Boise State QB Ryan Finley injured, Brett Rypien dazzles in debut

By Doug Carey | Sep 19, 2015

Boise State is rolling toward a lopsided win over Idaho State, but the Broncos may be without sophomore starting quarterback Ryan Finley for next Friday night’s game at Virginia.

Ryan Finley left Friday’s game against Idaho State with a right ankle injury in the first quarter after he scrambled for a five-yard gain. He was able to walk off the field with help from the training staff, and he soon headed to the locker room by a cart for X-rays. Finley was 5-of-6 for 59 yards when he exited the game.

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Sophomore Tommy Stuart replaced Finley and quickly led two touchdown drives against the overmatched Bengals, and the Broncos took a 21-0 lead into the half. But in a sign that Finley’s injury could keep him out for an extended period, the Broncos turned to highly touted freshman Brett Rypien — Mark Rypien’s nephew — early in the third quarter.

...and so it begins. True freshman Brett Rypien to come in at quarterback for Boise State.
— Dave Southorn (@davesouthorn) September 19, 2015

Rypien, who completed his first pass for 12 yards, was a four-star recruit out of Spokane, Wash. We hate to speculate on Finley’s status for the next few weeks, but it sure looks like Rypien will be making his first career start next Friday against the Cavaliers.

If his first drive is any indication, the Broncos should be just fine. The super frosh completed four of his five passes for 42 yards and led Boise State on an 80-yard TD drive. The Broncos have had a long line of incredibly productive passers over the past 15 years, and Rypien appears ready to step right in. If you thought you just heard a massive groan from the rest of the Mountain West, you’re correct.

Entering the fourth quarter, Rypien was 7-of-8 passing and 120 yards as Boise State built their lead up to 49-0.

Next: 30 Best College Football Quarterbacks of All-Time

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