Boise State
moved its 55-game home record to 53-2 with a convincing 24-14 win over previously-undefeated
Wyoming tonight in Bronco Stadium
before another sold-out crowd. Chalk
this one up to the amazing Bronco defense which stifled an improved Cowboy offense
for three quarters before the Pokes snuck in for a couple of scores late.
For most of the game, Wyoming
did not have over one yard rushing as the formidable Boise
State run defense was in peak
form. The Broncos allowed just 51 yards
in the entire first half. Cowboy
quarterback Karsten Sween (26-48 for 227 yards) was able to have some success
through the air in the second half, finally moving Wyoming
to their first score on the strength of his arm and some costly Bronco
penalties. In the end, however, the team
that destroyed Virginia of the
Atlantic Coast Conference 23-3 was held in check by the Bronco defense.
Kyle Gingg was phenomenal from his linebacker position,
totaling ten tackles, one key sack and several quarterback hurries. When a Bronco needed to step up, Gingg was
the man. Orlando Scandrick also had ten
tackles but made a costly mental error that pushed the Broncos back half the
distance and provided the impetus for one of the Wyoming
touchdowns.
The play of the “D” was critical in buying time for the
offense to generate some momentum. Boise
State scored to go ahead 7-0 at the
half. Quarterback Taylor Tharp (15-30)
was solid with decision making and intelligent throws, and made some timely
runs as well. Once again this week,
several of Tharp’s throws that were on the money were dropped. Jeremy Childs is emerging as a star for Boise
State at wide receiver, on the
receiving end again of a long touchdown pass from Tharp (52 yards). Tharp also hit Chris O’Neil for a nine-yard
score to put Boise State
up 21-0 in the third quarter.
For the second week, defenses keyed on Ian Johnson, who put
in a workmanlike effort to gain 83 yards on 24 carries. That opened up several things for Tharp and
the Bronco offense, including distributing the ball to the other talented
backs. Freshman D.J. Harper (The Texas
Tornado) capped a 12-play, 70-yard drive with a nice eight yard run to give the
Broncos their first score in the second quarter.
One key improvement that eased some worries was in the
punting game. Kyle Brotzman and Brad Elkin both did well in that department. The
Broncos still had some difficulty with kickoff coverage with the new rule but
Rashaun Scott was able to motor for a nice return for Boise
State as well.
The Broncos have a well-deserved bye week before welcoming
tough Southern Mississippi to the Blue. That game is set for Thursday, September 28th
and will be nationally televised by ESPN.
Congratulations to the Broncos—back to their winning ways!