Boise State Football: 2017 Broncos season preview, predictions
By Zach Bigalke
Offense
Three of the five starters are gone from Boise State’s 2016 starting offensive line. Right tackle Mario Yakoo and guards Steven Baggett and Travis Averill have all graduated, leaving more than half of the line positions open. The new starters have limited experience, and they will be tested early with a pair of Power Five opponents before the end of September.
They will be tasked with protecting quarterback Brett Rypien, the returning starter who gives Boise State hope of a New Year’s Six bowl in 2017. Rypien threw for nearly 3,700 yards last year and could top 4,000 yards and 30-plus touchdowns in the coming season. Finding himself on the preseason quarterback awards watch lists, the pressure is on for Rypien to put up big stats this year.
The junior already has 23 starts under his belt, but this year he’ll be throwing to a new group of receivers. Thomas Sperbeck and Chaz Anderson, the top two receivers on last year’s team, have graduated and moved on from Boise. Now it falls to Cedrick Wilson, who led the team in touchdown catches last season, to take charge of a young and inexperienced corps of pass catchers.
Related Story: Boise State Football: Two-deep 2017 depth chart projection
Who is the next back up to replace Jeremy McNichols?
Tougher than any other loss on offense, though, was the departure of Jeremy McNichols. Even as a freshman, he showed a dynamic ability to supercharge the Broncos offense. In two years as a starter, McNichols ran for over 3,000 yards and caught nearly 1,000 yards worth of passes. The running back scored 53 touchdowns over that span.
With McNichols now in the NFL, it will fall to Alexander Mattison to try to seize his chance in the backfield. As a freshman last year, he got six dozen touches and racked up nearly 400 yards spelling McNichols on the field. Offensive coordinator Zak Hill can’t necessarily expect Mattison to put up McNichols-level numbers, but Mattison will have to at least offer a consistent threat to balance the passing game.