College Football: 10 schools likely to bounce back in 2022
By Dante Pryor
8. Boise State Broncos
2021 Record: (7-5, 5-3 MWC)
Key Departures: Khalil Shakir (wide receiver), John Ojukwu (left tackle), Shane Irwin (defensive end), Kekaula Kaniho (defensive back)
Returning Starters: Hank Bachmeier (quarterback), George Holani (running back), Scott Matlock (defensive tackle), Tyric LeBeauf (defensive back)
Key Newcomers: Deven Wright (EDGE), Zamondre Merriweather (wide receiver/athlete), Dishawn Misa (Line Backer
Why the Broncos bounce back: The Broncos ascending back to the top of the Mountain West has everything to do with the health and continued development of quarterback Hank Bachmeier. Boise State needs Bachmeier to be consistent and stay on the field.
Defensively, the Broncos are taking on the identity of second-year head coach Andy Avalos. Despite finishing third in the Western division, Boise had one of the best defenses in the conference. Boise State’s two leading pass rushers, Isaiah Bagnah and Scott Matlock, return next season.
The Broncos have to replace leading wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Octavious Evans and Stephan Cobbs had 34 receptions last season, 43 fewer than Shakir. If the offense can replace Shakir’s production and run the ball effectively, they will return to the top of the Mountain West.
The ball can’t bounce in favor of Boise’s opponents again, can they? The Broncos lost three one-possession games last season. Their other two losses were two-possession games. It is hard to see the Broncos being on the losing end of so many close games again.