Bart's Blog: Casino

Being that I used to inhabit the Reno area for the first 17 years of my life, the strength coach at Boise State tried to give me the nickname “Casino” my first week in Boise. As catchy and surprisingly original it may have been it didn’t stick. Too many syllables I guess. This particular game, against the University of Nevada, has more personal meaning than any University of Idaho game ever did..

It might be because I grew up a stones throw from Mackey Stadium or maybe as a kid I remember Boise State rolling into Reno beating my beloved Wolf Pack. (How does the saying go? “If you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em?” I concur.)

Maybe it is because Nevada has now lost to my now beloved Broncos ever since 1999, another streak I am proud to have played a part in starting. I like the fact that I have had bragging rights for the last 8 contests. Of course, looking for another win and strongly believe it will happen.

First and foremost our defense is better. Facing the nation’s best running game Saturday, it will take speed and good tackling to stop such an attack. Fortunately this Bronco team is great at both. In fact, this is one of the best I have seen in tackling, especially in the open field. It takes great athletic skill and certainly solid fundamental football playing to do.

So there is no coincidence as to why the defensive side of the ball is crushing it this fall. And with this game tackling will be needed more than ever. That is what got us into so much trouble last year. Nevada QB Kaepernick is Forrest Gump when it comes to running, “like the wind blows,” but he is not the purest passer. Get them into long down situations, forcing a throw, catching interceptions.

As for our offense, Moore will have a great game… again. I am thinking something along the lines of his performance in Eugene. Our running game may be limited as the Nevada defense is stout when it comes to stuffing the run.

Interesting how our pass defense and their run defenses are dang good. Funny how our pass offense and there run offense is pretty dang good. When a defense faces such styles day in and day out you get pretty good at defending it.

So the game looks as though it will come down to which team’s weak part of the offense is going to come through. Nevada’s pass game or Boise State’s run game. Now being from Reno, almost nicknamed “Casino,” and not bothered by throwing down on the craps table myself, my chips are on Blue… and Orange.

Then again, what else would you expect?

Bart Hendricks... played a few times for Boise State.  
Bart's other sports musings can be found at www.barthendricks.com.

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