BOISE - After a blowout win on the road to open the season, the Boise State football team returns to the friendly confines of Albertsons Stadium for its home-opener Saturday night against the University of Connecticut.
The Broncos are coming off a 56-20 drubbing of Troy, while the Huskies were thumped 56-17 at home by UCF.
Saturday's matchup is Boise State's only home game in the month of September, and if last week's 35 first-half points are any indication, fans can expect Brett Rypien and company to come out firing on all cylinders.
GAME TRACKER: Boise State vs. UConn
Aside from a few issues on special teams, the Broncos looked sharp on both sides of the ball in the opener. Rypien threw for 205 yards and four touchdowns, and Sean Modster pulled in seven receptions for a career-high 167 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos let off the gas in the second half, but the scoring continued thanks in large part to Tyler Horton's two scoop-and-score fumble recoveries.
If there is cause for concern in Game 2, it is the threat of overlooking UConn in anticipation of a huge road matchup next week against No. 23 Oklahoma State. Boise State coaches are undoubtedly working hard to keep the players focused on the task at hand.
"The guys know what the standard is here at Boise State," said senior defensive end Durant Miles. "We never overlook any opponent."
Meanwhile, UConn is hoping to get a group of young players up to speed as quickly as possible. The Huskies played nearly a dozen true freshman in the season-opening loss to UCF. Half of those newcomers were on a defense that allowed the Knights more than 650 yards of total offense. Coach Randy Edsall said in his weekly press conference that his young players need to be "comfortable being uncomfortable," and to play with more confidence.
One player who entered the season with plenty of confidence is dual-threat QB David Pindell who, despite the lopsided score against a top-tier opponent, managed to throw for 266 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 161 yards and another touchdown. His main target was receiver Kyle Buss, who picked up 113 yards on seven catches.
Boise State has seen Pindell's tape, and knows the challenge they face in defending against him.
"[Pindell] is a very athletic, very good player," coach Bryan Harsin said at his weekly press conference. "He can run... I think he's got the ability to do, really, everything in balance."
For his part, Edsall said his quarterback and the rest of the offense will need to jell better this week if they hope to keep up with the Broncos.
"Defensively, they're very good," Edsall said. "This is a really good football team. They're very sound, very well coached. They're very in tune to what they're doing and the guys play extremely fast, and they run very well to the football.
"They thrive on turnovers, and we've got to really do a good job of being smart and recognizing some of the things that they do," he added. "But we're gonna have a big challenge in front of us offensively, there's no question about that."
GAME INFORMATION
- UConn at Boise State
- Saturday, Sept. 8
- Albertsons Stadium, Boise
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. MT
ON TV
The game will be televised on ESPNU, which can be found on the following channels:
- Cable One: Channel 136 / 1136 (HD)
- DirecTV: Channel 208
- Dish Network: Channel 141
- Cox: Channel 220
ON THE RADIO
Fans can listen to the game on the Bronco Radio Network, which can be found online or on the following stations in the Boise area:
- KBOI 670 AM in Boise
- KTIK 93.1 FM in Boise
- KDZY 98.3 FM in McCall
- KSNQ 98.3 FM in Twin Falls
Here is a list of Bronco Radio Network stations outside the Boise area.
BRONCO ROUNDUP GAME DAY
KTVB's Bronco Roundup Game Day show will be live from Albertsons Stadium before the game from 7 - 8:15 p.m. on KTVB, KTVB.COM, and in the Bronco Roundup app. Join Jay Tust, Will Hall and Brian Holmes along with special guests on the Blue for a look at all of the major storylines surrounding this matchup.
TICKET GIVEAWAY
KTVB and the Boise State Alumni Association are giving away 2 tickets to each home game. Find the contest in the Bronco Roundup App or on the bottom left of the KTVB Facebook page. Winners will be drawn Thursdays before every home game so don’t forget to check your email!
POLL POSITION
After last week's dominating performance in Troy, Alabama, the Broncos climbed two spots to No. 20 in the AP Top 25, and jumped three spots to No. 19 in the Amway Coaches Poll.
Boise State is one of two Group of 5 teams currently ranked in the Top 25. UCF checked in at No. 19 in the AP poll, one spot ahead of the Broncos, and is No. 20 in the Coaches Poll, one spot behind the Broncos. The Knights blew out Connecticut - Boise State's opponent this week - 56-14 in East Hartford on Thursday night.
Given that the Broncos and Knights are currently neck-and-neck in the rankings, poll voters will soon have a way of measuring the two teams: A common opponent. As Tom Scott notes in his Scott Slant column Boise State and UCF are the two favorites from the Group of 5’s New Year’s Six bowl berth, and how each team performs against UConn could provide a good measuring stick.
BRONCOS-HUSKIES SERIES
The Broncos and Huskies have played just once - a 38-21 Boise State win in East Hartford on Sept. 13, 2014. In that game, the Broncos' defense came up big, scoring on a fumble recovery and an interception. On offense, quarterback Grant Hedrick threw two touchdown passes to Matt Miller and caught one from the senior receiver on a trick play.
GAME OF THRONES
The 56 points scored against the Trojans were the most ever by the Broncos in a season opener on the road, eclipsing the 47-24 victory at Idaho in 1973. And a big part of the lopsided score can be attributed to stellar defensive play, particularly in the turnover department.
Tyler Horton earned Nagurski Trophy National Defensive Player of the Week and Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors, after he became only the fifth player in NCAA history to return two fumbles for touchdowns in a single game. He also got a special reward on the sideline during the game: The opportunity to sit in Boise State's new "Turnover Throne," which went viral after the game.
Defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said on Monday that the throne was the brainchild of cornerbacks coach Jeff Popovich, and is a way to further motivate defensive players, who this year have taken on the moniker, "Kings of Chaos."
"Obviously, the guys are extremely excited about it," Avalos said. "It keeps things fresh and provides a sense of urgency."
BRONCO BASH AT THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS CENTER
KTVB and the Boise State Alumni Association are partnering again to present the Bronco Bash at the Alumni and Friends Center. This popular event is open to Broncos fans three hours prior to every home football game and closes 30 minutes prior to kickoff. The event features a family-friendly atmosphere with live music and activities for all ages. New this year is the Bronco Bash Cash Dash, a series of one-minute challenges, that guests can play to compete for time in the Mountain America Credit Union cash machine, Boise State merchandise and other prizes. Find out more about the Bronco Bash here.
DECHEVRIEUX FIELD OPEN FOR TAILGATING
New this season, Boise State is unveiling an upgraded pregame tailgate experience for Broncos fans. The university is partnering with Blockparty, a fan-focused hospitality and entertainment company, to launch the Ford Tailgate Zone at DeChevrieux Field.
The Tailgate Zone will include a Kids Zone, complete with a climbing wall and other entertainment geared toward the younger fans. It will also include huge televisions featuring top games, food trucks, and a "tailgate village" all on the Broncos' grass practice field adjacent to Albertsons Stadium.
The tailgate party is free for fans, but if you want an upgraded experience with your own tent, TV and other amenities. VIP packages are available for purchase and cost between $400 and $2000.
DeChevrieux Field opens for tailgating three hours before kickoff on home football game days.
BRONCO WALK
Here's a chance for you to high-five your favorite players and coaches as they walk to the football center for pre-game preparations. The "Bronco Walk" will start when the team leaves the Student Union Building about two and half hours before kickoff. The team will walk from the Student Union Building, down University Drive, past the Varsity Center, straight into the east stadium parking lot and end at the Bleymaier Football Center.
10 TO 10 ZONE
The 10 to 10 Zone remains in place for home games this season. It specifies areas off-campus where people age 21 or older may consume alcoholic beverages from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Boise State home football game days only.
Alcoholic beverages are allowed in opaque plastic cups within the zone. Glass containers, beer cans, and type of liquor bottle and cups with alcoholic labeling are not allowed.
The "Zone" begins at Broadway Avenue and Myrtle Street, extends south down Broadway to Beacon, turns west along Beacon, north up Oakland Avenue, west on Potter Drive, north again up South Joyce Street, and then west along University Drive all the way to Capitol Boulevard. The boundary extends north along Capitol and turns east onto Cesar Chavez Lane, crosses Friendship Bridge north, and leads into Julia Davis Park. In the park, the "10 to 10 Zone" boundary is the area east of Zoo Boise to Broadway Avenue, and south of the Julia Davis pond.
ENTRY TO THE GAME
Bronco fans should arrive early. Those whose seats are not in the Stueckle Sky Center may enter the stadium through any gate. Fans are encouraged — but not required — to leave their bags at home or in the car. For faster entry into the stadium, bring a clear bag or no bag to the game. Prior to entry, fans will pass through metal detectors, and any bags carried in will be subject to search. Remember to leave prohibited items behind, including all weapons, alcohol, glass, and coolers.
TRAFFIC, PARKING & FREE SHUTTLES
Expect increased traffic on all roads surrounding Boise State before and after the game. University Drive, from Capitol Boulevard to Broadway Avenue, will be congested throughout the morning and afternoon. Because of limited public parking on-campus, fans are encouraged to park off-campus and walk/bike or use a shuttle to get to the game.
Lots & Garages on Campus:
The Albertsons Stadium parking lot will open eight hours prior to game time on Saturdays and four hours prior to every game during weekdays.
Boise State’s bike corral will be available near Christ Chapel on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Cesar Chavez Lane.
Spaces will be available for a $10 fee in the following lots and garages:
- Plaza East and West lots
- Brady Street Garage and Lincoln Avenue Garage
Handicap accessible spaces will be available for a $10 fee in the West and East Stadium lots, the
Engineering and Technology reserved lot and on the ground floor of the Lincoln Avenue Garage.
Vehicles parked in accessible spaces must display an ADA license plate or placard and the placard/license plate registrant must be an occupant in the vehicle in order to purchase game day accessible parking.
Parking in Boise Parks:
Parking is allowed in designated parking spots within Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, Riverside Park, and Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park. Parking for Boise State home games is free on a first come, first served basis.
Towing will be delayed at those parks until 3 a.m. the following morning regardless of kickoff time.
Overnight parking is prohibited.
Off-campus Parking:
The Downtown Boise Association coordinates free shuttle buses from five convenient downtown locations to Bronco Stadium. These shuttles run every 15 minutes starting two hours prior to game time, and immediately after the game for one hour.
- 6th & Grove (Bardenay)
- 8th & Main
- 8th between Idaho & Bannock (Red Feather/Bittercreek)
- 8th & Broad (Solid Grill & Bar)
- River Street between 12th & Ash (Payette Brewing)
Here is more information on the Bronco Gameday Shuttle, and gameday parking options.
Parking at Civic Plaza:
Parking for home (weekend) games this season will also be available starting Saturday at the Civic Plaza complex, just east of the Ada County Courthouse. The cost is $5 per vehicle and proceeds will go to the FACES of Hope Victim Center. More than 600 spaces are available, and parking will be open at least three hours before kickoff. You can pre-pay online.
To access the event parking area, follow Avenue A north, between Myrtle and Front Streets in front of the downtown Boise Winco store, directly into the Civic Plaza parking garage entrance. Patrons should be aware that NO alcoholic beverages or tailgating will be allowed in the Civic Plaza/Courthouse complex.
