written by: Keirre Costner

The strength of Bronco football has always been offense; this will not change for the upcoming season. Based on precision and execution, the Boise State offense depends on the decision-making ability of its quarterback. Coming off a great year in his first season as a starter, Ryan Dinwiddie is back to call the signals. After passing for over 3000 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns, Dinwiddie is poised to have a breakout season. One expert even went as far as calling him "this year's David Carr". Joining Dinwiddie in the backfield is two-time All Conference performer tailback Brock Forsey. As a multi purpose threat, Forsey accumulated nearly 2000 all-purpose yards last season. David Mikell, the team's most explosive player, will serve as his backup for the second straight year. Coaches promise Mikell a larger role this season, as he will line up as a receiver and join Forsey in the backfield at times. Senior Fullback Matt Strohfus (6-2, 241) will pave the way for the WAC's best 1-2 punch at tailback. In the last four years the Broncos have produced an All Conference tight end, but have lost him to graduation. This year is no different as All-WAC tight end Jeb Putzier departs. However, the Broncos return their top three wide receivers from last season. This group includes team-leading receiver Jay Swillie. As for Putzier's replacement, three candidates are vying for the position. As good as the skill positions are, they will all become null and void if the questions concerning the offensive line are not answered. Gone are three starters from last season, leaving vacancies at both tackle spots and left guard. Despite only two returning starters the broncos will start three seniors on the interior, but the main question is will two sophomores will be able to man the tackle spots. The maturation of these two is vital; while Dinwiddie is one of the best-unknown quarterbacks in the nation, he can't throw off his back! As is the case with many schools from a lesser conference, the Broncos are concerned with their lack of breakaway threats. Lou Fanucchi is Boise State's only game breaker at wide out, though two key reserves have shown blazing speed. With seven starters returning, including quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie, the Broncos' offense will surely be among the nations best.

written by: Keirre Costner

If the Broncos are to crack the Top 25 for the first time in school history, they must secure a defense that gave up too many big plays last year, despite only allowing 23 points per game. The defensive philosophy relies more on guile (deceit) than size, while funneling everything to strong safety Quintin Mikell. Mikell, a poor man's Roy Williams, is a three-time All Conference performer and is considered to be one of the nation's premier strong safeties. Boise State lines up in multiple defensive formations ranging from a base 4-3 to a 4-2-5 scheme. Regardless of the formation, the play of the defensive line will dictate the effectiveness of the defense. The defensive line suffered major losses for the second consecutive year, as the top three defensive ends have departed along with a starting tackle. Although losses are heavy, the Broncos will still line up with three seniors in the front four. BSU welcomes the return of defensive tackle Tony Altieri, who was the team's best run stopper in 2000, but was limited to five starts in 2001 due to a neck injury. In spite of the heavy losses, the defensive line looks to be in better shape than last season. Similar to the front four, the linebacking corps returns only one full time starter. Still, Boise State will bolster perhaps the best linebackers in the WAC. Andy Avalos returns at his weak side spot, but the big news came when backup safety Travis Burgher moved to strong linebacker. Burgher and senior Chauncey Ako look to add much needed athleticism to the front seven. While the offense will receive most of the headlines this season, Boise State's secondary may be the best unit on the team. Back are all four starters from last season along with a key reserve. The cornerback tandem of Franklin and Brown will be among the conference's best. With most of the hype going to strong safety Quintin Mikell, free safety Wes Nurse is a solid performer who will be sure to make his fair share of big plays. The new defensive coordinator will have plenty of talent to work with as they add Arizona State transfer Machtier Clay at corner and a talented junior college transfer. Undoubtedly the secondary is the WAC's best, along with being one of the nation's better units. All-American Candidate Nick Calaycay is back for his senior season as kicker. More will be expected from the return game, as tailbacks David Mikell and Brock Forsey will handle kickoff return duties after each averaged over 21 yards per return. David is a NationalChamps.net All-American for the second straight season while brother Quintin returns to field punts this year.