Boise State University (-3.5) vs Fresno State University

Date: Saturday, December 3rd, 2022

Time: 2:00pm MT

Stadium: Albertsons “Broncos” Stadium (36,387)

TV:Fox

TV Commentators: Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, and Petros Papadakis

Radio: KBOI 670 AM

Commentators: Bob Behler and Pete Cavender

Know Thy Enemy

“You become a champion by fighting one more round.” These two teams certainly understand this, as the mighty Bulldogs of Fresno State travel to the wintery conditions of Albertsons Stadium to face the Broncos of Boise State in the 10th edition of the Mountain West Championship. Both of these teams come into the title fight on hot streaks. Fresno State hasn’t lost a game since their trip to Boise in early October and Boise State made hard decisions that ended up being for the better!

Fresno State entered into the 2022 season picked to be the West Division representative in the championship game, but after losing four of their first five and losing their quarterback to injury, the chances of seeing the Bulldogs play for the title looked DOA. Backup QB, Logan Fife kept the hopes alive by going 2-1 in conference play while filling in for Jake Haener. Haener then returned from injury prior to the showdown with San Diego State. With Haener back as top dog, the Bulldogs didn’t look back, ripping off wins in the last five games of the season.

Boise State’s route to the title game was similar in the fact that after the first four games it also didn’t look like the Broncos could contend, but a mid-season change of leadership had Boise State looking like a runaway train as they ended the season undefeated in Mountain West Play.

Unlike some dogs, the Bulldogs bark, as well as their bite are nothing to mess with. Since Haeners return, the Bulldogs have averaged 39 points per game which is best in the Mountain West during that stretch. Haener is definitely what makes Fresno State go and coach Avalos had high praise for the signal caller, “Jake’s, one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. His numbers, his efficiency, his production shows that.” Some of the reason that Haener is so productive is the outstanding play from his receiver corps. Fresno State has a pair of receivers that will cause any defensive coach to lose sleep. Jalen Moreno-Cropper and Nikko Remigio have over 700 yards receiving with Moreno-Cropper a catch or two away from topping the 1000-yard mark.

On Defense, the Bulldogs are much improved since we last saw them on The Blue. During their current seven-game win streak, the Bulldogs have given up 14 or less points five times, 10 or less points three times, and ended the regular season by pitching a shutout against Wyoming. In their eight conference games, Fresno State has only allowed 15 total touchdowns, and held opposing quarterbacks to just over 50% pass completions. If there is any weakness in the Bulldogs defense, it’s in their inability to pressure the quarterback. Currently they rank 8th in the conference in sacks, averaging just two a game this season.

Saturday will mark the fourth time these two schools have met in the conference championship game. Boise State has hosted each time and the Broncos have hoisted the trophy twice in the three previous meetings.

Fresno State is coached by Jeff Tedford. Tedford was around in 2017 and 2018 when these two teams met for the crown. Tedford is 1-1 in championship games since leading the Bulldogs program.

What Happened Last Time

In 2018 Ronnie Rivers scored on a 1-yard run in overtime to give No. 24 Fresno State a 19-16 victory over No. 19 Boise State on a snowy Saturday night.

Fresno State (11-2, No. 25 CFP) won its first conference title since 2013, beating the Broncos (10-3, No. 22 CFP) on their blue turf for the first time in 10 tries.

With the temperature in the 30s and a constant mix of snow and rain falling, both teams struggled to sustain anything offensively.

An opportunistic Fresno State struck first, turning Brett Rypien's fumble into a touchdown when Marcus McMaryion hit Michiah Quick on a 15-yard strike.

Rypien atoned for his mistake by driving Boise State and hitting Sean Modster on a 10-yard scoring play to tie it.

The Bulldogs cobbled together a 13-7 lead on Asa Fuller's field goals in the second and third quarters.

With 8:01 left, Boise State's Alexander Mattison ripped off a 34-yard run, muscling his way into the end zone with a defender draped on his back. However, Hoggarth's extra point was blocked by Matt Boetang.

In overtime Boise State settled for a field goal during their first possession. The Bulldogs would walk off winners after a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Ronnie Rivers.

McMaryion was 20 of 32 for 170 yards and one touchdown, and Rivers led the Bulldogs on the ground with 63 yards. Mattison rushed for 200 yards and a touchdown on 40 carries for Boise State. Rypien threw for 125 yards, completing 15 of 31 passes with one touchdown.

Players to Watch

FRESNO STATE

SR., JAKE HAENER, QB #9

Big time players make big time plays, in big time games and it doesn’t get any bigger than Saturday and Jake Haener. Haener didn’t face the Broncos in October, but will be ready to go this time around. Haener since his return has thrown for 13 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. In eight games this year he has thrown for more than 300 yards six times and threw for 396 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first game back from injury in late October. He’s one of the best if not the best in the Mountain West and the Broncos will have their hands full with this gunslinger on Saturday.

SR., JALEN MORENO-CROPPER, WR #5

Since coming to Boise, Jalen Moreno-Cropper has been on a tear. In the 7 games since, he has 45 catches and 5 touchdowns. This season he has had three games of 150+ receiving yards and is only 15 yards away from eclipsing the 1000-yard mark. Boise State's secondary has been suspect the last couple of weeks and has been susceptible to the big pass all season long. JMC didn’t get involved much last time against the Broncos but that was largely due to not having his QB1 throwing him the ball.

SR., David Perales, DE #99

If David Perales can go on Saturday it will be a huge lift to the Bulldogs defense. The senior defensive end has been a one man wrecking crew on the Fresno State front line. His 10.5 sacks this season leads the Mountain West and is almost 50% of the Bulldogs total sacks on the season. Perales also leads the team in tackles for loss with 15. Last time out the Broncos held Perales to just .5 a tackle for loss and .5 sacks. Boise State will be waiting with baited breath to see if #99 suits up on Saturday and if he does they’ll have to be ready.

BOISE STATE

FR., TAYLEN GREEN, QB #10

Highlighting the quarterback is not something that usually happens on Revs Rundown because that is a position that gets highlighted all the time, of course you’re going to watch the quarterback. But this week it seems fitting to highlight the Mountain West Freshman of the Year. In the last five weeks Green is the ONLY FBS quarterback to throw 10+ touchdowns and zero interceptions. It seems like Green is on the cusp of joining the category of all-time BSU quarterbacks and if he brings home a title in year one he all but cements his name with the likes of Hendricks, Dinwiddie, Zabransky, and of course The GOAT, #11.

FR., ASHTON JEANTY, RB #2

George Holani left the game with an apparent shoulder injury late in the third quarter after landing awkwardly, while stretching for the pylon. From that point on it was all Jeanty who ended the day with 35 yards on 14 carries. Despite the low output last week, Jeanty has shown he’s capable of carrying the load, having 7 games this year with 10 or more carries. Also remind you, last time out against Fresno State he had one of, if not his best game of his budding career, rushing for 109 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. If Holani is limited or out completely, the Broncos should still be fine in the run game with #2.

Rs.FR., ANDREW SIMPSON, WIL#10

The freshman from St. John Bosco High School, is making his second appearance on Revs Rundown and how could he not after last week’s performance against the Aggies: 10 tackles, 2 Tackles-For-Loss, 1 Sack, 1 Quarterback Hit and 2 Pass breakups. This kid is becoming a star right before our eyes. He’ll have another chance to build on his solid season by performing on the biggest stage against a formidable opponent. Look for #10 on the defense to get his name called a lot this week.

Focus Position Group: Secondary

So far this season the Broncos have had 6 different starting combinations in the secondary between corners and safeties. Like most units on a football team, whether it be offensive line, defensive line, or secondary, being cohesive as a group is very important. Boise State's pass defense numbers on paper have been very good this year, but it seems like on the field the Broncos are suspect at best in defending the pass, especially the deep pass. Multiple times this season they have given up 75+ yard touchdowns. Coach Spencer Danielson likes to say his defense lives on that “razor's edge” but against Fresno State they will need to be razor sharp if they want to stop Haener and company.

Rev's Route to a Bronco Win

10 AND 2

Proper driving etiquette is no longer to have your hands at 10 and 2, but this week #10 and #2 will have to drive the Broncos down the field. Last time against the Bulldogs, both Jeanty and Green had solid games that propelled Boise State to a 40-20 victory. If Holani can’t go, it could be time for Jeanty to prove he is the next great running back for Boise State. Further, Green has improved each and every week and has only turned the ball over once since the last Fresno State game and no moment seems too big for the Texas star. Green and Jeanty will need to have big games this week if Boise State wants to be champs.

FOUR OR MORE

There have been four games this season where the Boise State defense has had four or more sacks. In those four games they have not allowed more than 14 points. I’m not saying if they get four or more sacks then they will limit the ‘Dogs to 14 points, but what I am saying, is that getting in Haener’s business is paramount. Haener is just about perfect with the football so Boise State will have to cause enough pressure so that he can’t sit back and carve up the secondary.

KNUTE ROCKNE

Legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne told his team this and it seems fitting for a week such as this,

“Now the success of any team, men, is based on team-play -- the same as you've shown all year — Sacrifice; unselfish sacrifice! These are the fellows they say are pretty good; but I think we're better! And I think if we get ourselves keyed up to a point, and when we're confident of that ... why, the results will take care of themselves.”

He goes on to spell out the game plan that Boise State should implore, “you men in the [defensive] backfield there, I want you to analyze [the offense] before you move. If they throw a forward pass, a zone pass, wait ‘til you see the ball in the air -- and then go and get it! And when we get it, boys, that's when we go on offense. And that's when we go to ‘em… We're going inside of ‘em, we're going outside of ‘em -- inside of ‘em! outside of ‘em! -- and when we get them on the run once, we're going to keep ‘em on the run. And we're not going to pass unless their secondary comes up too close. But don't forget, men -- we're gonna get ‘em on the run, we're gonna go, go, go, go! -- and we aren't going to stop until we go over that goal line! And don't forget, men -- today is the day we're gonna win. They can't lick us -- and that's how it goes... The first platoon men -- go in there and fight, fight, fight, fight, fight! What do you say, men!”

Editor Note:

Everyone is as juiced as you can be, and so I’ll let an edited Rex Ryan say what all of Bronco Nation is thinking:

“The best place to be is when expectations are high. Get used to it. It’s always going to be that way. And now let's go out and prove everyone right. We know we’re better than you. We don’t [care] if you know it or not. We don’t [care] if you give us your best game. We’re going to give you our best game and we’re going to beat the [tar] out of you. How’s that? Let’s get it!

Sunday Sermon Title:

AT THE TOP- BOISE STATE WINS MOUNTAIN WEST TITLE FOR FOURTH TIME

Boise State’s outlasts the Bulldogs.

Broncos 38, Bulldogs 35

Rev's Rundown

MOUNTAIN WEST TITLE GAME: Boise State University (9-3, 8-0) (-3.5) vs Fresno State University (8-4, 7-1)