As the 2024 college football season approaches, expectations around the Boise State Broncos are rising. With their history of consistent performance in the Mountain West Conference, Broncos fans and analysts alike are wondering what the coming season will bring. Projecting their success requires a deep dive into key statistics, personnel dynamics, and schedule implications. This article presents a comprehensive outlook on the Broncos’ football season, focusing on critical metrics, positional analysis, and competitive predictions.
Offensive Outlook
Boise State’s offense has long been the heartbeat of the program, often setting the pace with high-scoring drives and creative play-calling. As 2024 unfolds, the offense will once again be pivotal to Boise State’s success, particularly with transitions in key positions such as quarterback and offensive line.
Quarterback Development
The most talked-about position this offseason remains the quarterback. With last season’s standout departing, the Broncos will likely turn to a young but promising talent. Sophomore signal-caller Taylen Green is the projected starter, known for his mobility and ability to extend plays. Coaches have praised his work ethic and offseason improvement, especially in reading defenses and increasing downfield accuracy.
In the 2023 season, the Broncos averaged 29.3 points per game, ranking them in the upper tier of the Mountain West. With new offensive coordinator Tim Plough recalibrating the playbook to suit Green’s skillset, expect Boise State to lean into a more dual-threat, RPO-oriented attack that challenges defenses in dynamic ways.
Key Offensive Players to Watch
- Ashton Jeanty (RB): Jeanty burst onto the scene last year and is expected to be a workhorse, combining power and quickness out of the backfield.
- Eric McAlister (WR): A reliable possession receiver with tremendous reach, McAlister is anticipated to be the go-to target on third downs and red zone plays.
- Ben Dooley (OL): Returning for his senior season, Dooley anchors the offensive line, which will need to solidify pass protection early in the season.
Prediction: Boise State’s offense will take a small step forward in 2024, potentially pushing into the 32–34 points per game range, provided their quarterback develops as expected.
Defensive Readiness
Defense has traditionally been a strength in Boise State’s arsenal, and the 2024 squad looks set to continue that tradition, anchored by returning veterans and bolstered by young talent. Under defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson, the Broncos are focusing on aggressiveness at the line of scrimmage and improving third-down efficiency — a notable weakness in 2023 where they allowed a 42% conversion rate.
Defensive Leaders
- Zeke Noa (LB): A fifth-year senior and team captain, Noa brings leadership and quick-read capabilities to the linebacker corps.
- Demonte Martin (DL): After registering 7 sacks last season, Martin is expected to be a disruptive force on the defensive line.
- Kaonohi Kaniho (DB): A versatile defensive back with good ball skills — look for increased responsibility in both man and zone coverage in 2024.
The defense in 2023 held teams to an average of 21.8 points per game, but struggled in closing late quarters and preventing explosive plays. The goal this season is more consistency, particularly in the secondary, where miscommunications led to big gains last year.
Prediction: The Broncos’ defense will hover around 20 points allowed per game, showing notable improvement in pass defense and overall third-down efficiency.
Special Teams and Intangibles
Often overlooked, special teams can dictate field position and alter momentum swings — two vital aspects of close games. Kicker Jonah Dalmas returns as one of the top scorers in program history after converting 90% of his attempts last year. Punter James Ferguson is key in the field-position battle, consistently pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line.
Boise State also boasts one of the more experienced coaching staffs in the Mountain West, with head coach Andy Avalos entering his fourth season. His familiarity with both sides of the ball and culture-building prowess shouldn’t be underestimated when evaluating the team’s mental toughness and in-game adaptability.
Schedule Analysis
The strength of schedule will play a pivotal role in projections. The Broncos open the season on the road against a Power Five opponent — University of Oregon — which will immediately test their mettle and cohesion. The rest of the non-conference slate includes relatively manageable matchups against regional opponents like Idaho State and South Florida.
In-conference games of note include:
- October 12 – at Fresno State: A rematch of last year’s Mountain West title game and a likely indicator of postseason positioning.
- November 2 – vs. Air Force: The Broncos struggled with the Falcons’ unique triple-option attack last season. A revamped defensive scheme will be tested again here.
- November 23 – at San Diego State: A late-season road test in a difficult venue could define seeding or qualification for the championship game.
Assuming Boise State can navigate the tougher games with a split record and dominate the rest of the schedule, reaching 9 to 10 regular-season wins is realistic.
Statistical Projections
Based on advanced metrics, returning production, and opponent analysis, here’s what Boise State can aim for in 2024:
- Points Per Game (Offense): 33.1
- Points Allowed Per Game (Defense): 20.2
- Third Down Conversion Rate: Offense – 46%, Defense – 37%
- Turnover Margin: +6
These projections make Boise State a strong contender for the Mountain West title and potentially a New Year’s Six bowl, depending on how other Group of Five teams perform across the season.
Final Record Prediction
If key players remain healthy and perform to expectations, Boise State is poised for a standout season. Factoring in player development and reasonably favorable scheduling, the projected regular season record for the Broncos is:
10–2 (7–1 Conference)
This record should be sufficient to secure a berth in the Mountain West Championship Game, with a high probability of winning the title if the quarterback and defense meet expectations.
Conclusion
The 2024 season holds immense promise for Boise State football. With a solid mix of veteran leadership and breakout potential, the Broncos are well-positioned to reassert dominance in the Mountain West Conference and make a splash on the national stage. Their blueprint for success is clear: leverage an adaptable offense, shore up the secondary, and win the trench battles. If these elements come together, the team could very well be celebrating a championship come December.