Boise State had their worse season since 1998 when they were playing in a conference called the “Big West” finishing with a 7-5 record. Since then, the Broncos have been a powerhouse in the WAC and Mountain West; they have gained the reputation as one of the strongest groups of five teams.
However, in 2021, the Broncos fluttered. It wasn’t because of a lack of competition. These five losses were by UCF, Oklahoma State, Nevada, Air Force, and San Diego State. These are all formidable opponents, but nevertheless, still uncharacteristic for Boise State.
Despite a lacking 2021 season, Boise State opens as the betting favorite to win the Mountain West (+200). Here are a few reasons determining the success or downfall of Boise State in 2022
Boise State Defense is the strength of the team.
Boise State returns eight starters for a defense that finished 12th in the entire country in scoring defense, only allowing 19 points a game. The strength of the defense remains the secondary. The secondary will need to anchor the defense throughout the 2022 season.
Defending against the run will poise to be Boise State’s biggest weakness, as in 2021, the Broncos finished 75th in rushing defense.
This will be especially important versus Air Force (1st in rushing offense in 2021), Oregon State (19th in rushing offense in 2021), and Wyoming (20th in rushing offense in 2021). However, despite the poor rushing defense in 2021, Boise State brought in key transfers to reassure the trenches. The only question that remains is the strength of the linebacking core.
Can the offense improve in 2022?
If Boise State wants to bounce back from 2021, the offense needs to improve. In 2021, the Broncos were 58th in scoring offense averaging just over 29 points a game.
Having their quarterback returning should help in the efforts to improve the offense. Hank Bachmeier finished the 2021 season with 3,079 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions and a QBR that ranked 39th in the country.
Bachmeier will face an uphill battle as the offensive line seems to be the biggest question mark on the team, and star wide receiver Khalil Shakir now plays for the Buffalo Bills.
The offense improving seems like an uphill battle heading in the 2022 season.
Can head coach Andy Avalos get the job done?
Boise State football has had two notable head coaches who have made the program the way it is today. Bryan Harsin and Chris Petersen have both turned Boise State into a well-oiled winning machine.
Harsin, who coached from 2014 to 2020, had only 19 losses with 69 wins, while Petersen won 92 games with 12 losses from 2006 to 2013. Harsin now coaches Auburn football.
Andy Avalos struggled in his opening season. However, it was indeed his first season, and in college football, it takes time to establish your scheme and mentalities.
Whether or not Avalos can bounce back and get the job done in 2022 will be a key factor in deciding the Broncos’ future.