OBNUG and friends on Bronco Nation podcast

We had the privilege of taking part in another podcast at BroncoNation.net, discussing the current state of the Boise State football program. Our conclusion? The Broncos rule, the WAC drools, and if Kyle Wilson goes pro after his junior year, we cannot be held responsible for our actions.

Drew from Fight, Fight, BSU and Matt from Statue Left were also part of the epic four-way conversation. To listen, click here.

The State of Boise State podcast [Bronco Nation]

WAC spring football...catch the fever (or don't)

With nearly every WAC team in action, we thought it would be fun to take a look around to see what our conference rivals are up to. Enjoy.


Hawaii
The Warriors begin their WAC championship defense the only way they know how: getting up at the crack of dawn.

Most practices run from 7-9 a.m. and are open to the public.

Getting up early? Hah! Nothing a 64 oz. Coke can't fix!

Warriors Open Spring Practice [Hawaii athletics]


Utah State
The Aggies are halfway through their spring practices, and head coach Brent Guy is predictably optimistic.

"The main thing was that it was much more physical than in years past because of our numbers; we have a lot more guys to get in there and we were able to get quite a few live snaps in," said Guy.

Utah State Football 2008: Quantity Over Quality.

Guy pleased with...practice [Utah State athletics]


New Mexico State
NMSU will become the final WAC team to open spring practice, when they kick things off later today. The last shall be first? We doubt it.

Aggie football gears up for first spring practice [NMSU athletics]


Idaho
In addition to oily team-building, the Vandals have lots of work to on the football field during spring practice.

"That’s the one thing we really need to work on," Enderle said, "finishing our drives and getting in the end zone.”

"Also, pretty much every other aspect of football," he continued.

Akey likes what he sees [Idaho athletics]


Fresno State
When Kansas State pulled out of the Bulldogs' 2008 schedule, Fresno replaced the Wildcats with Big East power Rutgers. The Fresno-Rutgers season opener will take place on Labor Day, and the Scarlet Knights will return in 2012 to take on the Bulldogs in Fresno.

Gene Bleymaier is hard at work replacing Idaho State with ITT Tech.

Football schedule gets a facelift [Fresno State athletics]


LaTech
Something is going on at Louisiana Tech's spring practice, but we're not sure what exactly that is.

Following Saturday's first scrimmage of spring workouts, the Bulldogs focus was on improving and building a brand of Louisiana Tech football Monday. Head coach Derek Dooley told his players when each of them earns respect from the opponent the team will have an identity as a strong football program.

What?

Bulldogs build brand of football [LaTech athletics]

Hip surgery for Brennan; opportunity for Tharp

Former Hawaii QB Colt Brennan will need surgery on his injured hip, but he does not expect the injury to affect his draft status...at least not as much as being a "system quarterback."

Brennan's injury didn't prevent him from working out at the NFL Scouting Combine last month, and he also will compete in passing drills at Hawaii's pro day at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

"You won't notice anything wrong with my passing," said Brennan, who owns the NCAA record for career passing touchdowns.

Where Colt Brennan sees frustration, Taylor Tharp sees opportunity. The former Boise State signal caller is now the frontrunner for the WAC quarterback most likely to get drafted and never see any NFL playing time.

Ellis Powers joins secondary

Boise State's deep linebacker group has claimed its first victim.

Ellis Powers, who was a blitzing linebacker and special-teams phenom last year, has moved back to safety this spring. Powers played safety his first three years at Boise State.

“He wanted to do it,” defensive backs coach Marcel Yates said. “We’re pretty deep at linebacker. We felt like he could help us out.”

Powers will give the secondary its only senior contributor, and he should provide good depth to a very green position. Sophomores Jeron Johnson and Jason Robinson are expected to start at safety, and Powers could work his way into the starting lineup before all is said and done. No one will ever be able to replace Marty Tadman, but it's a start.

Powers returns to safety [Idaho Statesman]