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Boise State Broncos 2016 College Football Preview

By Erik Lambert

Dec 23, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Chaz Anderson (6) is congratualted by teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the second quarter in the 2015 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Chaz Anderson (6) is congratualted by teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the second quarter in the 2015 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boise State Broncos expect big things this 2016 season, hoping to improve on what was a successful but disappointing previous year.

No doubt they remain one of the top contenders in the Mountain West Conference. The question is can their talented offense continue improving in order to mask some of the significant losses suffered on defense? That is the job the coaches will have to overcome in addition to a schedule replete with teams that defeated them last season. Here is a breakdown of what the Broncos will be facing in their 2016 preview.

Key Losses:

  • Kamalei Correa (EDGE)
  • Rees Odhiambo (OL)
  • Darian Thompson (S)

The Broncos lost a lot of considerable talent to the NFL draft this past spring, especially on defense with top pass rusher Kamalei Correa and secondary leader Darian Thompson each becoming Day 2 picks. Rees Odhiambo was also a significant loss for their offensive line, making life more difficult for young quarterback Brett Rypien. Time will tell if they’ll be able to adjust quickly to such losses or if it might set them back this year.

Key Returns:

  • Thomas Sperbeck (WR)
  • Ben Weaver (LB)
  • Tanner Vallejo (LB)

Jeremy McNichols is the unquestioned focal point of the Broncos offense going into 2016 but his success might be in question were it not for the returns of Thomas Sperbeck and Kelsey Young. Sperbeck was the teams leading receiver last season (1,412 yards and 8 TDs). On defense their strength will lay in their linebacking corps. Together Ben Weaver and Tanner Vallejo combined for 125 tackles (12 for loss), a sack, three interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Biggest Story Line:

Last year was a disappointment for head coach Brian Harsin. After winning the Fiesta Bowl his first season on the job in 2014, his Broncos endured a series of tough losses in 2015 that a second-straight bowl win couldn’t mask. Expectations were for him to continue the trend of rising success for the program after the departure of Chris Petersen. That means this season holds a lot of significance in regards to where he and Boise State might be headed.

Most Important Games:

  • September 10th vs. Washington State
  • October 7th at New Mexico
  • October 20th vs. BYU
  • November 25th at Air Force

The first big game of the season is when the Broncos play host to Washington State, who will be led by up-and-coming quarterback Luke Falk. Many consider him a potential 1st round pick in the 2017 draft with lots of ability. Stopping him won’t be a picnic. Next comes  a battle with New Mexico whom they beat last season in a tight 31-24 affair. No doubt they’re looking forward to the visit by BYU in October, who put an early end to their high hopes in 2015 with a 35-24 defeat. Lastly comes Air Force, a team that handed them a shocking second-straight home loss last year in a 37-30 shootout. Unquestionably revenge will be the theme in 2016.

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