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Boise State Football: 3 things we learned in first half of 2019

By Clayton Panzeri

BOISE, ID - OCTOBER 12: Running back George Holani #24 of the Boise State Broncos crashes over the pylon for a touchdown during second half action against the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors on October 12, 2019 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 59-37. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - OCTOBER 12: Running back George Holani #24 of the Boise State Broncos crashes over the pylon for a touchdown during second half action against the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors on October 12, 2019 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 59-37. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /
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(Becker/Getty Images)
(Becker/Getty Images) /

3. Special Teams have disappointed

Boise State may be down coming off of a loss to BYU that dropped them behind two other teams for a top spot in the Group of Five. They have played well in most facets of the game and played their way to a 6-1 record. Almost every single unit has played well in the first half of the season besides their special teams.

Losing last week 28-25, the Broncos were just a field goal away from tying the Cougars to extend the game. Earlier in the game, Boise State kicker Eric Sachse missed a field goal from inside of 35 yards that would prove to be a killer. He has been alright for Boise State in the first seven games making over 80 percent of his field goals but failed to lift the Broncos in their loss.

The biggest disappointment on special teams has been their punting game. The punting unit led by punter Joel Velazquez has averaged just 37 yards a punt and really has been a glaring issue at a time for the Broncos. Unable to flip the field Velazquez has been feast or famine for Boise State. At times Velazquez crushes booming punts, and like Saturday night, can mix in a sub-30-yard punt that is a huge negative for the Broncos.

Velazquez and the company have shown that the special teams could be a strength at some point in the future in flashes. We will see if the special teams unit can improve in the second half of the season.

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