Boise State Football: 2017 Broncos season preview, predictions

Boise State football is seeking out its first Mountain West title since 2014. Can the Broncos return to the top of the league in 2017?

For a decade, Boise State was the gold standard of mid-major programs. During the BCS era, the Broncos earned their way to two Fiesta Bowl games. Once they got their chance in a major bowl game, they knocked off Oklahoma and TCU in their two appearances. Then Chris Petersen left for the Washington job, and it was uncertain whether Boise State would remain at the pinnacle of the Group of Five.

In the first year of the College Football Playoff, the Broncos returned to the Fiesta Bowl in 2014. They took down the Arizona Wildcats in their home state, moving their record to 3-0 in major bowl games. It looked as though Bryan Harsin would maintain the momentum that Petersen had built over eight seasons.

Then things came down to earth. Boise State continued to rack up solid records, but since that Fiesta Bowl victory the Broncos have failed to win the Mountain West. With the gap beginning to build since the last conference championship, the Broncos risk fading from relevance just as quickly as they skyrocketed to prominence.

Thus 2017 is something of a critical year for Boise State. Teams like Colorado State, Wyoming, and Air Force have elevated their level of play in the MWC Mountain. Harsin’s crew can no longer looks like a hegemonic force in the division, but they will nevertheless be the favorite to return to the top of the standings this year.

Check out our full preview of the Broncos’ offense and defense and predictions for the upcoming Boise State season.