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College Football Preview 2024: Boise State Broncos win projections, strengths and weaknesses, quarterback spotlight and more

2TD7G8P December 16, 2023, Los Angeles, California, USA: Boise State running back ASHTON JEANTY (2) runs with the ball while being tackled by UCLA linebacker DARIUS MUASAU (53) during the 2023 Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk between UCLA and Boise State at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Credit Image: © Brenton Tse/ZUMA Press Wire) EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY! Not for Commercial USAGE!

Boise State’s 2023 season was a tale of two halves. After a disappointing 5-5 start, head coach Andy Avalos was fired, and defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson stepped in as the interim coach. The Broncos rallied under Danielson, winning their final three regular-season games and capturing their first Mountain West title in four years.

Now that Danielson has been named the permanent head coach, expectations are high. With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, a Group of Five champion is guaranteed a spot. Boise State is the current betting favorite (+400) among the Group of Five to secure that spot, largely because of superstar running back Ashton Jeanty.


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Biggest Strength: Offense has incredible upside

Boise State’s offense features one of the nation’s best running backs in Ashton Jeanty, who is an elite runner and an elite receiver. He’ll be the engine of what should be one of the best offenses in the Mountain West.

Biggest Weakness: Will the defensive line improve?

Boise State brought back three of its four starters from last year’s defensive line, but none of them earned a 70.0-plus PFF grade in 2023. The Broncos were outside the top 100 in both run-defense and pass-rushing grades last year, primarily due to their struggles up front.

2023 Team Overview

Offense
EPA per play Yards per play Successful play rate Explosive run play rate Explosive pass play rate
0.118 6.5 39.3% 17.4% 18.5%
23rd T-16th T-18th 37th 19th
Defense
EPA allowed per play Yards allowed per play Successful play rate allowed Explosive run rate allowed Explosive pass rate allowed
-0.010 6.1 34.4% 16.7% 15.6%
74th 100th 62nd T-94th 103rd

Three Notable Transfer Portal Additions

  • QB Malachi Nelson (USC): 60.5 PFF Grade
  • WR Cam Camper (Indiana): 70.7 PFF Grade
  • CB Jeremiah Earby (California): 60.6 PFF Grade

Three Notable Transfer Portal Losses

  • WR Eric McAlister (TCU): 80.9 PFF Grade
  • QB Taylen Green (Arkansas): 68.1 PFF Grade
  • QB CJ Tiller (Utah State): 56.1 PFF Grade

Quarterback Spotlight: Maddux Madsen

2023 Grade: 66.4
Key Stat: 29.9 passing grade under pressure last season

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