4 minute read
A New Era for the Broncos
from IdaHome--October
BY DAVE SOUTHORN
PHOTOS COURTESY BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY
If nothing else, the new Boise State University football team’s staff offers a breath of fresh air in its honesty.
Following a 1-2 start that included a five-point loss on September 2 at UCF and a one-point home loss to Oklahoma State on September 18, coaches are not sugarcoating anything.
“It’s not the standard. I know that and you know that,” head coach Andy Avalos says.
“The numbers are what they are. They’re not good,” offensive coordinator Tim Plough says.
Avalos’ first season as head coach did not get off to a rousing start, that much is true. But then again, all but one of the Broncos’ four coaches who preceded Avalos lost at least two of their first five games.
“We understand what the standard is here,” says Avalos, a former Boise State linebacker. “We’ve just got to build that consistency and it starts with our coaches.”
Bryan Harsin, Avalos’ predecessor who went 69-19 in seven seasons at Boise State before leaving for Auburn in December, often avoided such criticism of his own staff, at least publicly.
Defensive Tackle Scott Matlock
But that is part of the new attitude Avalos brings to a program that has the second-highest winning percentage in the nation since 2000, trailing only national powerhouse Ohio State University.
Avalos was a classic Boise State player when he starred on the Broncos’ defense from 2000 to 2004—undersized, but smart and tenacious. He returned to Boise State as an assistant from 2012 to 2018 before becoming the defensive coordinator at the University of Oregon for two seasons.
“You’re not going to find someone who fits our mission better,” says Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey, who was hired a week before Avalos. “He exudes the blue-collar mentality of this program.”
“He has a defined vision—he knows where we’re going, and yes, we’re going to win championships,” Dickey adds.
Few understand what Boise State is all about better than Avalos. From its underdog days to winning big bowl games, the trick plays and the big wins, he knows that success isn’t granted, but innovation has been paramount.
“We’ve never been afraid to take risks, and we’re not going to stop now,” Avalos says.
Wide Receiver Khalil Shakir
One major part of that strategy is an offense that looks a bit different than the ones that have been so potent for so many years. Whether it was Dirk Koetter, Dan Hawkins, Chris Petersen, or Bryan Harsin at the helm, all have learned from the previous coach.
A defensive-minded coach, Avalos hired from the outside with Plough, who arrived from UC Davis (where Hawkins is now the head coach). His offense has been more focused on the pass than the old system, which has ruffled some feathers with those expecting big numbers from running backs, but plays to the team’s strengths with a veteran quarterback in junior Hank Bachmeier and a loaded wide receiver corps.
One of those receivers, senior Khalil Shakir, is among the nation’s best. He also has benefitted from a massive new rule change—collegiate players can now be paid for their name, image, and likeness to be used by sponsors. In September, Shakir signed a NLI deal, doing so with Pro Image Sports, a national merchandise chain.
Another major off-field change that’s new in 2021? Alcohol in Albertsons Stadium.
Previously, it was just sold in the premium seating sections of the Broncos’ home, but now, it can be sold in the general seating area. This shift is expected to bring in additional income to an athletic department in need of it, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic limited attendance in 2020.
The crowd of 36,702 on hand for the September 18 loss to Oklahoma State University was the fifth-largest ever.
“The crowd was awesome ... we’ll implement some things to make sure we have the confidence and ability to execute better next time for Bronco Nation,” Avalos says.
Quarterback Hank Bachmeier
As it has for years, Boise State continues to wait for an invitation to a major, big-money conference. Four teams, including UCF and rival BYU, announced their plans in September to move to the Big 12. Again, the Broncos were left out, but still hope their body of work gets them into the big leagues.
Though the wins haven’t come immediately, Boise State does have the feeling of change in the air with a different football landscape, new coach, new athletic director, and renewed energy.
Will it work in the long run? That remains to be seen.
But what’s certain is that 2021 is a turning point for Boise State, which is as intriguing as it gets.
