Boise State University (-13.5) at Georgia Southern University

Date: Saturday, August 31st , 2024

Time: 2:00pm MT

Stadium: Allen E. Paulson Stadium (25,000)

TV:ESPNU

Tv Commentators: Mike Corey and Rene Ingoglia

Radio: KBOI 670 AM

Commentators: Bob Behler and Pete Cavender

Know Thy Enemy

Boise State wastes no time in seeing if they have “Earned the right to go 1-0” as they travel the 2,400 miles from Boise, ID to Statesboro, GA as they get set to take on the Eagles of Georgia Southern. Boise State opens the season on the road for the fourth consecutive season and are 0-3 in those games the last three seasons.

As per usual, Coach Spencer Danielson was very complimentary of his teams opening weekend opponent, saying they have an excellent head coach who has a great offensive mind as well as a great fan base who will have that place rockin’ on Saturday. The Eagles were 5-1 at home last season, with their only loss coming against Old Dominion on Senior Day.

On paper Georgia Southern looks to have a lethal offense, especially with their passing attack. The Eagles threw for close to 4,000 yards a season ago and new quarterback JC French looks like he is more than capable of keeping up the productivity, especially with his top to receivers Dalen Cobb and Derwin Burgess Jr.

Clay Helton and his squad aren’t just going to throw the rock around the yard all day. GSU has two running backs in OJ Arnold and Jalen White who are dynamic players. Jalen White led the team in rushing last season with 889 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging over 5.6 yards per carry. OJ Arnold also averaged 5.5 yards per pop last season.

Much is the same with the Eagles defense. GSU’s defense is loaded with returners. The Eagles return all of their line from a season ago and more than likely the best defender in the Sun Belt in linebacker Marques Watson-Trent. On the back end the Eagles defense is Tyrell Davis, Marc Stampley and TJ Smith. The trio combined for 173 tackles a season ago.

Over all the defense is experience and they have considerable depth, many say that the Eagles now need the production to increase. They need a better pass rush, more playmakers at linebacker and the secondary needs three transfers at corner to play big roles.

Georgia Southern is coached by Clay Helton. Coach Helton is in his third season with the Eagles and is 12-14 during his time at GSU. Coach Helton was the head coach at USC from 20215-2021, but was relieved of his duties after two games during the 2021 season following a loss to Stanford.

This will be the first meeting between the Broncos and The Eagles, but both teams are set to play again in 2028 in Boise.

What Happened Last Year Time

This is the first meeting between the two programs.

Players to Watch

GEORGIA SOUTHERN

FIFTH YEAR., JALEN WHITE, RB #25

Jalen White has not had a 1,000 yard rushing season in his collegiate career, but probably would have if he’d been able to play in all Georgia Southern's games the last two seasons. White led the Eagles with 889 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. White was named as one of the two running backs on the Preseason All-Sun Belt First team Offense. He’s a do-it-all type back that the Broncos will have to account for on Saturday.

Rs.SR., Marques Watson-Trent, LB #1

Marques Watson-Trent might be one of the best Linebackers that the Broncos face this season. #1 is a tackling machine. Over the last two seasons he’s totaled 236 total tackles including a whopping 13 tackles for loss last season.

BOISE STATE

Rs.JR., MATT LAUTER, TE#85

Lots of good things have been said about Matt Lauter over the course of fall camp. Lauter the tight end out of San Diego has played in 27 games over the last two season, but hasn’t had the production that many hoped for. Most of that is due to scheme, however with yet another new OC in the booth for the Broncos in Dirk Koetter, Lauter could see an uptick in production. Last season Lauter scored three touchdowns on 13 catches and 197 yards. I think everyone would be on board for a pass catching tight end threat.

SO., TY BENEFIELD, S #0

Ty Benefield changed his number from #20 to #0 this season and I think Bronco Nation can remember the last player we had that roamed the secondary and wore that number. Benefield had significant playing time last season as a true freshman, playing in 13 games and making 46 tackles including three sacks. He also had six pass break ups and one interception. With the Broncos needing to get better with the pass defense it will be up to Benefield and company to get the job done.

Focus Position Group: Offensive Line

Everyone knows that the offensive line is the most important position group on offense. It doesn’t matter how good your quarterback is, how good your running back is, or how good your receivers are if you have a bad offensive line. Good thing is, Boise State’s offensive line is not bad. In fact they are the opposite of bad. The Broncos return four starters from a season ago that finished sixth in the nation in rushing offense. These five massive humans will be the key to winning this football game on Saturday.

Rev's Route to a Bronco Win

HEI2MAN

The key to winning this game as it will be any game this season is making sure that Heisman hopeful, Ashton Jeanty gets his touches. Jeanty only played in 12 games last season, but led the nation in Missed Tackles Caused, Yards After Catch among Non-WRs, Yards After Contact Per Rush, First Downs Recorded, and Yards After Catch Per Rec.

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES

Saturday will be filled with “firsts” for a lot of players and coaches alike. Boise State isn’t going to play a perfect game from the first kick off to the final whistle. What they will need to do is roll with the punches that come throughout the game. Georgia Southern will be fired up to play the team that most of college football have as the G5 rep for the CFP 12-team playoff.

GET AN EARLY LEAD

In the last two season openers it has seemed like the game was over before it even started. The Broncos need to come out hot and score points on each of their first few possessions and take the home crowd out of the game from the start.

Editorial Note:

It’s finally here. Bronco Football season is upon us! This offseason has been full of expectation and hype! Whether it’s getting into the CFP, having the best running back in the nation, or having a 5-Star transfer QB come in and not be named the starter there has been lots of buzz around program once again. It is time for the Broncos to live up to the preseason hype. With the true Dawn of the Danielson era, it’s time for the “dark days” of Broncos football to be behind this team. It’s time to start a new era of dominance where the Blue and Orange strike fear into their opponent. It has been far too long since the Broncos meant something on the national stage.

It’s time to prove that the Broncos are back and the only way to stay in the conversation is to win game one. This is a huge game for the Broncos to be 1-0 after the first weekend in four years. Georgia Southern is a decent football team, but Boise State has the makings for what could be a GREAT football team.

Broncos roll.

Boise State 42, Georgia Southern 17

Rev's Rundown

PREVIEW | CFB: BOISE STATE (0-0) AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN (0-0)