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Boise State Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over UTEP

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 10, 2021; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos bring the American flag onto the field prior to the game against the UTEP Miners at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2021; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos bring the American flag onto the field prior to the game against the UTEP Miners at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2021; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos linebacker Brandon Hawkins (3) strips the ball from UTEP Miners quarterback Calvin Brownholtz (7) during the second half at Albertsons Stadium. Boise State beat UTEP 54-13. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2021; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos linebacker Brandon Hawkins (3) strips the ball from UTEP Miners quarterback Calvin Brownholtz (7) during the second half at Albertsons Stadium. Boise State beat UTEP 54-13. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Defense looked vastly improved from opener

For about a quarter and a half in the season opener at UCF, the Boise State defense looked tough. Andy Avalos took that defensive mind from Oregon and brought it to Boise and it looked like his intensity rubbed off on his players immediately.

Twenty-plus solid minutes of defense held Dillon Gabriel and the Knights in check and it looked like the Broncos were going to cruise to a big win.

And then the Broncos looked gassed on that side of the ball as Gabriel put up some big numbers, leading the Knights back. The defense surrendered 36 points and a ton of yards through the air and on the ground which was disappointing for Avalos, especially because the game started on such a high note.

On Friday night, the Broncos’ defense looked vastly improved, holding the Miners to just 13 points and 336 total yards. While that’s not wildly impressive, it’s an improvement, especially because they forced six turnovers and just looked like a capable unit.

This is something to build on.

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