The Boise State Broncos enter the last year of the current BCS system with a favorable schedule. However, that is not to say there won't be some serious challenges between the team and another big-time bowl game. Off an 11-2 season the Broncos have been listed at 121-5 Odds to win the 2014 BCS National Title.
The Boise State Broncos Continue to thrive at the Mid-Major level. Last year they brought back just 6 starters, including 2 on defense and yet still went 11-2 on the year, while allowing just 15.8 ppg. This year they have just 9 starters back, but because Petersen recruits so well, I don't this this team will have a dropoff this year.
Joe Southwick is back to lead the offense after throwing for 2730 yards, with 19 TD's and 7b INT's last year. He should have another solid year as his top 2 targets are back from last year, including speedy Matt Miller (66 receptions, 769 yards and 5 TD's). The running game took a hit with the loss of RB DJ Harper (1137 yards, 15 TD's LY), but Jay Ajayi is ready to step in after running for 548 yards at 6.7 yards per pop and 4 TD's last year. He also has a solid backup in Derrick Thomas. The OL lost 3 starters, but all 5 projected starters this year will be seniors, so there is experience there.
Boise has been know for their high powered offenses for years, but this defense has always been very underrated. Boise State hasn't allowed more than 18.7 ppg since 2007 and I don't expect them to this year either. Despite having just 4 starters back on this side of the ball the Broncos DL is rated tops in the MWC by Phil Steele. Last year they allowed just 3.7 ypc and this year could be even better with 2 of 3 starters back and all 3 starters being upperclassmen. Demarcus Lawrence is one of the players back on the line and he had a nice year last year, racking up 9.5 sacks. The secondary is rated as 2nd best in the MWC and is led by Jeremy Ioane, who picked of 3 passes last year. All starters are gone from the LB corp, but their replacements are all upperclasmen, so there is experience there, but you still see a slight drop from them.
As usual, an undefeated run and BCS berth seem possible, but the running game and LB's must step up to make that a real possibility. Petersen has lost a combined total of two games in four seasons with a returning starter at quarterback and if they can get past their the opening part of their schedule that will see them face 4 bowl teams in their first 6 weeks, then this team will be knocking on the doorstep of a BCS bowl once again.. I do, however, expect them to at least walk away with the Mountain West Title this year.
BCS odds: 125 to 1 ($100 wins $12,500)
Tied for 14th best odds (Alabama favored at 3 to 1)
Mountain West Conference Title odds: ($175 wins $100)
Boise St. is favored to win the Mountain West Conference
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