Anyway, when I was trying to decide who I would choose as my Weekly Player to Watch, I couldn't get last year's game out of my mind. You know, Boise State's jumps out to a big early lead, Nevada fights back only to see all their efforts go for naught as the Broncos run out the clock and h=get the "W." While i don't expect it to be all that close tonight, the running game for Boise State is going to be huge for controlling the game and eating some clock, keeping "Bird Leg" off the field. Last year on The Blue, a running back physical punished Nevada, especially late in the game. i am foreseeing a whole lot more of that happening. You all know what that means; this week's PTW is none other than the Muscle Hamster himself...Doug Martin!
Martin's numbers have been down a little bit the past couple of games due to the fact that teams are zoning in on Boise State's run game. You would think that they might want to spend a little bit of time trying to defend the pass as well...So Doug is due for a big game. Couple in the fact that the weather is supposed to be pretty bad with some winds (although last week didn't seem to be a problem against Fresno State), and you have a recipe for the Muscle Hamster to be running in the Nevada secondary all night. It happened to Virginia Tech and things didn't go so well for them.
In his senior at Saint Mary's, Martin was named the Best Offensive Back in San Joaquin County by the Stockton Sports Hall of Fame after he led the Tri-City Athletic League in yards per game. It's interesting to know as well that Martin was named second-team All-San Joaquin TV by Comcast Sports, and was named team MVP after rushing for 1,234 yards and 14 touchdowns. He complete his senior season with 1,373 total yards. He also rushed for 1,950 yards and 18 TDs as a junior. He was picked as team MVP, first-team all-section, all-area, and All-San Joaquin TV by Comcast Sports his junior year. Martin was only a 2-star recruit and had just one other scholarship offer, from Cal Poly. It sure looks like other schools missed out on a good one. Boise State is known for getting guys like him. From a 2-star recruit to scoring the winning touchdown at the Fiesta Bowl. That's quite the story.
Since coming to Boise State, Doug has been lighting up defensive backs on a regular basis, just ask that tool Shiloh Keo from Idaho. In fact, as a gray shirt freshman, Martin was named the scout offensive player of the year. He won the award over quarterback Kellen Moore, if that tells you anything about him. His running style is fearless and aggressive, causing pain for any defender who gets in his way. Part way through the season two years ago, Mr. Martin switched to defensive back and was a key part in the Broncos' win over Nevada, being used as a spy on Colin Kaepernick. Last season, after DJ Harper went down with a torn ACL, Doug switched back to his true position as tail back and hasn't looked back since. So let's see some more of this tonight down in Reno, Mr. Muscle Hamster!
As I mentioned above, Doug will be huge tonight in order for Boise State to take care of the Nevada Wolfpack. The offensive line has done great opening up holes for him and he has exploded through them. His success opens up the passing game and the deep bomb to Titus Young. I am picking that Martin will go for over 100 yards tonight and 2 touchdowns. Take it to the bank baby. This will be a great game and you know that the Hamster would love to send the Wolfpack and Kaepernick packing, toting and 0-4 record against the Broncos. He will help get it done. Just look at his face:
So dig in and enjoy tonight. I am really looking forward to it. Come back tomorrow and get my recap of what goes down. As always, let's go Broncos!
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