Boise State University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style I. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end and fullback are more involved in the offense as the fullback is a blocker and the tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the isolation running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 4-3.  Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run.  MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game.  A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play.  Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top.  Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge. Also, there is a lot of nickel mixed in with the base defense.

• Run/Pass %: 53/47
• Run/Pass Attempts: 486/424
• Points Per Game: 45.1
• Points Allowed Per Game: 12.8

Key Returning Players:
• Kellen Moore, QB: This Heisman trophy candidate had a spectacular junior season with 3845 yards passing and 35 TDs for an average of 295.8 yards per game. He led the team to a 12-1 season that was within a field goal of being perfect.
• Doug Martin, RB: Led the team in rushing last season with 1260 yards and 12 TDs to go along with 28 catches for 338 yards and 2 TDs. Should compete for all conference honors in a conference that has several top quality running backs.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Jimmy Laughrea, QB: This 6-2 180 pound quarterback from California is a 3 star rated prospect that could end up being the next Kellen Moore for the Broncos. He has no real shot of playing time in 2011 and will likely be redshirted but seems to be the quarterback of the future.
• Blake Renaud, LB: This 6-2 233 pound linebacker from California is the perfect size to be an outstanding middle linebacker for the Broncos. He is rated 3 stars and could possibly fight for playing time on an excellent Boise State defense in 2011. Look for big things from Renaud before he leaves Boise. 

Overall Assessment:
A field goal separated Boise from going undefeated in 2010 and going to a BCS bowl game. Many big things are expected from the Broncos and a lot of experts are talking about a potential national title game appearance if all goes right. Kellen Moore and Doug Martin both come back to an offense that put up 45 points per game. The defense has many starters coming back on a defense that only gave up 12 points per game in 2010. The schedule is not easy with the first 5 games against bowl teams from 2010 in addition to games versus TCU and Air Force and a trip to San Diego State. If Boise can navigate this schedule and remain undefeated in 2011 during the regular season, no one will doubt their credentials to play for the national championship.