, we cannot seem to recruit studs along the DL. When Petersen (and Harsin) had this thing humming, they had studs in the trenches and a good-to-great QB. Also, the complete sloppiness, lack of execution … COACHING. The terrible route trees that end up with 2 or 3 deep routes and no slants/underneath routes… Read more »
Keep the faith brother!
It’s time for that AD to earn his keep. If he’s worth his salt then he has seen the issues with the team and already has feelers out for a new coach.
Shakir in prime time!!! And collinsworth used our Shakira line. Lol!!!
With all these donations coming in can’t they be used for a buyout?
I don’t know, but if I’m the AD, I would be putting the bat light on. Dan Hawkins, Justin Wilcox (not exactly setting the world on fire at Cal), Brian Harsin, Marcel Yates. And I’m not talking about targeting one of them as head coach. I’m talking about contacting all of them and pitching bringing as many of them back as possible. We getting the band back together boys! Boise State needs you right now. I think that Boise State was definitely the glory days for a lot of these guys and they are at various stages of their careers.… Read more »
Kirby Moore is doing good things at Mizzou
But does he have any eligibility left?!?! Lol. Wouldn’t mind Kirby on staff at all!!
McCallister in the transfer portal. He’s done for the year.
Are you awake Mr AD?
It really surprised me to see him go. He wasn’t playing super hot at the start of the season, but he had really stepped up in the second half. It boggles the mind to wonder what made him decide to quit with 3 or 4 games left. He can’t finish this season, and he doesn’t get the year back for eligibility.
I wonder if he’s been talking to other teams, or if he knows more about ugly stuff going on behind closed doors (other than just losing).
Well
I wonder if there isn’t some internal strife over Green not starting. I could see that. Madsen is only moderately better as a passer. You have to admit that it’s pretty disrespectful to Green to have a Freshman QB who hasn’t performed all that much better than you taking your spot in critical game moments. Whatever it is, it stinks to high heaven. To give up a season completely is inexplainable. Maybe he said some things after the game that couldn’t be unsaid so to speak. Regardless, all of this goes back to coaching. I hope we don’t get a… Read more »
Huge, huge, huge loss. EMac was a special player and clearly has pro potential. How this season has played out aside, this might have happened anyways. Boise can’t compete with the NIL at many of these schools. The new reality of college football is these guys don’t have to wait for the NFL to get paid, and the schools that can pay have no interest in an even playing field.
It seems at this point that we can expect a losing record this year. The players have not bought into Avalos & Co, not even a little bit. Without a new head coach BSU will continue to falter. A new AD is probably necessary as well, and while we’re at it, a new president. Tromp is a train wreck.
President Tromp was supposed to be the best president ever of all the presidents. She was gonna make Boise State great again!
I don’t think EMac left because TG was not getting enough reps. It would make sense if TG quit because he’s not getting the reps. If he wants the reps, start completing passes and don’t fumble. TG is not good for the Broncos as a QB. That’s a fact. If he leaves, where will he go? Any good program will try to convert him into a receiver. His QB days are over. EMac will find a home in a P5 program and may be surprised. He ain’t that hot. He’s made some good plays but against who? He’ll be fighting… Read more »
I don’t disagree with any of your points. So having said that, why is Madsen playing or even splitting time? Aren’t players asking the same question? Or if Green isnt the guy, why is he even going into the game? The thing is that Green has proven he can be the guy if the offense is called to suit his abilities. If the OC is unwilling to compromise his scheme, then why is he playing at all? All of this goes back to weak and ineffective leadership. I think this could be a very bad first sign of trouble with… Read more »
I’m not sure why we haven’t turned Madsen into a Julian Edelman (Patriots) type receiver right away. I have never been able to comprehend why we went after 5’10” (on a good day) QB.
Wow, never thought of that. I like it.
Green will transfer and probably be a top flight college QB with the possibility of an NFL future, he is what the game is trending toward today, unfortunately this coaching staff wanted him to stand in the pocket and play like a statue.
Disagree with the idea that this is where the game is trending today. Players still have to be tremendously proficient passers. Mobility certainly ups their stock, but most of the busts from these mobile quarterbacks is because they simply can’t deliver the ball at the elite level. Justin Fields is the latest prime example. Mahomes is certainly mobile but I would argue that he uses his mobility to extend plays, not make plays as a runner (though he can and certainly does if the opportunity arises). But he makes top dollar because his mobility and ridiculously outstanding arm talent allow… Read more »
TG’s numbers would be better if not for a number of drops. However, he has not excelled even when the competition is mediocre. I will say it again, his best chance is at WR. This is his third year in college. He is either resistant to change and improvement or can’t. I got plenty more to say but little time to say it now; supper is waiting.