Boise State Football: Broncos break through in 2018

Offense

Brett Rypien is back in 2018 at quarterback, but he will once again have to find new favorite targets. The top receiver and top tight end are both departed from the Smurf Turf. Cedrick Wilson and Jake Roh combined to haul in 122 receptions for 1921 yards and 16 scores, the majority from Rypien. A.J. Richardson is at least back to offer one familiar and experienced target.

On the other hand, gone is is Montell Cozart. The Kansas graduate transfer pushed Rypien in 2017 and served as occasional dual-threat change of pace for the offense. That means Rypien is once again the man in charge. As such, a successful campaign offensively is dependent on how quickly Rypien and his new corps of pass catchers connect with one another.

Two of the five starters on the line are gone, including all-MWC center Mason Hampton. But the Broncos return five players with starting experience on the offensive line. A team that ranked middle-of-the-road as the 60th-best team in both sacks allowed and tackles for loss allowed should be better with a more experienced group all around, even with those losses.

Focusing on Alexander Mattison

Last year was a season of transition for the Boise State backfield. Jeremy McNichols was the latest Broncos tailback to land an NFL gig. His departure opened the door for Ryan Wolpin and Alexander Mattison to split carries.

The committee approach worked for the Broncos in 2017. But now Wolpin has graduated, and this is Alexander Mattison’s season to break out on a national level. Last year, Mattison led the team with 1086 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Mattison added 284 receiving yards and a score through the air.

The junior could see those numbers explode as he chases 2000-plus all-purpose yards. With Robert Mahone itching for playing time, there is plenty of incentive for Mattison to perform well just to keep his starting spot. That should play into Boise State’s favor and benefit the junior as he builds his own NFL case.