QB battle: Moore vs. Hamdan: Day 12

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.

Vs.

Tomorrow night we get our second chance to see the quarterback competition for ourselves, but until then, we'll just have to rely on our trusted local media for guidance. Scary thought, huh.

Moore: the People's choice
Hamdan: the Media's choice

Advantage: Hamdan. The media does see practice, after all.

In the lead...Tie. It will make for a more interesting scrimmage this way.

QB battle: Moore vs. Hamdan: Day 11

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.

Vs.

Coach Pete spoke about the quarterback race yesterday, but not in the way that anyone had hoped.

Petersen said he didn’t learn anything new about the quarterbacks competing for the starting job, senior Bush Hamdan and freshman Kellen Moore. They continue to split time with the first team.

As much as we want to know who the starter will be, we know that the Bronco coaching staff is doing the right thing by waiting as long as it takes to make sure they pick the right guy. In the meantime, we can keep getting our hopes up that maybe we'll have an answer soon. Like tomorrow?

Offensive coordinator Brian Harsin said the race was similar to last season with both quarterbacks basically in a dead heat, including a so-so first scrimmage. Like last season, the competition will continue for another week at least.

Bummer.

Moore: taught Coach Pete nothing in the first scrimmage
Hamdan: also taught Coach Pete nothing in the first scrimmage

Advantage: Rosetta Stone.

In the lead...Moore. Day 11 of the quarterback competition just happens to match his jersey number. Serendipity?

QB battle: Moore vs. Hamdan: Day 10

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.

Vs.

The Bronco quarterback competition is into the double digits now, and we are still without a starter for the Idaho State game. Hmm, when we say it like that, it doesn't seem like such a big deal.

Hamdan: Threw a touchdown to Vinny Perretta, threw an interception to Kyle Wilson
Moore: Threw left-handed

Advantage: Push. An interception washes out a touchdown, and left-handed people make us feel awkward.

In the lead...Moore. He's living off his scrimmage performance, which is pretty much all anyone has to go off of now.

Morning paper: Boise State football links 8/12

There is plenty to talk about regarding the first scrimmage of the fall, and before we get into our take on things, let's hear what the Internets have to say. Aren't we gracious?

Fall scrimmage reports

• Moore vs. Hamdan vs. everyone else still up in the air [Fight Fight BSU]
• QB stats and Coach Pete audio [Dave's Blog]
  
• Gassers do not sound like fun [Bronco Beat]
• Taylor Tharp and Coby Karl were there. Party! [Press-Tribune]
  
• Did Dustin Lapray just start his post with a bandana story? [BSU Blog]
  
• Photos and feedback from the scrimmage [Statue Left]

Hop on the D.J. Harper bandwagon [Statesman]
We're already on it, but thanks anyway for the invitation.

The O-line has some work to do [Press-Tribune]
Rushing for 2.3 yards is far too San Jose State-ish.

von Oelhoffen released by Eagles [Statesman]
Carson Palmer's knee laughs an evil laugh.

Boise State best team of last decade [FOX Sports]
We'll take it even if it's only FOX Sports who's giving it.

Injuries strike Vandal line [Statesman]
Good thing they have depth. Oh wait. Never mind.

Week One predictions [What If Sports]
Boise State should be safe.

QB battle: Moore vs. Hamdan: Day 5

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.

  Vs. 

The Press-Tribune has posted audio from Kellen Moore's post-practice press conference. Here's the link: Press-Tribune multimedia. We know what will be playing in David Augusto's iPod this weekend.

Here's today's breakdown:

Moore: connected with Titus Young on a deep TD, thought it was "awesome"
Hamdan: found Vinny Perretta for a long touchdown toss, celebrated with Geritol and extra-cautious high-fives

Advantage: Moore. Assuming Young will be on the field more often than Perretta, Kellen chose the right wideout to connect with.

In the lead...Hamdan. By a hair. And no, we have nothing to base this on.

Camp notes: pads are heavy and other new experiences

Today's Boise State practice was full of firsts:

• First time wearing full pads
• First time practicing on the new blue turf
• First time newcomers practiced with returners
• First time the offense showed up
  
• First time Paul J realized that Jeremy Childs and Jeremy Avery are different people.
  

Dave Southorn filed his report from the morning sessions, and he had plenty of nice things to say about RB D.J. Harper, even though Harper did not have many nice things to say about himself.

"I was actually really disappointed with how I did last year," Harper said. "If I can stay healthy, I want to be a lot more productive."

The offense finally showed some firepower with three long touchdown plays during practice today. Kellen Moore and Bush Hamdan threw for two of the scores, and Jeremy Avery broke a 45-yard TD run. It sure was nice of Ryan Winterswyck and Mike T. Williams to let them.

Chadd Cripe has details, too.

More on practice today if anything surfaces.

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.

Vs.

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.

QB battle: Moore vs. Hamdan: Day 3

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.

  Vs.

The Boise State quarterback competition is now into its third day, and we are no closer to finding out who will be manning the good ship Bronco come August 30th. Here is where things stand as of today.

Moore: Fumbled in the morning session. Looked small with shoulder pads on.
Hamdan: Reminisced about the early 1980's during line drills. Looked old with shoulder pads on.

Advantage: Push.

In the lead: Hamdan. Fortunately for him, ageism has no place among Bronco coaches.

QB battle: Moore vs. Hamdan: Day 2

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.

Vs.

Word from Broncos camp is glowing about Bush Hamdan and strangely silent about Kellen Moore. How are we supposed to overreact to every little detail when we don't have every little detail? Looks like we'll just have to start reading into things.

Moore: Practicing with the returners? Good. Throwing an interception to Jeron Johnson? Bad.
Hamdan: Gave a media interview and said all the right things.

Advantage: Hamdan.

In the lead: Hamdan. Haven't heard a bad thing about him yet ... except that he's a senior.

QB battle: Moore vs. Hamdan: Day 1

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 they hype and hyperbole surrounding the Boise State quarterback competition. 

Vs.

Boise State football is back, which begs the question: Who will the starting quarterback be? Now that the players are actually on the field, we will be able to track the candidates (Kellen Moore, Bush Hamdan, and to lesser degrees, Mike Coughlin and Nick Lomax) and provide daily breakdowns of where things stand. Today, senior Hamdan takes the lead.

Hamdan: Spent summer vacation organizing softball game and warming up to media.
Moore: Spent summer vacation getting a farmer's tan.

Today's winner: Hamdan.

In the lead...Hamdan. But that's nothing a Planet Beach tanning session can't fix.

Morning paper: Boise State football links 8/4

Brian Murphy on QB competition [Statesman]
Coach Pete and Harsin have been there before.

Chadd Cripe on QB competition [Statesman]
Well, at least the Statesman isn't blowing this thing out of proportion.

Alex Guerrero doing color on Spanish radio [Fight Fight BSU]
Donde esta el futbol? En el endzone! Seis puntas!

Broncos ranked #26 by NYT [New York Times]
A good read, if you're into looking up words in dictionaries.

15 minutes of fame for the laundry guy [Statesman]
No word on the Tide-to-go pen.

Dinwiddie CFL player of the week [CFL.ca]
Bags of milk for everyone!

If Aztecs are out, will Broncos be in? [Union-Tribune]
SDSU may be without stadium, which makes it hard to play football.

Nevada gets QB commit [Gazette-Journal]
See? Early recruits can happen outside of Boise.

WAC recruiting budgets [ESPN]
Blogger is out to get us [Blogger Buzz] 

Tuesday: Links with predictions

Story of the day:

RB Ian Johnson tops in the WAC? [ESPN.com]

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?

"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.

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.

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.

Preview mags take Moore over Hamdan

We were browsing at Barnes and Noble the other day, and we came across some interesting news from the two college football preview magazines that were available: Both Lindy's and Athlon Sports projected Kellen Moore as the starting quarterback.

Bush Hamdan was not available for comment.

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]

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.

Boise State spring football awards

People have recapped spring football and graded spring football, but no one has yet to make up arbitrary awards for spring football. That's where we come in.

In honor of the many noteworthy performances from the past few weeks, may we present OBNUG's 2008 spring football awards.

Most likely to succeed: DE Ryan Winterswyk.
This half-man, half-monster wreaked havoc in the backfield all spring. If only he could face freshman offensive tackles all the time!

Most likely to have a bandwagon named after him: QB Kellen Moore.
Moore's spring performance made Bronco fans downright giddy with delight. Can you say "man crush"? Half of Bronco Nation can (and has).

Most likely to see playing time as a true freshman: S George Iloka.
The tall, lanky safety made the most of his opportunities this spring, and to think, he's only 18! Our greatest accomplishment at 18 was going undefeated in Madden.

Most likely to replace Marty Tadman (on the field, not in our hearts): S Jeron Johnson.
Tadman was the heart and soul of the defense, and we think that Johnson has what it takes to fill the void. Johnson can walk on water, right?

Most likely to score a billion touchdowns: WR Titus Young.
Young is fast, athletic, and an impossible match-up for every corner in the WAC. He might score a billion touchdowns against Utah State alone.

Most likely to be Ian Johnson's backup: RB D.J. Harper.
If you had asked us this question prior to spring football, we would have shouted "Doug Martin" and maybe giggled a little. And while Martin is indeed a beast, Harper blew us away by his power and elusiveness. Color us impressed.

Most likely to change positions: QB Nick Lomax.
Lomax's immobility will cost him in the QB battle, so we can see him taking the high road and switching positions of his own accord. Our guess? Personal protector to Brad Elkin.

Most likely to wrestle a bear and win: DL Sean Bingham.
He wrestled John Gott, who looks like a bear, and won. We don't see how a real bear would fare any better.

Most likely to stop disappointing us: LB Derrell Acrey.
Acrey, who has long been listed as a breakout candidate, narrowly edged out "rugby punts" for this award.

Most likely to not talk to the media: QB Bush Hamdan.
A winner for the second year in a row! Congrats!

Most likely to drive us mad: the "Q."
Considering our reaction to being under center (elation) compared to that of being in the "Q" (queasy), we think this abbreviated shotgun could be trouble, especially if snaps continue missing their mark.

Offense wins Blue-Orange game

The Boise State offense got back on track tonight in the Blue-Orange game. Freshman QB Kellen Moore had another fine performance, leading several long drives, and Doug Martin scored the only touchdown of the evening on a short TD run.

We were very pleased with how the Broncos looked. The defense showed some good signs, basically shutting down the running game. All four QBs made one or two good plays when they had their chance. And we even finagled our way into the scrimmage without paying.

Here are some of our first impressions:

• Either our kick return is great or our kick coverage is awful.
• Kellen Moore to Titus Young looks awfully good. Young beat Cedric Febis down the sideline and Moore hit him with a beautiful over-the-shoulder rainbow. Good stuff.
• Jeremy Childs made an appearance on the sideline.
• Bush Hamdan showed great mobility, although he took off a few times when he still had plenty of opportunity to throw. He either went through his reads too fast or got antsy.
• The tackling was stellar from the defense. On multiple occasions, there was one man left between the ball carrier and the end zone, and the defensive player made a sure tackle.
• D.J. Harper may be the hardest back to bring down on the team.
• The D-line continues to get great penetration. Shea McClellin and Chase Baker had especially good nights.
• There were fewer bad snaps from the shotgun, although several still either rolled back to the QB or went over his head.
• It was nice to see the Broncos run some traditional sets instead of all shotgun and "Q".
• Doug Martin as the goalline back could be groundbreaking.
• A chant of "Paul J" started late in the scrimmage.
• Brock Jaramillo nailed both of his field goal attempts, and he looked good doing it.
• Moore's first drive of the scrimmage showcased his ability to scramble and make plays. It was fun to watch.
  

National media fuels QB debate

ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg focuses his weekly non-BCS column on Boise State's quarterback contest, with predictable results.

(Tharp's) successor will come from a pool of four candidates: senior Bush Hamdan, junior Nick Lomax, sophomore Mike Coughlin and redshirt freshman Kellen Moore. All four have received equal repetitions this spring, but Hamdan and Moore have emerged as the early favorites.

Obviously, he has not talked to Phil Dailey.

Non-BCS notebook [ESPN.com]

Harsin feels QBs still neck-and-neck

Boise State offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin gave his thoughts on the BSU quarterback race yesterday, saying that all four candidates still remain very much in contention.

“Nobody is overall making a huge jump at this point,” Harsin said. “They’re doing what we ask them to do.”

Freshman Kellen Moore and senior Bush Hamdan did impress Harsin with their play in the first scrimmage. He also liked the presence of sophomore Mike Coughlin, who is a threat in the option run game and was on the field for some long run plays.

Also, Nick Lomax's fumble made Harsin laugh.

Chadd Cripe reports that the Broncos were happy to return to practice after a week off for spring break, and they hosted Upland (Calif.) QB Josh Nunes, a top prospect whom OBNUG profiled last week.

Harsin: no quarterback 'making huge jump' [Idaho Statesman]

Bold predictions for the week ahead

With a successful scrimmage in the books, the Boise State football team will be taking the next week off for spring break. Will OBNUG be doing the same? Hardly. But we may take a vacation from jokes at Utah State's expense.

Here is what we see happening over the next few days.

• Message boards will burn up with rumors of Kellen Moore being the 2008 starting quarterback, forcing the BSU coaches to close off the Internet to fans and media.
  
  
• With Boise State students flocking to the sunny beaches of California and Florida, most Bronco players will choose to stay near campus and enjoy the overcast shores of Lake Lowell and Lucky Peak Reservoir.
  
  
• Not content with the number of formations, Coach Pete will spend the week installing Hawaii's spread attack, Fresno State's power formations, and whatever it is that Idaho does.