We debated for awhile what we would do for our 500th post. A 10,000-word tome on Marty Tadman? An expose into the underbelly of the Boise State ticket office? A Fiesta Bowl haiku? But we decided to celebrate with a small pat on the back and move on to bigger and better Bronco things. Like practices we're not invited to.
We'd like to thank our readers for putting up with our narrow vocabulary that all too often resorts to the word "awesome." We'd like to thank Utah State for their willingness to be the butts of many jokes. But most importantly, we'd like to thank our Boise State Broncos for being the best team in the country to cover and root for. We never imagined that we'd have this much to write about, but we couldn't be happier with the way things have gone for this website. The Broncos will always have our loyalty, long after our keyboards and typing fingers quit working. We've had lots of fun over the past 500 posts, and we look forward to the next 500 (a.k.a. October).
In honor of our 500th post, we'll be revealing a big surprise on Monday (don't worry, we didn't sell out or anything). It will be worth the wait. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
OBNUG's 500th post: bring on the carpal tunnel!
Alex Guerrero visits Bronco podcast
The latest Bronco Nation N.O.W. podcast is up, and it is entirely more professional than ever. Boise State's new Spanish color commentator, Alex Guerrero, paid a visit to discuss Bronco football, sprinting, and how you say "Fresno State is overrated" in Spanish.
Take a listen. Here's the link: Bronco Nation N.O.W. podcast.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Brian Murphy gets people talking, flaming
Everybody's favorite Statesman columnist is back to what he does best: incite anger.
Murphy jumped on a story on FOXSports.com about the Broncos that we linked to this morning regarding their being ranked as the best college football team from the last decade. The story is really not that big of a deal. FOX Sports didn't write it. Some Bleacher Report guy did. Bleacher Report is an open community for sports writers to give their opinions, and FOX Sports picks up an occasional story here and there.
Nevertheless, Murphy found the story important enough to blog about, and needless to say, he disagreed with it.
Still, it's tough to see how a team with one top-5 finish in the polls and no national titles (Boise State) is better than a team like USC, which won back-to-back national titles in the last decade.
Come on, Fox. This is plain ridiculous.
And then all hell broke loose in the comments section. Here is just a taste of the maelstrom of opinion:
I hate Murphy. Even if you feel that way as a local sports writer you have a lot of hate for our team and it is so easy to see in your writing of them. No one likes you in Boise except Vandal fans!
...and...
I do not know how he still has a job. Move to Moscow or Pocatello. OR if you dont have anyting nice to say just shut up
...not to mention...
You are entitled to your opinion and that is fine, you hate BSU, ok. My point again is that I do not think a local sports writer should have your negative opinion and always express teh negative side and view of our local team that most of us love in our local paper. He doesn't fit. I should not get angry every time I have to read his negative views of our team in MY LOCAL PAPER every day. You say then don't read it. It is one of the only things I have to keep up on my team. Most of us want a writer that gets us excited about our team and points out the positives. That is the point.
...and one more for good measure...
PLEASE STATESMAN PLEASE READ THIS. Give us a writer who gets excited about our local team and get us a writer who is excited about writing about them and actually likes them. Get rid of this bum. You would be doing us and from his writing I believe him a favor by doing so.
There were plenty more where that came from. At the time of this post, Murphy's article had racked up 56 comments. To put that in perspective, Chadd Cripe openly solicited comments about the quarterback race in a blog post last week. He got 46 replies.
Fortunately, some good came of this. One level-headed commenter set Murphy straight and gave everyone hope that there is a better alternative out there.
Murph, I am sure you read these comments. Understand that I don't live in Idaho. I live in St. George, UT. There is nothing in the way of Boise State coverage down here. I look to the Statesman to keep me informed. While I applaud you for remaining objective and fair most of the time, I have to agree with the masses this time. You purposely are misleading your readership with this blog entry.
For the rest of you out there who feel like I do, there is a little known website out there that I've found has all the Boise State information one could want. It's called 'One Bronco Nation Under God' and you can access it at www.obnug.com.
I wouldn't be one bit surprised if Murph found this FoxSports.com piece by going to OBNUG himself and seeing the link that was posted this morning.
Glad to see this whole thing could come to a fair and just conclusion.
Boise State #1 football team over last decade? [Murph's Turf]
Update: Murphy has been compelled to respond.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Morning paper: Boise State football links 8/5
The local media came out like gangbusters for the first day of Boise State's fall camp. We'll see how long they keep it up. Here are the latest stories on yesterday's practices.
Dave Southorn's impressions of newcomer practice [Dave's Blog]
The new kids are big, and Drew Hawkins has energy.
Camper of the Day: Ryan Winterswyk [BroncoSports.com]
Poor, poor Nate Potter.
Minor roster notes [Press-Tribune]
No Jaramillo or Jordan. Slater gets scholarship.
Drew Hawkins feature [Statesman]
Because that's exactly what we've been asking for.
Chadd Cripe's camp notes [Statesman]
Interesting Stueckle Sky Club information.
Vandals start camp today [Statesman]
The city of Moscow sighs apathetically.
Twin Falls gets Bronco credentials? [Magic Valley Times-News]
We're about to make up a newspaper so we can get into practice, too.
A Brian Murphy podcast? Oh my. [BNN]
The Murph is leading the Statesman into the 21st century...with a microphone headset!
Monday, August 4, 2008
ESPN confuses clutchness with popularity
Is Jared Zabransky clutch?
We asked ourselves this question over and over again this weekend, and each time we came to the same conclusion.
No. Jared Zabransky is not clutch.
He is confident, brash, and cocky, but those components have little to do with being clutch and more to do with tattooing your initial on your bicep. Being clutch means showing up in big games every time and not folding under the pressure of the moment. Zabransky may have done this once or twice during his career, but did he do it enough to warrant consideration as "clutch"? We don't think so.
ESPN.com's Graham Watson disagrees. She recently listed the most clutch non-BCS players throughout history, and good old "Z" made her list.
Jared Zabransky, QB, Boise State -- Led the Broncos to a perfect 13-0 season in 2006, including throwing for 262 yards and three touchdowns in an overtime win against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.We find it so interesting that Zabransky is remembered as a hero of this game. The national media seems to pick and choose the best parts of this classic game and focus solely on those aspects. "The Fiesta Bowl was great. Ian Johnson asked that hot cheerleader to marry him!" Meanwhile, there was terrific drama, intrigue, emotion, and suspense that gets lost in the shuffle.
Allow us to let the facts get in the way of this discussion:
- Jared Zabransky threw a horrendous interception that was returned for a touchdown that could have very easily lost the game.
- Zabransky took an awful sack while the Broncos were driving for the tying score.
- The hook and ladder was a clutch team play, not a clutch Zabransky moment (deep in routes are not clutch).
- Zabransky did not throw the tying score in overtime. A wide receiver did.
And those moments just describe his Fiesta Bowl. If we are taking this "clutch" debate further, we would also point out the 2005 Humanitarian Bowl and the Georgia game. Oh, the Georgia game! Zabransky proved over his Boise State years that he was a capable, play-making quarterback who could run hot and cold at times. And so long as we are celebrating that Zabransky, then we are all for it.
Besides, if we're going to be sainting Boise State athletes, we would prefer to start with Marty Tadman.
Clutch non-BCS players through history [ESPN.com]
The return of BSU football and OBNUG's new schedule
Welcome back, Bronco football. We have missed you dearly.
Boise State will hit the field for their first practice of fall camp today, and before we know it, August 30th will be upon us. The Broncos practice 20 times in the next three weeks, taking only August 12th and 20th off during that stretch, and they'll have three scrimmages before "preparation" for Idaho State begins.
- Monday, Aug. 11 from 3-5:30 p.m. at Bronco Stadium
- Saturday, Aug. 16 from 7-9 p.m. at Bronco Stadium
- Closed scrimmage at Eagle High School on Aug. 22.
We at OBNUG are even more excited because the return of football means the return of a regular posting schedule. Over the summer, we have reined in our posts (really, we have), but starting today, all bets are off. Remember the days of four and five posts per day? Our social lives do. And those days are back and better than ever.
Keep checking back here for new posts or refresh your RSS reader. We'll be keeping the links around through the season, and we'll even bring back the week-in-review. And get ready for a big surprise in the next couple of weeks. It will be huge! (And no, it is not a Marty Tadman guest post, although we would not be opposed to that.)
Broncos open practice Monday [BroncoSports.com]
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thursday: Links with greatness
As excited as we have been this summer about early commitments, Bronco fans could be just as concerned about the number of players leaving the team. The latest casualty is WR Dominique Vinson, a grayshirt last season who had some exciting expectations this fall. Let's go to the Statesman for the details.
No details of Vinson's departure were available.Oh.
Vinson's departure adds to the rather long list of Bronco players who will not be back this year (mentioned by us and FFBSU), including some for medical reasons and a few for personal reasons. Depressed yet? If not, then this might do it for you (from the Scott Slant):
Ebenezer Makinde, recruited out of Phoenix as an "athlete" (meaning he'd be plugged in where he fits the best), might be waffling. Tim Schultz (Rivals.com) writes, "Makinde gave a verbal commitment to Boise State at the end of May and while he says he's still committed, he would like to see what options other schools might have to offer to get a feel for whether or not he made the right decision.Say it ain't so, Ebo!
With all this discouraging news, it would be nice to have something optimistic to talk about. How 'bout a Jeremy Childs update? He is listed on the Boise State roster, which means he is either on the team or that the someone in the BSU administration office does not proofread. At this point, we'll take whatever we can get.
Other links:
Video tour of new Bronco Stadium Sky Club [KTVB.com]
Sadly, it will be the closest we come to getting there any time soon.
Wal Mart does not follow college football [KTVB.com]
But their PowerAdes sure are cheap!
Boise State good at marketing, too [Statesman]
Is there anything our teams can't do?
Not all Idaho players are worthless [Nevada Appeal]
Adam Korby broke the mold.
LaTech could be a sleeper [Times-News]
If sleeper means boring, then yes.
BSU a big game for Southern Miss [EDSBS]
Not losing as badly as last year would be sorta like a win.
Enjoy... [EDSBS]
(Giggling to ourselves)
Coach Pete speaking at coaching clinic [2News.tv]
Insider information about the Wolf Pack [PWtW]
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
BSU numerical roster revealed
The new BSU numerical roster is available on the BroncoSports website, finally giving us a chance to pre-order our Raphiel Lambert replica jersey. Get BroncoShop on the phone, Jeeves!
The biggest change on the updated roster is RB D.J. Harper's switch from #34 to #6--an obvious ode to Denver QB Jay Cutler. Seriously though, Harper will look pretty awesome running over defenders with a single digit on his back.
Doug Martin will indeed be wearing #22, and the rest of the skill position players stayed put with their same numbers. The only other big changes were CB Brandyn Thompson switching to #13 and DT Billy Winn going to #90.
Lambert and the other incoming freshmen were listed, which really makes them feel like part of the team for the first time. Now we actually have an excuse to get way too amped up about them.
- Bronson Durrant, OG, #79
- Greg Grimes, DL, #68
- Byron Hout, LB, #69
- George Iloka, S, #8
- Tyler Jackson, S, #29
- Joe Kellogg, OG, #61
- Chandler Koch, TE, #86
- Darren Koontz, DT, #95
- Raphiel Lambert, CB, #38
- Brenel Myers, OG, #64
- Chris Potter, WR, #81
- Tommy Smith, LB, #33
- Tom Swanson, OT, #74
- Jamar Taylor, CB, no number
- Faraji Wright, OT, #75
Roster - Boise State [BroncoSports.com]
Bronco blogger podcast returns from vacation
After a summer of rest, the Bronco Nation N.O.W. podcast has resumed. Listen to JT Ray from BNN, Drew from Fight Fight BSU, and Matt Rodgers from Statue Left as they discuss the latest news and information. OBNUG took the Bush Hamdan route and politely declined.
Stream it from the website. Download it to your iPod. Burn it on a disc and take it to a rave. Or do all three.
Wednesday: Links with blowouts
You may enjoy watching the Boise State Broncos, but the Broncos do not necessarily enjoy being watched.
That is the feeling we get from the release of the Fall Camp schedule. In addition to the common practice of banning the public from regular practice sessions, the team is extending its Joe Schmo prejudice even further. Observe the scrimmage information:
Monday, Aug. 11 from 3-5:30 p.m. at Bronco StadiumWho closes scrimmages to the public? We're actually a little bothered by this, considering that Bronco Nation has been nothing but supportive. We just want to see our team play! We promise to leave the video cameras and Nevada scouts at home this time.
Saturday, Aug. 16 from 7-9 p.m. at Bronco Stadium
The team also will hold a closed scrimmage at Eagle High School on Aug. 22.
The Broncos will hold 24 practices in the three weeks leading up to the Idaho State game. When Fall Camp ends on August 24th, Boise State will spend the next week getting ready for Idaho State. Not that they'll need a whole week.
Other links:
Top 5 rivalries for non-BCS teams [ESPN.com]
Fresno State-Boise State may be the most lopsided rivalry ever. Unless you still consider Idaho-Boise State a rivalry.
Yeah, another bowl is a great idea [Washington Business Journal]
Congressional Bowl will feature Navy, ACC school, and an ambivalent sigh from the rest of the country.
Exodus from newspapers to online [From the Bleachers]
Little known fact: OBNUG used to have a print edition.
The WAC's hate meter [ESPN.com]
Graham Watson's glass must be half empty.
An epic WAC season? We're not sure about that [Arbiter]
Glad to see college journalists not afraid to make broad blanket statements.
Child-rearing tips from Dan Hawkins [CUBuffs.com]
"Sometimes you’re a potter, other times a blacksmith." Uh...
Will Hoenike finds wormhole in the fabric of time [ISZ]
At least, that's where the last optimistic Vandal conversation was heard.
A new perspective on bowl games [Bowlology]
Would a Boise State-Texas Tech Sun Bowl have ended any better?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Wednesday: Links with determination
No wonder tickets for the Boise State-Oregon game are in such demand. Duck fans would rather see the Broncos than several conference opponents. Sorry, Stanford.
"Frankly, the Boise State game has garnered the type of interest amongst our ticket holders and donors that is as great as some of our conference games and greater than some conference games," Mike Marlow, senior associate athletic director at the University of Oregon said. "It's been a ticket that has been in demand from our season ticket holders and donors as well."We're curious to find out what demand is for the Utah State game (or if "demand" is even the right word).
Also in the Arbiter's story was news that the Boise State ticket lottery would be happening soon. However, they neglected to describe what kind of lottery it would be. Scratch tickets? Ping pong balls? Names out of a hat? Human tetris contest? College journalists have a lot to learn about asking the right questions.
Other links:
Brock Forsey to speak at local youth camp [Statesman]
OBNUG to crash local youth camp.
Nevada's terrifying schedule poster [Wizard of Odds]
The wolf eye follows you everywhere.
Ada County Vandal picnic on Saturday [Statesman]
Bring your lowered expectations. And a Jell-O salad.
Minor glitch in Boise State's NCAA 09 schedule [GameZone]
No more Idaho State at least.
Flash animation of BSU's new turf [Statesman]
That's one way to spend your resources.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tuesday: Links with procrastination
The Idaho Press-Tribune's Dave Southorn has posted his preseason picks for WAC media days on his blog at the IPT website, and we could not be happier to see that homerism reigns supreme.
I don't see the Broncos losing a WAC game before they play Fresno State at the end of the season. By then, the new QB will be comfortable, and the Broncos get the Bulldogs at Bronco Stadium, so that's why their (sic) my pick to win the conference.
Offensive player of the year: Ian Johnson, RB, Boise State
I think it will be extremely unlikely he matches 2006's numbers, especially considering the great depth behind him. However, no other player in the conference demands a defense's full attention like IJ.
Other links
Coach Pete to fly with the Blue Angels [Fight Fight BSU]
Robb Akey to ride a float at Dairy Days.
That stadium sure looks good at night [Statue Left]
But does it look $30 million good? Yeah, we think so.
BSU athletic website previews the offense [BroncoSports.com]
Talk about a conflict of interest.
WAC quarterbacks aren't all that bad [Bruce Feldman blog]
Take that, Sun Belt QBs!
Colt Brennan signs with Redskins [YB Sports]
And the state of Hawaii has the day off today.
Matt Nelson signs with Spanish team [Press-Tribune]
Donde esta la biblioteca, Pedro?
Bold predictions for Non-BCS schools [ESPN.com]
BSU losing at home is not bold; it is erroneous.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Friday: Links with kitties
The Broncos have reeled in recruit number nine. QB/LB Gabe Linehan from Banks High School (Oregon) has given his verbal commitment to the Broncos. Does his name sound familiar? It should. His uncle is Rams head coach and former Idaho quarterback Scott Linehan, and his father was an All-Big Sky linebacker at Idaho.
Despite the fact that the Broncos' roster is already replete with quarterbacks and linebackers, Linehan was still happy to commit early. Of course, he won't be a QB/LB for long.
He said Bronco coaches want him to play tight end once he arrives in Boise, though he is the quarterback at Banks.
Other links:
Taylor Tharp cut by Panthers [Statesman]
Our immediate reaction: Tharp was still on the Panthers?
New turf is nearly complete [Statesman]
Next up? New Boise State inflatable helmet for team intro!
Coaches association discussing changes for recruiting [Birmingham News]
An early signing period would be nice right about now
BSU football is best sporting event in Treasure Valley [Statesman]
The Idaho Steeleheads will forever be bridesmaids.
Rather comprehensive WAC preview [Southern college sports]
We stopped reading after it said Boise State was rebuilding.
Highlighting the skinny BSU offensive linemen [Scott Slant]
Thirty pounds lighter than last year, but the heavier expectations should balance that out.
Yep, Oregon is still good [Rivals.com]
And we're still scared of going to Eugene.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Jadon Dailey your new Bronco color commentator
Former Boise State center Jadon Dailey will be joining Bob Behler in the KIDO booth this fall.
Idaho Radio News has the scoop:
“The addition of Jadon to our broadcast team will add an insight unique to the Broncos,” Peak Broadcasting’s SVP Kevin Godwin said in a prepared statement. “His recent experience with this team will provide listeners with a vivid description of all the action from start to finish.”Dailey was excellent on the Out of the Blue documentary, and he should bring a lot of fun to the radio broadcasts. Congratulations, Jadon.
We wonder if the Statesman will ask him if he saw the Fiesta Bowl?
Dailey named new color guy for BSU games [Idaho Radio News]
Monday, July 7, 2008
Boise State's blueprint for a BCS championship berth
This afternoon, we are pleased to have a loyal OBNUG reader give his take on the upcoming Bronco football season.. Stephen Grettenberg, a Boise State football fan for many years, currently works for UC Berkeley for a scholarship program and is also founding a 501c3 organization promoting sustainability. He's contributed breaking news in the past, but this is his first OBNUG article. We're pretty sure you'll love it.
Every year starts with hope for every team in every sport - to reach some new goal, and for some, maybe even a national championship.
In Division I football (yes, I purposely skipped the new nomenclature) it really takes a lot for a non-BCS team to get a chance to play at that level, unlike say Fresno State's bizarre trip to baseball success. Strangely, that victory could help pave the way for Boise State football success by giving the WAC a better profile.
So, here's what I think would need to happen this year to give Boise State a slot in the football national championship game:
- A strong quarterback with leadership and zip on the ball to emerge. Maybe Kellen Moore?
- For Ian to have a strong rebound Heisman candidate year, to add publicity, and votes, to voter ballots. Continued success from the other backs as well.
- Good offensive line play. I respected Sean Kugler, the former offensive line coach for the Broncos, now holding the same position for the Buffalo Bills. With Ryan Clady and a host of seniors gone as well, quality line play is a must and a question mark. Is the coaching and talent there? It has to be to compete at the top level.
- The linebackers have to step up this year.
- USC must embarrass Ohio State. Why? Ohio State is quite likely to take the Big Ten. But if they are embarrassed in this game, nobody will want to see them in another championship.
- Boise State needs to bring its A+ best Fiesta Bowl style of moxie into Autzen Stadium and beat Oregon.
- Oregon needs to beat USC and go undefeated except for the loss to Boise State. This might give Boise an edge over any Pac-10 or Big Ten comers in combination with a USC victory over Ohio State as noted above.
- No more than one team in the BCS leagues can have fewer than two losses except Oregon.
- BYU and Utah can't go undefeated.
- Fresno State needs to go undefeated until getting beat by Boise State in Boise to close out the regular season.
- Boise State goes undefeated in the regular season.
I expect Fresno State and Oregon to both have strong years, especially Oregon. At one point the Ducks were second in the nation last year, and I actually think they could be better this year. I think they could be better than Oklahoma was in the Fiesta Bowl. What would it take to beat Oregon? I think Ian Johnson needs to take control like he did against Oregon State two years ago, for one thing. I think that would open up a chance for the passing game to work on the corners deep, if the safeties were supporting the run up the middle.
Last year, with many "elite teams" losing late in the season, a two-loss team made it to the national championship. Was this a fluke? If that kind of parity came again, it would open the door a little bit, providing a small chance for a team from the WAC or MWC to sneak in. It takes two things for that to happen as well. First that team needs to win out its schedule. The second is that it needs a really strong year from its competition.
This year I think there is a genuine chance for one of these non-BCS teams to run their slate: Boise State, Fresno State, BYU, or Utah. With the right breaks, and a real schedule unlike Hawaii's relatively light one last year, one of these teams could not only go BCS, but beyond.
It is up to Boise State to step up to be worthy of that chance, and leave the rest to fate. If Boise State beat Oregon convincingly in Autzen stadium, one of the toughest stadiums in the country, Boise State might be able to influence fate in its favor.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thirty more days: Bronco football nears
Move over, America's birthday. There's another reason to celebrate today: In exactly one month, the Boise State football team will take the field again for fall practice.
Only thirty more days stand between Bronco Nation and Bronco practice, which means there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel of summer. Fortunately, there have been things to talk about over the past two months (early recruits, Bob Behler, Phil Steele), but nothing will ever replace real, actual football.
And certainly, the next four weeks should go by quickly. The Bronco players will be finishing up their summer training, the latest NCAA Football video game will be released, and the WAC will hold its annual media session (check the Idaho Statesman's blog in September for details). Before we know it, August will be upon us, and we can start reading into the quarterback situation again.
Happy Fourth of July, Bronco Nation. And an even happier Thirty-Days-Until-Football Day.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
HOF nominee: Ian Johnson's Oregon State romp
Once again, we are privileged to feature the written-word stylings of Drew from Fight Fight BSU. A Boise State diehard and an occasional mascot interviewer, Drew has the honor of introducing the final nominee in the inaugural OBNUG Hall of Fame class: Ian Johnson's five-TD game against Oregon State.
We were sitting in the stands at Bronco Stadium on the night of September 7, 2006, and some rowdy Oregon State fans nearby were reveling in the Beavers’ fast start. Oregon State’s Sammie Stroughter had just returned a Boise State punt for a touchdown to put the Beavers up 14-0 in the first quarter, and a cocky OSU fan stood up and announced, “All day, baby. All day." The mood in Bronco Stadium echoed the lackluster play of the Broncos to that point.
Then something happened. My wife and I weren’t really even paying close attention as the Broncos hadn’t given us much to cheer about as of yet, but a loud cheer was starting to emanate from the crowd. I looked up to see the sophomore running back that everyone had been high on in spring ball slashing past two Beaver linebackers and outsprinting Oregon State’s secondary for a 60-yard touchdown. The crowd was on their feet and life seemed to be coming back to the sluggish-looking Broncos.
“Who was that?” my wife asked.
“Ian Johnson," I replied. "He’s supposed to be a good one."
Not even I knew how good Johnson would be on that September night...or how good he would be that whole year. Nobody knew, at that moment in the first quarter when the Broncos made it a one touchdown game, that Ian Johnson was going to be something special, perhaps even the greatest Bronco running back of all time. But by the end of regulation, we knew.Johnson came into his own that night, patiently following blocks, keeping his feet churning for extra yardage, showing explosive acceleration and determination. He was the feature back that everyone had been waiting for, and he didn’t just upstage the Beavers that night--he embarrassed them on national television.
Johnson rushed for 240 yards on 22 carries and scored five touchdowns against the Pac-10’s Oregon State. 240 yards on 22 carries?! Yeah, that is almost 11 yards per carry--11 yards per carry against an Oregon State team that defeated USC that same season.
None of Ian’s touchdowns more exemplified just how good he was that night than his third TD. Ian got the ball at about the four or five yard line and was hit at about the two. He was pushed back about a yard before surging forward again as Oregon State defenders piled on, trying in vain to stop him as he eventually carried the whole stack of ‘em into the endzone.
Around the time Ian scored his fifth TD, putting Boise State up 42-14, the Oregon State fans sitting nearby started to quietly head for the exits. I don’t know what came over me, but I stood up and shouted after them “All day, baby. All day.”
Ian has had some impressive and heroic games since that night. Certainly he is en route to be the greatest Bronco running back ever, but on September 7, 2006, Ian was simply amazing.
Voting for Ian Johnson's Oregon State romp will take place through next week. Use the poll in the sidebar to cast your vote.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Tuesday: Links with welcoming
Peak Broadcasting and BSU announced yesterday that Bob Behler will be the new Broncos play-by-play man. Who will be doing the color commentary? The Statesman has some info.
Peak Broadcasting will interview two potential color analysts for Boise State radio broadcasts Tuesday, Peak general manager Kevin Godwin said Monday afternoon. Godwin said the list is not limited to former Boise State players.Oh, good, if Peak is interviewing candidates on Tuesday, then we should have an answer by Labor Day. At least we weren't given empty promises and loose deadlines.
Let the speculation begin for a color commentator to join Behler in the booth. Our money is on a return of Jeff Caves, but we wouldn't fight it if J Bates got the call instead.
Here are some more links to Behler stories:
Audio of Behler: football, basketball
Statesman profile
Bronco Country thread
Idaho Press-Tribune
KTVB.com
Most Valuable Network
Other links:
Mr. Irrelevant lives it up [the Big Lead]
Watching musicals at the Playboy Mansion is David Vobora's idea of a good time.
Dave Southorn tours the Stueckle Sky Club [Dave's Blog]
And writes his name on the inside of a bathroom wall.
WAC tidbits for a long offseason [Pugs, ponies, and preps]
Not so much "tidbits" as "Google facts."
Encouraging Boise State preview [Red Zone Report]
Anything that has the Broncos on top of the WAC is okay by us.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday: Links with distractions
Can the Missoulian be Boise's newspaper? Please? The paper from Missoula, Montana, just finished up a series of fine journalism on the chances of U of M moving into Division 1-A. Saturday, they wrote a fascinating piece on how Boise State has fared since the Broncos' move to big-time college football.
The Boise State Broncos represent a best-case scenario for all Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams pondering a move up. An example of what is possible for those that risk stability for a spot in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).Not only was the article a wonderful read, but there was some good BSU knowledge in there, too. Reporter Bill Speltz did his homework and then some. Witness this encouraging quote:
“We purchased East Junior High School, just a quarter of a mile from here, that will give us 15fi acres we can access next summer,” BSU AD Gene Bleymaier said. “We'll move the (running) track out of Bronco Stadium and our next expansion will be to horseshoe the south end of the stadium and add another 6,000 seats."Thanks for the Bronco Stadium update, Missoula paper. Best of all, one of the endearing themes of the story was its focus on the importance of a great fan base. The Missoulian gave Bronco Nation a great big slap on the back.
The people of Boise are also a big part of the Broncos' success. When Boise State made its leap of faith into FBS football in 1996, Bleymaier knew he could depend on the community for support. That confidence made the transition about as smooth as can be expected.And to think, we were joking when we took credit for BSU's success.
We highly recommend you reading this story for yourself.
Other links:
So long, Gary Craner [Scott Slant]
Turned ankles will never be the same.
List of Broncos in the CFL [Statesman]
Bronco Nation north of the border, eh?
Boise State offers Kellen's little bro [Tri-City Herald]
Bronco fans immediately pencil him in as starting wide receiver.
Are Boise State's home games for sale? [BNN]
Our Ian Johnson/Marty Tadman two-sided jersey sure hopes not.
Fresno's baseball success gives credibility to WAC [Shreveport Times]
Calling Fresno the "California Bulldogs" loses credibility for this story.
Brian Murphy to the Aaron Burks rescue [Murph's Turf]
We don't even want to touch this one.
Posts
