Washington football: Scouting Week 1 opponent Boise State

Washington football will open the season at home against the Boise State Broncos.

The 2023 season could be monumental for Washington football as they head into Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer. Washington was ranked number 10 in the AP preseason Top 25 poll behind conference opponent USC (No. 6), who they will face later in the season. They face high expectations to win their final season in the Pac-12 and reach the College Football Playoff after going 11-2 last year.

Who is Boise State?

Boise State stands as a resilient and competitive force in Divison 1 FBS football. Last season, the Broncos hit the 10-win mark for the first time since 2019.

An influential presence in the Mountain West Conference, Boise State consistently showcases their determination and skill on the field, asserting themselves as an intimidating contender. Their willingness to challenge Power 5 opponents, such as Florida State in 2019 and UCF in 2021, highlights their ambition and courage. They lost to UCF by only five points and beat Florida State while the score for both games was coincidentally 36-31.

Boise State’s Offense

Boise State’s offensive lineup boasts a seasoned and familiar unit who are ready to build on last season’s accomplishments. In 2022, their performance consistently outshone their opponents across various offensive categories. Their offensive prowess was evident in their impressive average of 386.9 yards per game, a stark contrast to their opponents’ 292.5 yards.

The Bronco’s offense has shown their capability to control the field and dictate the pace of play with their versatility and adaptability. They keep their opponents guessing with a balanced pass vs. rush game with an average of 190.67 passing yards and 196.4 rushing yards per game.

The distribution of impact among receivers adds an element of unpredictability to their gameplay, as three receivers each secured four touchdown receptions in 2022. This equal distribution showcases the challenge they pose to opposing defenses.

2022 offensive stats:

• Rushing yards: 3,008
• Passing Yards: 2.668
• Total touchdowns: 49
• Points per game: 29.50

5 impact players:

QB Taylen Green

166/271, 2,042 yards, 14 TD, 6 INT; 81 attempts, 586 yards, 7.2 avg, 10 TD

RB George Halani

221 attempts, 1,157 yards, 5.2 avg, 10 TD; 24 receptions, 151 yards, 3 TD

RB Ashton Jeanty

156 attempts, 821 yards, 5.3 avg, 7 TD

WR Billy Bowens

32 receptions, 462 yards, 4 TD

WR Eric McAlister

11 receptions, 259 yards, 4 TD

Boise State’s Defense

Like Washington, Boise State tapped into the transfer portal to bolster their defense this offseason. By strategically acquiring seasoned talents, they’ve solidified their defense. The inclusion of former Wisconsin safety Titus Toler, along with defensive tackle additions Sheldon Newton from Northern Arizona, Howard Brown from Iowa State, and cornerback A’marion McCoy from Laney Junior College, underscores their commitment to building a robust and versatile defense capable of shutting down opponents.

2022 Defensive stats:

• Points per game allowed: 19.40
• Passing yards allowed: 2,348
• Rushing yards allowed:1,747
• Touchdown allowed: 33
• Sacks: 30
• Interceptions: 15

5 Impact players:

D.J. Schramm

107 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks

Demitri Washington

35 tackles, 5.5 tackle for loss, 4.5 sacks

Ezekiel Noa

60 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 interceptions

Rodney Robinson

48 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions

George Tarlas

31 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks

Washington football vs. Boise State football

The Huskies are 3-2 all-time against the Boise State Broncos. They last played against one another in 2019 where Washington won 38-6, which is their largest margin of victory ever against the Broncos. In their five all-time matchups, the Huskies have won every game they have played at home. Their smallest margin of victory ever was by 14 points.