Thursday, July 18, 2013

BOISE STATE FOOTBALL: 2013 PRE-SEASON REPORT CARD


PUBLICATION ORDER: Sections of the Pre-Season Report Card are published in the following order: (1) Schedule; (2) Coaching; (3) Momentum (4) Discipline On The Field (i.e. penalties); (5) Turnovers; (6) Special Teams; (7) Defense; (8) Offense; and (9) Summary.


TURNOVERS

Rationale: The past does not always predict the future, but the past often predicts the future

Team Recovered Turnovers (i.e. Gained Turnovers)
[2012 Team Statistic: Recovered Fumbles] 18 total recovered fumbles (1.4 pgp)
[2012 Team Statistic: Caught Interceptions] 18 total caught interceptions (1.4 pgp)
[2012 Team Statistic: Combined Recovered Turnovers (fumbles plus interceptions)] 36 total combined recovered turnovers (2.8 pgp)

Team Lost Turnovers
[2012 Team Statistic: Lost Fumbles] 9 total lost fumbles (0.7 pgp)
[2012 Team Statistic: Thrown Interceptions] 7 total thrown interceptions (0.5 pgp)
[2012 Team Statistic: Combined Lost Turnovers (fumbles plus interceptions)] 16 total combined lost turnovers (1.2 pgp)

NOTE: [2012 Individual Statistic] Joe Southwick (Sr.), returning starter at QB, threw 7 interceptions in 371 passing attempts (1.9%)

Team Combined Net Turnovers [(Recovered Turnovers) minus (Lost Turnovers)]
[2012 Team Statistic: Combined Net Turnovers] positive 20 combined net turnovers (positive 1.5 pgp)(rounding difference above)

GRADE (Turnovers): A


DISCIPLINE ON THE FIELD

Rationale: The past does not always predict the future, but the past often predicts the future

Team Penalties
[2012 Team Statistic] 59 total penalties (4.5 pgp)
[2012 Team Statistic] 556 total penalty yards (42.8 pgp)

GRADE (Discipline on the field): A minus


MOMENTUM

Last season, Boise State won their final 4 games, including a 28-26 win against Washington in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas, and finished with an overall record of 11-2.  Boise State’s first game of the 2013 season is at Washington.

GRADE (Momentum): A


COACHING

Head Coach
Current Tenure as Head Coach at Boise State: Chris Petersen is in his eighth season as the Head Coach at Boise State.  Petersen has a stellar 84-8 (91.3% wins) overall record as the Head Coach at Boise State.  Petersen has the highest winning percentage (.913) among active FBS coaches.  Petersen has had 2 undefeated seasons as the Head Coach at Boise State (2006, 13-0 overall record, won Tostitos Fiesta Bowl) (2009, 14-0 overall record, won Tostitos Fiesta Bowl).  In 2006 and 2009, Petersen won the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year Award.  Petersen is the only coach who has ever won the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year Award twice (2006 & 2009).  Petersen only lost 1 game in 3 seasons as the Head Coach at Boise State (2008, 12-1 overall record)(2010, 12-1 overall record)(2011, 12-1 overall record).

Last Coaching Position: Offensive Coordinator at Boise State (2001 to 2005)

Prior Experience as Head Coach: None

Other Notable Facts: Petersen is among the best Head Coaches in the nation.  Petersen is also among the best offensive coaches in the nation.

Offensive Coordinator
Current Tenure as Offensive Coordinator at Boise State: Robert Prince is in his second season as the Offensive Coordinator at Boise State.  Last season, the Boise State offense was ranked #68 in the nation for total offense and was the Achilles' heel of the team.

Last Coaching Position: Wide Receivers Coach and Passing Game Coordinator at Boise State (2011)

Prior Experience as Offensive Coordinator: Portland State (FCS)(1999 to 2000), Japanese X-League (1996 to 1997), and Fort Lewis College (Colorado)(D-2)(1994 to 1995).

Other Notable Facts: In 2003, Prince was the Passing Game Coordinator at Boise State.  In 2010, Prince was the Passing Game Coordinator at Colorado.  Prince has held various offensive coaching positions in the NFL.

Defensive Coordinator
Current Tenure as Defensive Coordinator at Boise State: Pete Kwiatkowski is in his fourth season as the Defensive Coordinator at Boise State.  Last season, the Boise State defense was ranked #12 in the nation for total defense and was directly responsible for many teams wins.

Last Coaching Position: Defensive Line Coach at Boise State (2006 to 2009)

Prior Experience as Defensive Coordinator: Montana State (FCS)(six seasons) and Co-Defensive Coordinator at Snow Junior College (Utah)(one season).

Other Notable Facts: Many of the defenses that Kwiatkowski has coached have been among the nation’s leaders in multiple major defensive statistics.  From 1984 to 1987, Kwiatkowski was a highly-decorated defensive lineman at Boise State.  In 1996, Kwiatkowski was inducted into the Boise State Athletic Hall of Fame.

Special Teams Coordinator
Current Tenure as Special Teams Coordinator at Boise State: Scott Huff is in his second season as the Special Teams Coordinator at Boise state.  Huff is also the Tight Ends Coach at Boise State.

Last Coaching Position: Tight Ends Coach at Boise State (2010 to current season)

Prior Experience as Special Teams Coordinator: None

Other Notable Facts: From 2007 to 2009, Huff was the Offensive Line Coach at Boise State.  From 1998 to 2002, Huff played Center at Boise State.  Huff’s background as an offensive line player and coach is very valuable for coaching special teams blocking techniques and schemes.

GRADE (Coaching): A minus


SCHEDULE

Total Home Games: 6
Consecutive Home Games:
§  Week 2 (Tennessee-Martin) and Week 3 (Air Force)

Total Away Games: 6
Consecutive Away Games:
§  Week 9 (at BYU) and Week 10 (at Colorado State)

Bye Weeks:
§  Week 6 (October 1, 2013 through October 7, 2013)
§  Week 11 (November 5, 2013 through November 11, 2013)

MWC Non-Division Games (i.e. games against MWC West Division Teams):
§  Week 4 (Away at Fresno State)
§  Week 8 (Home vs. Nevada)
§  Week 13 (Away at San Diego State)

Week 1: Boise State at Washington
Game #: 1
Game Date: Saturday, August 31, 2013
Kickoff Time: 7:00pm PT (8:00pm MT)
Stadium: Husky Stadium (Seattle, WA)
Elevation of Stadium: effectively sea level
Elevation Change for Boise State: decrease by 2,195 feet
Travel Distance for Boise State: insignificant (less than 1,000 miles)
Time Change for Boise State: decrease by 1 hour from MT to PT
Field Surface: artificial (FieldTurf)
Weather: always possibility of rain in Seattle
Stadium Noise: extremely high (Husky Stadium’s design actually traps noise.  ESPN sideline crews have measured the crowd noise as highs as 130 decibels, which is the human pain threshold.  Comparable Noise Levels:  live rock music is 120+ decibels, human pain threshold is 130 decibels, and jet aircraft is 140 to 180 decibels)
Commentary: Re-match of 2012 Maaco Las Vegas Bowl (Boise State 28, Washington 26).  Because of the extreme noise, Boise State’s offense will be limited to non-verbal communication (hand signals, sideline cards, etc.) outside of the huddle, will have limited ability to communicate audibles, and will be highly susceptible to penalties for off-sides.

Week 2: Tennessee-Martin (FCS) at Boise State
Game #: 2
Game Date: Saturday, September 7, 2013
Kickoff Time: 1:00pm MT (2:00pm CT)
Stadium: Bronco Stadium (Boise, ID)
Elevation of Stadium: 2,695 feet
Elevation Change for Tennessee-Martin: increase by 2,288 feet
Travel Distance for Tennessee-Martin: 1,525 miles
Time Change for Tennessee-Martin: decrease by 1 hour (CT to MT)
Field Surface: artificial (Blue FieldTurf)
Weather: temperature may reach the 90’s by the end of the game
Stadium Noise: moderate

Week 3: Air Force at Boise State (MWC Mountain Division Game)
Game #: 3
Game Date: Friday, September 13, 2013
Kickoff Time: 6:00pm MT
Stadium: Bronco Stadium (Boise, ID)
Elevation of Stadium: 2,695 feet
Elevation Change for Air Force: decrease by 3,926 feet
Travel Distance for Air Force: insignificant (less than 1,000 miles)
Time Change for Air Force: none
Field Surface: artificial (Blue FieldTurf)
Weather: insignificant (night game in September)
Stadium Noise: moderate to high

Week 4: Boise State at Fresno State
Game #: 4
Game Date: Friday, September 20, 2013
Kickoff Time: 6:00pm PT (7:00pm MT)
Stadium: Bulldog Stadium (Fresno, CA)
Elevation of Stadium: effectively sea level
Elevation Change for Boise State: decrease by 2,360 feet
Travel Distance for Boise State: insignificant (less than 1,000 miles)
Time Change for Boise State: decrease by 1 hour (MT to PT)
Field Surface: artificial (FieldTurf)
Weather: likely in the 90’s at time of kickoff (6:00pm PT), but will cool down during the game
Stadium Noise: high
Commentary: Boise State, Fresno State (and San Diego State) were 2012 MWC Co-Champions.  Last season, Boise State’s defense led a 20-10 win over Fresno State in Boise.  Fresno State has an away game at Colorado in the prior week (Week 3), which could be a blowout victory for Fresno State that produces momentum heading into this game.  Boise State will have a full week to prepare for this game because their last game (Week 3) is also a Friday game.

Week 5: Southern Miss at Boise State
Game #: 5
Game Date: Saturday, September 28, 2013
Kickoff Time: TBA
Stadium: Bronco Stadium (Boise, ID)
Elevation of Stadium: 2,695 feet
Elevation Change for Southern Miss: increase by 2,524 feet
Travel Distance for Southern Miss: 1,692 miles
Time Change for Southern Miss: decrease by 1 hour (CT to MT)
Field Surface: artificial (Blue FieldTurf)
Weather: insignificant
Stadium Noise: moderate
Commentary: Southern Miss will have an extra week to prepare for this game because Southern Miss has a bye in the prior week (Week 4)

Week 6: October 1, 2013 through October 7, 2013
BYE WEEK

Week 7: Boise State at Utah State (MWC Mountain Division Game)
Game #: 6
Game Date: Saturday, October 12, 2013
Kickoff Time: 5:30pm MT
Stadium: Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium (Logan, UT)
Elevation of Stadium: 4,710 feet
Elevation Change for Boise State: increase by 2,015 feet
Travel Distance for Boise State: insignificant (less than 1,000 miles)
Time Change for Boise State: none
Field Surface: artificial (AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D60 Extreme)
Weather: temperature could drop to the 40’s by the end of the game
Stadium Noise: high
Commentary: My early assessment is that these teams are likely the best teams in the MWC Mountain Division.  This game is an opportunity for Boise State to assert their dominance over the MWC Mountain Division.  This game is also an opportunity for Utah State to get a statement win in their first year in the MWC.  Boise State will have an extra week to prepare for this game because Boise State has a bye in the prior week (Week 6).  Utah State has a difficult home game against BYU in the prior week (Week 6).  Utah State will have an extra day to prepare for this game because Utah State has a Friday game in the prior week (Week 6).

Week 8: Nevada at Boise State
Game #: 7
Game Date: Saturday, October 19, 2013
Kickoff Time: 6:00pm MT (5:00pm PT)
Stadium: Bronco Stadium (Boise, ID)
Elevation of Stadium: 2,695 feet
Elevation Change for Nevada: decrease by 1,915 feet
Travel Distance for Nevada: insignificant (less than 1,000 miles)
Time Change for Nevada: increase by 1 hour (PT to MT)
Field Surface: artificial (Blue FieldTurf)
Weather: temperature could drop to the 40’s by the end of the game
Stadium Noise: high
Commentary: Nevada will have an extra week to prepare for this game because Nevada has a bye in the prior week (Week 7)

Week 9: Boise State at BYU
Game #: 8
Game Date: Friday, October 25, 2013
Kickoff Time: 6:00pm MT
Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium (Provo, UT)
Elevation of Stadium: 4,630 feet
Elevation Change for Boise State: increase by 1,935 feet
Travel Distance for Boise State: insignificant (less than 1,000 miles)
Time Change for Boise State: none
Field Surface: grass
Weather: temperature could drop to the 40’s by the end of the game
Stadium Noise: moderate (Golf fans think BYU fans are quiet and B-O-R-I-N-G)
Commentary: Boise State will have one less day to prepare for this game because it is a Friday away game

Week 10: Boise State at Colorado State (MWC Mountain Division Game)
Game #: 9
Game Date: Saturday, November 2, 2013
Kickoff Time: 6:00pm MT
Stadium: Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium (Fort Collins, CO)
Elevation of Stadium: 5,190 feet
Elevation Change for Boise State: increase by 2,495 feet
Travel Distance for Boise State: insignificant (less than 1,000 miles)
Time Change for Boise State: none
Field Surface: artificial (FieldTurf)
Weather: temperature could drop to the 30’s by the end of the game; possible snow on the ground, possible snow before and/or during game
Stadium Noise: moderate
Commentary: Colorado State has a VERY long trip to and from Hawai’i (flight time is approximately 7 hours each direction – 14 total hours) in the prior week (Week 9)

Week 11: November 5, 2013 through November 11, 2013
BYE WEEK

Week 12: Wyoming at Boise State (MWC Mountain Division Game)
Game #: 10
Game Date: Saturday, November 16, 2013
Kickoff Time: TBA
Stadium: Bronco Stadium (Boise, ID)
Elevation of Stadium: 2,695 feet
Elevation Change for Wyoming: decrease by 4,525 feet
Travel Distance for Wyoming: insignificant (less than 1,000 miles)
Time Change for Wyoming: none
Field Surface: artificial (Blue FieldTurf)
Weather: (kickoff time is TBA) temperature could drop to the 40’s by nighttime; possible snow on the ground, possible snow before and/or during game
Stadium Noise: moderate
Commentary: Wyoming has 3 straight difficult games: away at San Jose State in Week 9, bye in Week 10, home against Fresno State in Week 11, and away at Boise State in Week 12

Week 13: Boise State at San Diego State
Game #: 11
Game Date: Saturday, November 23, 2013
Kickoff Time: 7:30pm PT (8:30pm MT)
Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego, CA)
Elevation of Stadium: effectively sea level
Elevation Change for Boise State: decrease by 2,620 feet
Travel Distance for Boise State: insignificant
Time Change for Boise State: decrease by 1 hour (MT to PT)
Field Surface: grass
Weather:  It’s San Diego!  It will be like playing indoors (except for the seagulls), but just a bit cooler because the game is at night.  [BIG TIP: Bring an umbrella for protection from seagulls!]
Stadium Noise: moderate to high (Qualcomm Stadium is a large professional stadium that has an open bowl design that dissipates noise)
Commentary: Re-match of great upset.  Last season, SDSU produced a 21-19 upset win over Boise State in Boise.  (SDSU radio announcer was an entertaining character).  Boise State, SDSU (and Fresno State) were 2012 MWC Co-Champions.

Week 14: New Mexico at Boise State (MWC Mountain Division Game)
Game #: 12
Game Date: Saturday, November 30, 2013
Kickoff Time: TBA
Stadium: Bronco Stadium (Boise, ID)
Elevation of Stadium: 2,695 feet
Elevation Change for New Mexico: decrease by 2,405 feet
Travel Distance for New Mexico: insignificant (less than 1,000 miles)
Time Change for New Mexico: none
Field Surface: artificial (Blue FieldTurf)
Weather: (kickoff time is TBA) temperature could drop to the 30’s by nighttime; possible snow on the ground, possible snow before and/or during game
Stadium Noise: moderate

GRADE (higher grade indicates favorable schedule): A minus



NOTE: Grading Standards: Grades are based on a national scale.  Unlike modern academia, my grades are not inflated.  A grade of “C” is average.  A grade of “C” is neither good nor bad; it is simply average.  A grade of “A” or “F” is rare.

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