Boise State Football: Broncos break through in 2018

Defense

Almost all of Boise State’s defensive talent is returning from the 2017 Mountain West championship team. That bodes well for any chances the Broncos might have of representing the Group of Five in one of the New Year’s Six bowl games this season.

Last year’s team ranked 17th in the FBS against the run and 22nd nationally in total yards allowed per game. The Broncos gave up fewer than 20 points in eight of their 14 contests in 2018. Of course, they also thrice gave up more than 40 points with a hit-or-miss style that gambled correctly frequently but hardly inevitable.

With another year of experience, one of the most veteran units in the country should improve on its numbers across the board. Only one starter from the 2017 roster is off to the pros after last season, which should give everyone else in the Mountain West pause before dreaming of a possible title.

Focusing on the linebackers

Of course, the one starter that Boise State did lose from the 2017 team might be the most critical to the defensive success of the Broncos. Leighton Vander Esch was a disruptive force at linebacker, ranking fifth nationally in solo tackles and forcing seven turnovers (four forced fumbles, three interceptions) over the course of the year.

The dominant campaign led the Dallas Cowboys to draft Vander Esch in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Luckily there is plenty of experience in the unit to pick up the torch and keep it alight. Riley Whimpey or Blake Whitlock look like the most likely candidates to step in for Vander Esch at the second level. Idaho graduate transfer Tony Lashley could also make a major impact after back-to-back 100-tackle seasons for the Vandals.

Tyson Maeva is back as the starter at middle linebacker, offering some stability in the corps. All things told, the combination of talents should be enough to passably make up for the departure of one otherworldly talent.