Boise State Football: 3 things we learned from New Mexico win

BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Montell Cozart #3 of the Boise State Broncos looks to pass down field during first half action against the New Mexico Lobos on September 14, 2017 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Montell Cozart #3 of the Boise State Broncos looks to pass down field during first half action against the New Mexico Lobos on September 14, 2017 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
2 of 4
(Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)

1. Boise State needs Brett Rypien moving forward

The Broncos were without their two-time Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year against New Mexico. Brett Rypien took a big hit against Washington State and he’s going through concussion protocol during the week.

That left backup quarterback Montell Cozart as the starter. Cozart is a much different change of pace from Rypien. With Cozart, Bryan Harsin has a dual-threat that is much better on the ground than he is in the passing game. Tight end Jake Roh could also be a big weapon moving forward as he finished with three total touchdowns, including one rushing.

Since Boise State’s next four opponents include talented quarterbacks like Wyoming’s Josh Allen, Virginia’s Kurt Benkert, and San Diego State’s Christian Chapman, they need their offensive leader back. He is the key that makes the Bronco offense go.

While Rypien’s stats through a bit less than two weeks of action aren’t great, you can really see the difference in the offense when he’s not on the field. Even with an efficient night from Cozart in all facets, Rypien is much needed for Boise State.