Boise State football: Realistic expectations for Broncos in 2023

Andy Avalos’ first season in Boise was not exactly a resounding success. The one-time proud program under Chris Petersen was on the verge of becoming irrelevant in the Mountain West and nationally.

But following that 7-5 opening season, Avalos led the Broncos to a 10-win season in 2022 and they were also a perfect 8-0 in conference play before losing in the Mountain West title game.

Boise State won the Frisco Bowl over North Texas to secure that 10th win and it feels like the program has some serious momentum right now.

Taylen Green comes back after a successful first season at quarterback and it feels like he’s poised to be one of the best the Group of Five has to offer next season. He passed for 2,042 yards and 14 touchdowns and he rushed for 588 yards and 10 more touchdowns.

So what are the realistic expectations for the Broncos in 2023 with Green coming back?

Realistic expectations for Boise State football in 2023

I’m a believer in Green at quarterback and I think he could really benefit from a full offseason as the presumed QB1. Hank Bachmeier is gone so he doesn’t have to worry about someone breathing down his neck and it could take pressure off.

Boise State has a tough schedule early on, but I think we can expect this team to take another step in the right direction in 2023.

Looking at the schedule, I think Boise State loses at Washington in the opener on Sept. 2 before bouncing back to beat a really good UCF team in Boise the following week. The Broncos will beat North Dakota to end non-conference play and then it’ll split the road games against San Diego State and Memphis. Boise State will win the next three games to improve to 6-2 before losing at reigning champ Fresno State and winning out.

A realistic record for Boise State in the regular season next year is 9-3 with a best-case scenario of 10-2. Worst-case would have to be 8-4.

Fans should be happy with the progress of this program.