Tag Archives: Boise State

Remembering Football is Just a Game, for Titus Young This is Life

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titus-young2

Courtesy: http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/

At this point the story is old news re-hashed over and over, for all of Bronco Nation to hear. The sad decline of one of the highest profile, perhaps most talented players to come out of Boise State. Titus Young – or Titus Young Sr. as he liked to be called after his son was born – has been arrested 3 times, and now finds himself in a sad decline for all the public to witness. For many fans, our first reaction is to attack/view this from the fan perspective. Look at the talent he had, the potential, and the career he has thrown away. For us, the fan, football is game, and Titus is one our favorite players. For Titus and his family though, this is Titus’ health, future, and life, and  for his young son, this is his father. This is no longer about a game, this about so much more than that. Reported on ESPN.com Titus Young’s father came out said publicly that Titus suffers from mental health issues. He has been in out of treatment, and right now needs help. I write this post, as simply a reminder for myself and hopefully for others as well, that though we love the game of football and we admire the players on the field, once they step off that blue turf, off that grass field these are individuals just like you and me. Every player has his demons, his struggles, his up and downs. The only difference however is when I or most of the public for that matter make a mistake the whole world looks the other way. When Titus Young struggles the whole world looks and starts to judge. Titus Young is 23 years old, a father, brother, and son. Yeah he may have played football for your favorite team, and maybe you are upset at everything that has happened from the fan perspective. But think of it from the perspective of your family, your friends, and quickly you start to realize: football is just a game, and this is a man’s life. As former teammates and football alumni continue to tweet, #PrayForTitus & #SupportTitus, I encourage Bronco Nation and Detroit fans to not only do the same, but simply look at it like you would if it were somebody in your life. That way, we can all hope for the best for Titus, and we can all cheer on his recovery.

Follow Me on Twitter: @HeathBTN

Boise State Continues Its Great Scheduling- Boise State vs Oklahoma State

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BSUvsOSU

If scheduling a home and home series with the University of Virginia wasn’t enough. Boise State came out and hit you with the news they had scheduled a home and home with Florida State. Well if you still aren’t happy then maybe this will hit the spot. Boise State announced today they have now officially scheduled Big-12 offensive powerhouse Oklahoma State to a home and home series. Bringing the future out of conference schedule to the highest point Boise State has ever seen.  The Broncos will visit Stillwater in 2018 with the Cowboy making the return trip in 2021.

This means Boise State has officially scheduled the following schools for future games:

University of Virginia
Florida State
Washington State
BYU
University of Washington
Ole Miss
Oregon State
Michigan State
and now Oklahoma State

So who wants to talk about Boise State not scheduling tough opponents now?

Follow the Blue Turf Nation on Twitter for all the latest on Boise State @TheBTN

BTN Offseason Interview Series – Michael Frisina

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BTNGraphic

Boise State fans might not have much room in their heart for a soft spot for a kicker after BSU kickers have made them beat their heads on a wall. This one kicker, however, did what Brotzman and Goodale failed to do – make a game winning field goal with a huge game on the line! Michael Frisina is a class act Boise State Bronco, and this senior will be missed.

Enter the 7th (yes I said 7th) BTN Offseason Interview Series. Check the previous six articles out. Thanks to everyone that has been reading these interviews!

 
BTN: Were there any questions about your size as a kicker going through high school about playing at the Division I level? If any, how did you handle them?

Frisina: No one directly said anything to me but I know people talked about it. Distance was never my strength because of my size so I knew I would have to be deadly accurate, but when need be I could kick the long ball as well.

BTN: After what some Boise State kickers have gone through in the past as far as clutch kicking, was there any added pressure being a kicker for the Broncos?

Frisina: No I don’t think so because I was around last year and am really good friends with Dan Goodale, so I know about some of what he went through. I think pressure is only what you make it so I tried not to focus on it.

BTN: Coach Petersen seems to be a very straight forward, serious guy. What was one of the funniest things you’ll remember Pete doing?

Frisina: Last year he told Tyler Shoemaker to leave and go home because he was joking around at Coach Pete’s expense at a function of some sort. I don’t know if it was a Varsity B thing or booster dinner or what but Tyler apparently made a joke and Coach Pete pretended to be mad the next day and told him to leave but as he was about to walk out the door he said I’m just kidding sit back down. The whole room lost it and Shoe was so embarrassed because he thought Coach Pete was serious, and so did the rest of the team. That among others was one of Coach Pete’s funnier moments.

BTN: What’s next for Michael Frisina?
Frisina: What’s next for me isn’t so clear right now. I am still in school because I didn’t use my redshirt year so I am still in my fourth year of college. I will earn my degree in communications in May but as for now I am trying to get some job experience. I am going to start helping out in recruiting in the football offices but also am trying to learn about the ins and outs of broadcasting by talking to Bob Behler and even spending time with him at games and what not to see how it really works.
BTN: What is your favorite personal moment and team moment during your football career at Boise State?

Frisina: My favorite moment personally was the game winner in the Maaco Bowl. To be able to end a career on a high note like that was so awesome. I had worked so hard to achieve a goal and a dream and to go out like that was something I will remember for the rest of my life. As a team, my favorite moment was Senior Day…both seasons. To see the amount of love and support the fans have for this program was so cool. To be able to witness the last game on The Blue for guys like Kellen Moore, Doug Martin, Shea McClellin, George Iloka, Nate Potter, Billy Winn etc. last year and then the same thing for guys like DJ Harper, Dan Paul, JC Percy, Mike Atkinson and others this year was really special. And then to hear my own name called out and running out of the tunnel one last time was so surreal. And to cap it all off when DJ took the handoff on our first play from scrimmage and went 80 yards to the house untouched that just made it even better.

Boise State Reunites With ESPN

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BSU ESPNConference realignment has been about money, and more specifically TV money. When Boise State left the Mountain West  it hoped of finding a better deal in the Big East. Well we all know how that turned out, and Boise State quickly returned to the Mountain West. But with that return we were informed that Boise State would be getting their own TV deal for home football games. That deal looks like it has finally been completed, and to the surprise of nobody, Brett McMurphy of ESPN is reporting Boise State has found its home in familiar territory with ESPN.

So what does this mean for Boise State? Well details are still slow coming out, but what we can expect is once again a lot of odd game days at Bronco Stadium (Tuesday,Thursday,Friday). Of those games, we can also expect the majority of them to take place at night. When it comes to road games, CBS Sports still will have the right to choose games – presumably like they did this last season – meaning Boise State will likely be a hot choice for CBS once again.

As far as the money goes, Brett McMurphy is reporting that this joint media deal is worth about 18 million a year. Which is around 1.5 million per team in the conference before you get into the bonuses for national broadcasts. Another factor is this deal does not include rights to the conference’s new championship game, meaning more monetary value will be added once that is figured out. Jeremy Mauss of the Mountain West Connection is predicting once that is complete, the Mountain West’s new deal will be worth more annually than the Big East.

So in the end if everything comes out the way it looks right now, it seems Boise State made a good choice coming back to the Mountain West. Reuniting with ESPN has been a big topic for fans, President Bob Kustra, and Head Coach Chris Petersen alike, and now that has been accomplished. Monetarily it also looks like Boise State will come out making a feasible amount for the time being. If nothing else, in the end Boise State fans at least now know where to find their Bronco’s come game day.

Follow Me on Twitter: @HeathBTN/@TheBTN

Boise State Players Receive Their MWC Championship Rings

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huff

So I just got on Instagram and saw this picture from our tight end Holden Huff. (If you were wondering, players can have Instagram, but are not allowed to have Twitter) Holden is quite the character!

The Boise State players posted their MWC Championship rings all over Instagram. They look pretty darn good. Here are a few.

demas

^running back Devan Demas. That one looks purrrrrty.

Ajayi

^running back Jay Ajayi. Here ya got the ring on the wrinkly hand of our stud tailback.

shane

^wide receiver Shane Williams-Rhodes with cornerback Donte Deayon.

The rings look pretty good huh? Not exactly a super news-worthy story, but heck they look great!

 

BTN Offseason Interview Series – Thomas Byrd

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BTNGraphicWhat does it mean to be a Bronco? If you asked most fans you will likely hear about overcoming adversity, being undersized, and playing harder than the guys on the other team. Thomas Byrd was all of those qualities and more when he put on the Boise State uniform. For almost every snap Kellen Moore took in his entire career at Boise State. Thomas Byrd was not only there, but he was also the man snapping the ball. Because of this, the BTN is very excited to give you our latest installment of our offseason interview series with Thomas Byrd.

BTN: Now that you are no longer at Boise State what are you up to? What did you think of this year’s football team?

TB: I am currently a Graduate Assistant at Arkansas State University. I am assisting with the offensive lineman. I enjoyed watching Boise State football team play this year. I believe your team is defined by how they compete in the tough games. And they battled every week against every team! It says a lot when you can win a conference championship and a bowl game with a so-called “recovering team”.

BTN: You spent your career snapping the ball to Kellen Moore, what was that experience like? How important was your relationship with Kellen to your personal success and the team’s success?

TB: I believe the most important thing about me and Kellen’s relationship is the fact that we respected each other and was always positive. No matter if he threw an interception or I muffed a snap. He always had my back and I had his.

BTN: You played a lot of big games in your career, what team presented the toughest defensive line to block? You often faced larger defensive lineman how did you overcome that obstacle? And what advice would you give to young centers who may face the same challenges?

TB: The hardest d-line that I went against was Oregon in 2008. They were good. They had a defensive end that lead the nation in sack the previous year. And a defensive tackle that got drafted by the Steelers. When I went against them and other good defensive lines I tried to focus more on my technique and not trying to overpower my opponents. You can be strong but if you don’t have technique then it is very difficult for you to play strong.

BTN: Coach Petersen always seemed to get thrown around in rumors of taking a head coaching job somewhere else, but now we know none of them have been true. How did you and other players handle the rumors? Did you ever believe them? What do you have to say to fans that worry about Petersen leaving Boise State in the near future?

TB: We never worried about him leaving. We knew that he was all in. For people that worry about him leaving, you shouldn’t worry about the rumors unless it comes out of his mouth. Coach Petersen is the ultimate LEADER. He has built a foundation in the program and mentored the current coach so well that the Broncos will be competitors no matter what.

BTN: What is your favorite personal moment and team moment during your football career at Boise State?

TB: The Georgia game. I was having lingering injuries and didn’t know if I could compete as good as I did in the past. But God blessed me with the ability to play one of my best games in my career. And I thank God everyday for that moment. Because it was nothing short of a miracle that I played that well.

 

Boise State adds Florida State to non-conference schedule in 2019-2020

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This was the first tweet that broke the story, but many rumors surfaced the past two weeks. Boise State will play FSU in Tallahassee on September 7th, 2019, while Boise will host FSU on The Blue on September 12th, 2020.

This is obviously a monumental series for the Broncos, but sadly, we will not see this match-up for another 6 years.

   “Scheduling a home-and-home series against a perennial top-25 program like Florida State is another step in growing our football program,” Boise State Director of Athletics Mark Coyle stated.  “Florida State is a team fans talk about when discussing the top collegiate programs in the country and I know Bronco Nation will be excited about hosting a team like Seminoles in Boise.” -Bronco Sports

Coyle, Bronco Nation is very excited. It is very possible that we might see a Boise State-FSU post-season game before the series begins in 2019.

Boise State recently added Virginia to its non-conference slate as well (eh, not bad). FSU (not Fresno people) is a huge addition. What’s next? You could be seeing a Big12 school that’s name starts with an O. Just a rumor for now, but you heard it here folks.

BTN Offseason Interview Series – Jamar Taylor

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BTNGraphic

Enter the 5th interview in this segment of the BTN Offseason Interview Series! We have been pumped here at the BTN to deliver articles with Boise State alumni to our viewers. If you missed the Derrell Acrey, Tommy Smith, Marty Tadman, or Austin Pettis interview(s) – check them out.

Boise State fans are all excited about Jamar Taylor in the draft this April. I got to ask Jamar a few questions in this installment of the BTN Interview Series.

BTN: Pettis, Young, Shoemaker, and Miller – there have been terrific receivers at Boise State the past few years. Who was the toughest cover in practice and why?
JT: They were all a different type of receiver. Titus was fast, great route runner, Pettis was big with soft hands and Matt is very physical with soft hands. I got great work with all them at practice and they all were tough to cover!

BTN: Coach Petersen always seemed to get thrown around in rumors of taking a head coaching job somewhere else, but now we know none of them have been true. How did you and other players handle the rumors? Did you ever believe them? What do you have to say to fans that worry about Petersen leaving Boise State in the near future?

JT: We never worried. We know coach Pete would do what’s best for him and his family. We just focused on our team and the next opponent. I would tell fans to not believe everything they hear. Coach Pete is a first class type of guy and would let everyone know if he ever thought about leaving.

BTN: The year was filled with many ups and downs. When did the team seem to be playing its best ball?

JT: I think we played our best towards the end of season. We just kept getting better game by game and it showed. We were young but it’s the best team I’ve been on. So many hard working guys that never complained about anything and just tried to learn everyday.

BTN: The combine and NFL draft preparation must be of the up most importance at this time. What specifically are you doing to prepare?

JT: Just training for the combine and eating right, film etc. Doing all the things I need to do to prepare myself for the next level. But at the same time correcting my technique from this season so I won’t be sloppy at the combine.

BTN: What is your favorite personal moment and team moment during your football career at Boise State?

JT: My favorite personal moment is when I got a interception my true freshmen here against San Jose. My whole family was there and it was my first college interception. My favorite team moment was everyday at practice or workouts just going to work with a great group of guys everyday for the past 5 years!

Twitter – @Mike_BTN

BTN Offseason Interview Series – Derrell Acrey

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Derrell Acrey was a player who wore his heart on his sleeve. When he stepped on the field you knew you were gonna get 100%. Many fans may remember him for his epic pre-game ritual in the middle of the Bronco’s huddle. Other may remember him for his endless effort and 2 Fiesta Bowl wins. Whatever it is, few players sum up what it means to be a Bronco like Derrell Acrey. Because of this, we are excited to provide you with our next installment of the Blue Turf Nation Interview series, with none other than Derrell Acrey.

BTN: You were a part of both Fiesta Bowls, is there one thing that comes to mind that made both those teams so successful? And what would you tell the current roster to help them reach that level of success?

DA: The first thing that comes to mind that made those teams so successful was our team chemistry! I felt so part of the team as a freshman. Everyone new their role and made sacrifices on and off the field, and that pushed the team to Greatness.

BTN: Boise State has become so well known for our pre-game huddle, often broadcasted on National Television, what was it like to lead your team in that pre-game ritual? How did you make sure that pre-game tradition continued after you graduated?

DA: The pre-game huddle started my sophomore year. Bush Hadman (QB. 3) was trying to come up with something new during camp. He approached me for ideas because he said he I had great enthusiasm. After we came up with something he suggested that I LED the pre-game huddle. I was extremely honored that the team would look to a sophomore for moral support. I was nervous for the first game but it just felt right. The energy flowing off of the team moments before we went to battle was like non other. Like a wild beast waiting to be unleashed! Months of preparation and years of tradition rolling down my spine! Staring success square in the face… and Nothing was going to stop us from getting there.

After a couple of years of modifying our pre-game huddle everyone on the team kept asking what was going to happen once I graduated. Who was going to lead and what to say? I kept telling them I’m not worried. Everyone on the team is a leader in their own way… They’ll make it happen

BTN: I recently saw you tweet about how important Ray Lewis was to you as a player, what is it about Ray Lewis that you admire as a football player? And what did you try to emulate about him when you were on the football field?

DA: Ray Lewis brought tenacity and so much passion to the game when he played. And everyone could see it on the field. As a natural leader, I tried to be my best and bring that same passion and excitement to the game.

BTN: Coach Petersen always seemed to get thrown around in rumors of taking a head coaching job somewhere else, but now we know none of them have been true. How did you and other players handle the rumors? Did you ever believe them? What do you have to say to fans that worry about Petersen leaving Boise State in the near future?

DA: We never really worried about it as players. We hear rumors all the time about things associated with football throughout college, and this was no different. So as players, we just tried to make ourselves better on and off the field regardless of who our coach was. Those kinds of things can drive a player crazy thinking about that and not focusing on the task at hand.

My message for the fans would be just relax. Yeah there is always a chance a coach might leave a team but Coach Pete loves the town and the program. I know his goal is to make the Bronco program so great that no coach wants to leave. So keep showing support on and off the field because as a man who pays attention to the little things, I’m sure he sees it

BTN: What is your favorite personal moment and team moment during your football career at Boise State?

DA: My favorite personal moment would definitely have to be the first play of my senior game. I was battling injuries and we just had a crushing loss to Nevada that prevented us from going to the Rose Bowl and everyone was wondering how we would answer to a loss like that. Some people thought we would come out with our heads down and not play like the Boise State we know and love. Well I disproved that theory with and interception for a touchdown the first play of the game while my family was barely walking off the field. Couldn’t happen any better.

My favorite team moment, as everyone else I’m sure, might be the first Fiesta Bowl. The journey just to get to the game was great, but the actual game was something out of a movie script. That game showed the nation that the Boise State Broncos we’re here to play!

Boise State at New Mexico Men’s Basketball Preview

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Picture courtesy of Adam Eschbach/Idaho Press Tribune

Before you gather around your TV to watch the Broncos take on no. 19 New Mexico tonight (7:00 PM MT, ROOT Sports, DirecTV 683, DISH 414), here are some things to ponder:

The Mountain West Conference is currently the number one ranked basketball conference according to the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). The competition is stiff week-in and week-out, and road wins are especially hard to come by–road teams are an abysmal 12-32 in conference play this season. Arguably the toughest place to play in the MWC–and the nation–is The Pit.

Located on the southeast mesa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, The Pit has been the home of University of New Mexico Lobos basketball since 1966. Of the 831 games that have been played there since it’s construction, the Lobos have come out victorious a staggering 680 times (.818). They have averaged 15,437 fans per game over the last 46 years(!). Comparatively, the all-time attendance record for Boise State at The Pavilion/Taco Bell Arena is 12,649 (vs Idaho, 1993). The Broncos have made only one trip into The Pit and held 54-51 lead over the Lobos with just over six minutes to play. New Mexico ended the game on a 25-7 run, however, to win it 76-61. “We played a great 35 minutes then that thing caved in a hurry,” Boise State coach Leon Rice said earlier this week. “You can’t afford to play good basketball (at The Pit), you have to play great basketball. You need to play 15-25 points better to come out of there with a win.” The Broncos look to be the first Mountain West team to knock off the Lobos on their court in the 2012-13 season.

The Bad News: Besides a difficult 6th man to contend with, the Broncos will face a very good New Mexico defense. Of 347 Division I college basketball teams, the Lobos rank 17th in defending 2-pt field goals. Opponents are shooting only 41.7% inside the 3-point line (Boise State averages 47.8% from close range offensively). Additionally, they are 16th in the nation at limiting second chances, allowing foes to grab only 26.7% of offensive rebound opportunities. This is a combination that makes scoring difficult. The Lobos have held opponents to 60 points or fewer in regulation 16 times this season.

The Good News: While the Lobos lock down defensively inside the 3-point line, they are terrible beyond it, ranking 262nd nationally at defending the 3-pointer. As you’ve probably heard by now, Boise State is an excellent 3-point shooting team, shooting nearly 40%–13th best in the country. The Broncos sank 9 such shots in their overtime loss to New Mexico earlier this season. Their ability to shoot the deep ball will be a key contributing factor in tonight’s game–especially early on–if they plan to come away with a win. And while New Mexico does a good job of limiting second chances, Boise State is better, allowing opponents to grab only 24.6% of offensive rebound opportunities (2nd in Div I).

If the Broncos can get off to a hot start and take the crowd out early, they will have a great opportunity to earn another win against a ranked team on the road.

Follow me on Twitter @BRONCOstats