The Boise State Broncos will take the field later this afternoon for the first scrimmage of fall camp, and we could not be more excited. We could also not be more curious.
Over the inexorably long summer, we had plenty of time to sit around and think up open-ended questions about the Broncos upcoming season. And with practices being closed to the public, we have had to cobble together answers based on spotty play-by-play from the local media.
Not today. This afternoon we will finally get a chance to put the pieces together for ourselves about this 2008 Bronco team. Here is what we'll be looking for:
Will Ian Johnson's backup be D.J. Harper or Jeremy Avery? One of these two should be in line to get the scraps of Johnson's carries, and thus far through the first week of camp, they seem to be pretty even. Harper and Avery? Avery and Harper? We'll see in a little bit.
Can we forget the whole "Q" formation ever happened? The Broncos' spring surprise was a version of Nevada's pistol that looked pretty cool right up until the snap when everything fell apart. For that matter, what will shotgun snaps look like? The Boise State centers have had all summer to perfect the art of throwing footballs between their legs, so there should be some improvement. We're willing to reconsider the "Q," but the Broncos are going to have to do an awful lot of convincing.
Do you think we'll recognize Jeremy Childs? Absence makes the heart grow fonder...at least that's what we told ourselves when the girls we liked wouldn't return our phone calls. Childs has been off the field for what seems like an eternity. It will be the highlight of our August to see him running routes beside Titus Young, Austin Pettis, Vinny Perretta, and others.
Could Mike T. Williams and Ryan Winterswyck get sacks on every play? We're pretty sure they could if they wanted to. Out of all the Bronco storylines going into this year, these two defensive ends are the ultimate headliners. Hyperbole alert: they could be the greatest pass rushing duo that the WAC has ever seen! We are literally giddy with excitement.
Which Kyle Brotzman will show up? In spring practice, we saw the inaccurate, complacent Kyle Brotzman, but we really want to see the precise, confident Brotzman from a season ago. We'll attribute the spring misses to Brock Jaramillo's extortion tactics. Let's hope things are better today.
Will Dustin Lapray be wearing a derby with a feather? The Magic Valley Times journalist/poet/worsdworth writes like he has been transported out of 17th century literature, and his BSU blog reads more like a Shakespearean play than a football practice report.
Oh, and we may be a little interested in seeing some of the quarterbacks throw.
Before you head to the scrimmage, make sure to print yourself a roster.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Boise State scrimmage: questions that need answering
Thursday, August 7, 2008
QB battle: Moore vs. Hamdan: Day 4
The most important decision in the history of the world will be made in the next few weeks, and we'll be providing daily updates on all the hype and hyperbole surrounding the Boise State quarterback competition.
Today was an ugly day in the Boise State quarterback competition, as the Bronco defense picked off six passes. Though throwing six interceptions might be good enough to win Nathan Enderle the starting job at Idaho, the same is not true of the Boise State QBs. Here is where things stand after four days.
Moore: was picked off at least once
Hamdan: was picked off at least twice
Advantage: Direct snaps to Ian Johnson.
In the lead: Joe Southwick. The quarterback recruit for the class of 2009 did not have an interception today...that we know of.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Exciting newcomers, fall camp subplots, and the return of Boise State football
Boise State football is back. High five!
The Broncos take the field for the start of fall camp on Monday, and not a moment too soon. The offseason has been a difficult one, considering the way that last season ended for BSU. Two losses in a row is quite a different pill to swallow than a Fiesta Bowl win. But we swallowed it nevertheless, washing down the sucker with a tasty brew of early commits and media love. Mmmm, media love.
Now we can start over-evaluating players again. Woohoo! Here are the newcomers who will be in camp on Monday, listed in order of how stoked we are to see them.
- LB Daron Mackey. Juco transfers are our weakness.
- LB Byron Hout. The Hout era begins in earnest.
- OT Tom Swanson. The biggest incoming lineman. Might eat Chris Potter.
- WR Chris Potter. Fast, which should prevent Tom Swanson from eating him.
- S Tyler Jackson. Young safeties out the wazzoo.
- Who will be starting quarterback?
- Will the offensive linemen be any bigger or any more experienced?
- What's the deal with that "Q" formation?
- Will playing in the shade of the Mothership make the Broncos complacent?
- Can Bob Behler pick Tanyon Bissell out of a crowd?
- Is Ryan Winterswyk human?
- How soon can we talk about Doug Martin again?
- Ian Johnson: overrated or not rated enough?
- Will bloggers receive press credentials?
But for now, football is back. Life is complete. And the world is right again.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tuesday: Links with predictions
ESPN's Graham Watson posed an interesting question on her blog yesterday: Is Ian Johnson the WAC's best running back? If Watson knows, then she's not telling as her story politely skirted the issue with open-ended statements, facts, and Johnson quotes.
But is he the best running back in a stacked WAC?We live in a black-and-white world, so this article, with all its grayness and ambiguity, was hard to deal with. The answer, in our opinion, is clear: Ian Johnson is not the WAC's best running back. He lost that title last year when he struggled with injuries and effectiveness. Let the angry emails fly.
"I've seen a lot of these guys and you look at (Nevada's Luke) Lippincott and all the guys from La Tech and even the guys from Fresno, these guys are very different running backs from myself," Johnson said during WAC Media Days last week.
Johnson was the best running back in the WAC during his glory year in 2006 and was even considered a darkhorse for the Heisman Trophy. But those numbers trailed off last season as Johnson was plagued with injuries.
Remember, Johnson was not very good at times last year, and Bronco Nation openly questioned what was wrong with him. Sure, he is saying all the right things and doing all the right things this offseason, and to be honest, we are confident that he will regain the mantle of WAC's top running back this season. But in the meantime, we feel he is no longer the top dog.
There, Graham Watson. We said it.
Other links:
Dan Gore cut by Dolphins [Scott Slant]
We guess Miami liked losing last year more than they thought
Utah State bringing down Utah's schedule [ESPN.com]
The Aggies get replaced by Notre Dame. Boise State would do the same if it could.
Another vote for Kellen Moore [Bleacher Report]
Bush Hamdan not available for comment.
Rivals' countdown reaches No. 3 [Rivals.com]
USC and Georgia still to come--most likely in that order.
Recap of rule changes [Rivals.com]
Clock changes may shorten games from 3 hours, 45 minutes to 3 hours, 40 minutes.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Headlines from WAC media convention
With the WAC Football Preview (motto: "What happens in Salt Lake, stays in Salt Lake") out of the way, we can finally turn our thoughts toward the start of the college football season. Not that we weren't already anyway.
The media convention was a typical, predictable yakfest between obliging players and coaches and opportunistic media members, but that's not to say that it wasn't without some interesting stories.
Here are some of the highlights:
Ian Johnson = media dreamboat
The most popular player in Salt Lake City was Boise State RB Ian Johnson. The buzz around Johnson wasn't quite at the level of last year's convo, which had extra hype due to the Fiesta Bowl win. Still, he provided plenty of good quotes, and several media outlets were able to cull somewhat original stories from the interviews.
No insurance policy against injury
- Johnson has chosen not to follow the financial footsteps of previous college stars in taking out an insurance policy to protect against a career-ending injury. Here's hoping that US Bank savings account holds up!
- "The secret's out," Johnson said, smiling.
Worst kept secret ever.
- “It’s definitely not as crazy,” Johnson said. “It’s been great because it’s given me time to focus on the couple issues I have — being a great husband and being the best Ian Johnson I can be for the upcoming season.”
- "I'm going to step up and I'm going to put this team on my back," Johnson said Thursday at the WAC football media preview. " I've gotten myself ready to take the hits for a full season and to be a punishing back for a full season. The fact that I have guys biting at my heels, I've got to prove that I am better than them and that they can't just come out and play without us skipping a beat."
- Apparently, he told the coaches he was healthy enough to play. Let the conspiracy theories begin!
"They never asked the question (whether I could play), my number was never called," Ian Johnson said. "I told them at the beginning of the game that I was ready... I try not to show too much emotion. It was a call that was made for the team and if you feel the best way to go is someone else I can be a little angry but I'm going to accept it."
- "One of the things that's probably going to help Ian is the depth that we have at that position," Petersen said. "We don't have to play him every down and hopefully get him to last the season and also to be pushed a little bit by some of these other guys that we have."
Taking the Taylor Tharp approach to QB competition
The Boise State coaches learned their lesson last year about not jumping to conclusions in the search for a starting quarterback.
“It worked for us before to be patient and work this thing out,” Petersen said. If by "worked out," you are referring solely to the New Mexico State game, then yes.
No Jeremy Childs news until August 4, so stop asking!
"I'll still say the same thing (about Childs)," Petersen said. "When we get back, we'll see. If everything checks out when we get back on the fourth, then he's a go. We'll probably put that whole thing to rest on the fourth."
Mike T. Williams not as popular as Ian Johnson
Photographic proof here.
Colin Kaepernick to start at Nevada
"There is no quarterback controversy at the University of Nevada,” said Wolfpack head coach Chris Ault, obviously referring to the fact that Kaepernick could hardly be defined as a "quarterback." According to Ault, the skinny-legged "Kap" has some work to do in order to become a polished product, especially in the "noun" area. “Last year, he was a thrower, not a passer,” Ault said.
Taylor Bennett forgot to transfer his skills
The fate of the Louisiana Tech program rests in the hands of Georgia Tech transfer QB Taylor Bennett. Someone might want to let him know.
Sophomore Ross Jenkins emerged from spring practice as the starting quarterback, with Bennett as the backup. Perhaps the ACC is a lot worse than we anticipated.
SJSU excited about RB, oblivious to expectations
San Jose State, one of several mediocre teams purported to make a push in the WAC this year, received good news when former starter Yonus Davis was granted a sixth year of eligibility...and immediately started printing WAC champion T-shirts.
Holbrook confuses bulking up with Carl's Jr
New Mexico State quarterback Chase Holbrook wanted to add some weight this offseason to be able to absorb the hits he'll take this year. Mission very accomplished.
Holbrook will weigh in at 245 pounds this season. Maybe the motivational Jared Lorenzen wall poster wasn't the best choice.
Utah State embraces idea of depth
Even if the wins don't come this year for Utah State, at least their players will be less tired. The Aggies had little more than 50 players in total last season, but thanks to the recruiting prowess of Brent Guy ("We have XBox!"), Utah State will be able to field a full roster. Not necessarily a good roster, but a full one.
Greg McMackin has not watched the NFL for years
ESPN.com's Graham Watson made the mistake of assuming Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin follows football. Her bad.
GW: So you're going to play DB Ryan Mouton on offense. What went into that decision?
GM: He's so quick. He's got God-given quickness. He's a big playmaker. I just really like him. He's a big-play guy. He ran a kickoff back, he ran a touchdown back on defense, and we can just throw out a screen and let him do his thing.
GW: Is he in the Devin Hester-type mold?
GM: Who?
GW: The guy from Chicago? Uh, how about Deion Sanders?
GM: Oh, yeah, like Deion Sanders.
Sources
Monday, July 21, 2008
Salt Lake City braces for WAC media
The WAC media convention is nearly upon us. Starting tomorrow, media members from WAC cities across the country will meet in Salt Lake City for three days of interviews, buffets, and Sugar Bowl jokes. Sounds like fun, right Will Hoenike?
We think it sounds like fun. However, being excited about a media convention is not enough to get invited to a media convention, and as such, we will be following along from the comfort of our office chair and gigantic, old Dell monitor. Too bad because we had always wanted to tour the Mormon Temple with Chase Holbrook and Luke Lippincott.
The media will be releasing their picks for players of the year and conference champion, and there will gads of interviews that will lead to gads of Honolulu Advertiser feature stories. As for the Statesman, we'll be curious to see if they marry the idea of all-day football news and blogging. There's a first time for everything.
Other things that we're excited about:
- Kellen Moore coming up in conversation entirely too often.
- Colin Kaepernick crashing the party.
- Hawaii coach Greg McMackin drinking his weight in Coke.
- The Marriott running out of continental breakfast and every column mentioning it in his WAC media days article.
- Whether or not San Jose State bothers to show up.
- Hearing Robb Akey use the word "family."
- Living vicariously through Dave Southorn's blog.
- Mormon Keno.
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.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
OBNUG Hall of Fame: Ian Johnson inducted
Congratulations to Ian Johnson and his Oregon State TD extravaganza for gaining induction into the OBNUG Hall of Fame. His performance earned 91 percent of the vote, which was well over the 70 percent needed to get in. Thanks again to Drew from Fight Fight BSU for stating his case so eloquently.
Johnson's induction signals the end of the first year of the OBNUG Hall of Fame. Thank you to all who contributed nominees, wrote stories, and voted in the polls. We're looking forward to doing this again next year, so keep in mind any candidates you feel deserve to be in the HOF and feel free to let us know.
Here is the inaugural class of the OBNUG Hall of Fame:
- Marty Tadman's Fiesta Bowl
- Ryan Dinwiddie's three quarters versus Fresno State
- The 1980 Division I-AA championship game
- The day Boise State moved up to Division 1-A
- The three plays to win the Fiesta Bowl: hook-and-ladder, Perretta TD toss, and Statue of Liberty
- Ian Johnson's Oregon State romp
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.
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.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ian Johnson highlight video
Boise State fan Heath has been known to create some pretty sweet Bronco video tributes. His latest may just be his greatest. Enjoy.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday: Links with hype
Rivals came up with a list of the top non-BCS running backs in the country, and if you look purely at the numbers, we think it is obvious which one is best.
The former Fiesta Bowl hero leads all active running backs in career rushing yards (3,418) and tops all active players in rushing touchdowns (45).Ian Johnson stands out from the rest of the pack on his career totals alone, but the story focused on Southern Miss running back Damion Fletcher, who sounds like he'll be a handful when the Broncos visit Hattiesburg. In all, four of BSU's 2008 opponents made the list, including Deonte Jackson (Idaho), Luke Lippincott (Nevada), and Ryan Matthews (Fresno State).
Let's hope our run defense really has gotten better.
Other links:
Utah State QB heading to BYU [Herald-Journal]
He must have seen the light on his Mormon mission.
Boise State's Fiesta Bowl third in clutchness [Pronounced like...]
But #1 in our hearts.
Non-Saturday games sure are annoying [FOX Sports.com]
Boise State fans hardly even notice any more.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
MySpace profile: Ian Johnson version 2.0
Every so often, OBNUG puts on its investigative hat and hunts down the social network profiles of Boise State personalities. We're not proud of it.
Earlier today, we delved into the personal profile page of Ian Johnson. Or did we?
Further research shows a decidedly more personal MySpace page for #41, complete with accurate information, real photos, and mentions of his wife Chrissy. You mean there can be more than one profile page per person? Technology completely eludes us!
- Profile name: ian
- Tagline: Knowledge!!!!
- Friends: 39
- Top Friends: Chrissy Johnson, Shaun Jordan
- Music: Your Life and Mine by Just Surrender
- Books: "books are for nerds"
- Most tragic comment: "Hey good luck tomorrow bro! show everyone that Hawaii is no match for you!"
MySpace profile: Ian Johnson
We attribute this to one of two things:
- He has agoraphobia.
- We did not find his actual MySpace page.
Agoraphobia is out of the question, too. People with social fears do not propose in front of a national TV audience.
Perhaps the reason for his low friend count is that he doesn't use MySpace very often. Maybe he views it as childish and immature, and he sees it as an obsession for those with no lives of their own. We wonder what that makes us then.
On second thought, forget we asked that.
Profile name: IanCursor: giant football clipartFriends: 231Top friends: Matt Nelson, Kyle Wilson, the NFL, and ReggieBushFanClub.net,Music: NFL Rise to Glory
Blog: noneComments: "Thanx for the add. U R my favorite running back."
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Ian Johnson shares cover of Athlon sports mag
The above image is the cover of the upcoming Athlon Sports college football preview issue. Personally, we would have preferred to see a four-headed manga monster of Johnson, D.J. Harper, Doug Martin, and Jeremy Avery on the cover. Then again, we don't have very good taste.
Pre-order your copy here.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Tuesday: Links with Engagement
Story of the day:
Non-BCS players to watch in 2008 [In the Bleachers]
We found this story interesting not only because it provides a handy guide to some potentially exciting players, but it also has a level-headed, sensible approach to the preseason WAC race.
After a quiet year in 2007 expect Johnson and Boise State to make another run in the WAC, where the departure of Colt Brennan and June Jones at Hawaii has suddenly left the conference wide open.It sure is nice not having someone hand the title to Fresno State right away.
Ian Johnson is the lone BSU representative on the list, and he joins three other WAC players to watch. Not surprisingly, no Vandals were mentioned.
Other links:
Tadman in Jets camp [Idaho Statesman]
Oh, really, Statesman? It's about time you mentioned this. And thanks for not citing us as a source. Again.
Relating popular bands to their college team similes [Fight Fight BSU]
Conspicuously absent is Utah State. They always came across as a Scrantonicity to us.
Another case for Kellen Moore [Bleacher Report]
Written by Michael Hroma, which is probably an alias for Jeff Caves.
Scandrick impresses in Cowboys camp [Idaho Statesman]
The blogs have already hit on this, but we guess its not news until a newspaper covers it.
UH volleyball and football nearly double-booked [Honolulu Advertiser]
Crisis averted! Thank goodness they figured this one out.
Senior OL Woodruff picked in CFL Draft [Idaho Sports Zone]
Bronco golfer qualifies for regionals [Idaho Statesman]
Fresno recruiting cattle ranchers [ESPN.com]
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
High expectations for Ian Johnson
Might Ryan Clady's status as the highest drafted BSU player be in doubt? One misinformed Chicago Bears fan sure thinks so. An early 2009 mock draft done by a prescient member of the Bears' message board has Boise State's Ian Johnson going in the top ten of next year's draft.
That's all well and good, but we have Doug Martin going number one overall in 2010.
The world's first mock draft [Chicago Bears message board]
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Life Coach: Ian Johnson=chick magnet
The Life Coach believes that there are no stupid questions, just stupid Vandal fans who ask questions. His purpose is to shepherd Bronco Nation to the calm waters of illumination, guiding them through their perfunctory problems with grace, flair, and competent advice. Got a question for the Life Coach? Email him at OneBroncoNationUnderGod@gmail.com.
Dear Life Coach,
I am a girl who loves Boise State football but does not love Ian Johnson. Do I exist?
Confused in Caldwell
No, you don’t. Ian Johnson is the equivalent of Justin Timberlake for N’SYNC. No fourteen-year-old girl watched N’SYNC for Joey or Billy or whoever the other guys were. They watched N’SYNC for Justin. Just like every girl who is a BSU fan watches Boise State football because of Ian Johnson. There is nothing else there to attract them.
You think there are tweeners who just love the beat and feel of N’SYNC’s music? No way. You think there are girls out there who love BSU football for its offensive ingenuity and ability to get big third down stops? No way.
Nearly every girl who watches BSU simply watches because they are hoping that Ian Johnson somehow dumps his wife and asks them to marry him on national TV. Or because they like the blue turf.
Life Coach,
What is an appropriate response to seeing Marty Tadman in the Boise Towne Square Mall Pro Image? I hope you will say "shriek like a little girl, have him sign your undershirt, ask him to be the godparent of your as-yet-to-be-born child and steal a sample of his hair while he's not looking...you know, for cloning purposes." I ask out of curiosity, not out of past incidence.
Creepy in Coeur d'Alene
Just as Marty Tadman is a very unique individual, there is not one response that is uniquely appropriate when seeing Marty in a Pro Image at the mall. Varied responses are acceptable, BUT there is a basic framework that you should try to stay within.
Only scream or gasp once – preferably upon initial realization or contact. Prolonged shrieks and gasps are unsightly and unacceptable.
You may notice his tattoos, but under no circumstances are you to touch them or ask him to show you every tattoo that he has. I mean, he knows they're awesome. That’s why he got them.
Don’t do anything you would regret if your grandmother was watching.
Don’t do anything that would normally require a lawyer (i.e. giving him your kidney, becoming a legalized guardian, stealing his hat, etc.)
Finally, upon departure, do not give him lingering looks through the display window. Marty hates this. It creeps him out. Just be a man and walk away. Walk away.
Mr. Life Coach,
Where does the line for the Kellen Moore bandwagon start?
Jeff Caves in Boise
Start? Where does it end? That’s the question.
There are so many people already a part of this lefty’s fan base that he might be able to form a legitimate mutiny if he doesn’t start. His boyish features and unique style soften the heart of the elderly and inspire those of the younger generation. The Kellen Moore bandwagon is currently a tricked out Honda Element, and there is a long line to get into that compact SUV.
So, my friend, the question is not where does it start. The question is: Where does it end? Because you need to get in line.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Nike tries out new unis with Broncos
Several players at the Blue-Orange game on Friday were sporting fancy new threads, courtesy of those fashionistas at Nike.
Johnson failed to address the black piping on the sleeves of the jerseys, so we will address it for him.“They (Nike) want to test out the fabric, test out the fit with some of the reflector things on it,” Johnson said. “It’s a real tight-fitting jersey … It feels nice … it’s real hard to grab."
"It's hideous," OBNUG said. "The disgusting black arm veins have to go. Who does Nike think we are? Oregon?"If we had our druthers, we would prefer the 2006 unis with a special 1980s throwback some time during the year.
Dailey's blog [Idaho Press-Tribune]
Photo courtesy
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Ian for Heisman: CBS starts the hype
The Heisman race has begun for BSU RB Ian Johnson. CBS Sportsline's Dennis Dodd created a preseason ranking of Heisman candidates, and Johnson made the cut at number 20.
Johnson is the only WAC player to make the list, and he is one of only three players from non-BCS-conference schools to crack the top 20. We assume this means that Dodd does not place much credence in Utah State TE Rob Myers' Heisman campaign.
Moreno's motor might not stop... [CBS Sportsline]
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