Boise State football is three years removed from its last Mountain West title. Who could help boost the Broncos back to the top of the Group of Five in 2017?
Bryan Harsin enters a critical fourth year at Boise State with a roster that is green at many positions. Though the Broncos return their quarterback, they lose many skill position players from last year’s 10-3 squad. The offense could face some growing pains as new players adjust to increased roles.
The same can be said for the defense, which loses seven of its starters from the 2016 team. Rebuilding is a part of college football, but teams like Boise State with aspirations beyond their Group of Five status cannot afford rebuilding years. Harsin and his coaching staff must hope that their recruiting efforts pay off in rapid development.
Both sides of the ball will count on a few key veterans to lead their respective units. Boise State has a schedule that affords a few growing pains. But, conversely, the Broncos also cannot afford losses if they hope to overcome their weak schedule and earn the Group of Five’s spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game.
The Boise State mystique could fade a bit if the Broncos fail to win the Mountain West for a third straight season. Harsin isn’t on the hot seat at his alma mater, but the Broncos are in danger of fading back in the mid-major pack. Who will need to step up and take charge in the Boise State two deep to meet the team’s goals this season?