Evidences of a Derserving Win

So there have been some libelous statements being tossed around that the Boise State Broncos lucked out on Monday night when they beat the Virginia Tech Hokies. Others have slandered that the Broncos backed into the win, didn't deserve it, or should have lost to a better team. I am here to go Mythbusters on such unfounded and reprehensible remarks. I have proof as well, unlike those obtuse detesters of all things impressive and dramatic, such as the Boise State Broncos. They not only deserved to win that game, but were the better team on the field in a night filled with first game jitters and nerves.

Case number one for why the Broncos won and did not luck out:
Ryan Williams, the electric sophomore who ran for 1,655 yards as a freshman was not only bottled up, but was basically ineffective during the game. He was held to just 44 yards on 21 attempts. That is just over 2 yards per attempt. Also, I might point out, 44 yards was a career low for Williams. The other beast in the backfield, Darren Evans was held to 12 yards on 3 attempts. That is a dominate defense if I ever saw one. It is also a huge difference from the last time we saw the Boise State defense go up against a back with all star NFL capability (ie Ryan Mathews from Fresno State, last seen gashing the Broncos for 60 and 70 yard runs all night). Mathews is now the starting back for the San Diego Chargers. The trickiest part for the Broncos was trying to contain quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He had 73 rush yards on 16 attempts. Most of that was scrambling when his receivers were covered and he had no other options. He was a slippery fellow that night indeed. Regardless, the Broncos dominated the rushing game of the Hokies, and that was supposed to be their bread and butter. That's not lucking out, that's planning/scheming and playing.

Case number two:
Special teams. The Hokies are respected and feared around the country for what they are able to accomplish in the kicking, returning, and special teams game. In fact, the head coach himself, Frank Beamer, is the special teams coach. The Broncos owned them. One blocked punt from Austin Pettis and a huge return from Mitch Burroughs to set up the winning drive later and VT had no idea what hit them. They were outgunned, outplayed, and outsmarted on specials teams, and Boise State didn't even run a fake punt against them (which I was partly expecting, by the way)! The important numbers here are; 1 punt return attempt for the Hokies netting 0 yards. Compare that to 4 attempts for the Broncos for 44 yards. The numbers don't seem like much, but the 0 for VT tells a huge story.

Case number three:
This one is about as obvious as can be. The Duke University head coach David Cutliffe somehow missed it. Here is what he said; You can't make mistakes in the kicking game, nobody emphasizes it more than Frank [Beamer]. But they were clearly the best team, guys. Anybody that watched the game could tell that Virginia Tech was the dominant team physically. They didn't win but this stuff about we can't compete with the best. ... You know, Boise's a good football team. They're not a dominant physical football team. Gimme a break on some of the publicity. Real well coached, good team, got some great skill players. Not as good a football team as Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech just blew the ball game." What the freak was Cutliffe watching? Maybe VT versus a division 2 school from last year and then substituted Boise State's name in there. What a tool. Those are some strange comments considering the Broncos out gained the Hokies 383 to 314 in total yardage, out rushed them 168-128 (again, the featured part of their offense), and ate more penalty yardage. Also, the Broncos had a punt blocked themselves and had a stupid running into the kicker penalty. There were mistakes on both sides. His comments show his ineptitude for the obvious. Tool... Then again, what else would you expect from a coach that averages 2 or 3 wins a season. Enough said.

Case number four:
Kellen Moore and Austin Pettis. That is all.

The game was a lot of fun to watch, but by no means was it something where the Broncos lucked out and backed into a win. The best, most prepared, and most physically dominating team on the field won that night, mistakes included.

There is the run, but where is the gun?

I was chatting online with Brian Murphy of the Idaho Statesman, along with probably hundreds of others. I had a few questions, all of which he answered very well. There was one particular inquiry that I decided to research a little bit myself. The Virginia Tech Hokies bost running backs Ryan Williams, Darren Evans, and quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and all are beasts on the ground. As a freshman, Williams ran for 1,655 yards. Evans was injured but started out on pace to put up similar numbers and is considered a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. Taylor is an athlete and a half and can run and throw. He is the proverbial cliche dual threat quarterback.

But that got me thinking, who does he have to throw the ball to? I have not heard anything about their receivers, just the rushing attack. I went on Virginia Tech's football website and looked at their roster. They do not have anybody officially listed as a WR (wide receiver). There are a few tight ends but that is it. Taylor had 2,311 passing yards last season and there is no way he got all of them from tight ends! In fact, his passing yards doubled from 2008 to 2009. So let me try and break it down; Jarrett Boykin led the team with 40 receptions for 835 yards, Danny Coale was second with 30 for 614. Dyrell Roberts with 22 for 390, Ryan Williams (running back) with 16 for 180, Xavier Boyce with 8 for 88, and 6 others totaling 21 catches for 284 yards. That totals 2,391 yards for the team. Compare that to Boise State Kellen Moore who alone threw for 3,536 yards. The Broncos finished with 2,606 yards on the ground. Compared to 2,706 by the Hokies, they aren't that far ahead. So the Hokie offense does seem fairly balanced, while the Broncos are pass happy, but get it done on the ground as well. Advantage Broncos.

My conclusion is this; the media focuses on Ryan Williams and Darren Evans for a reason. They are too good to even describe. Just watch some highlight of Williams here and Evans here, with a combined video right here (watch Evans truck some tool from Maryland at second mark 29. It' sick!). But don't overlook Tyrod Taylor and his arm, even if he throws to players who aren't even talked about. The running game is that dominant. If Boise State can at least contain the double-headed rushing monster, then their defensive backs can focus on their job and shut down Virginia Tech. The Hokies' biggest question is on defense, and I don't think they will be able to stop Boise State very often. Bronco fans are hoping it doesn't turn into a shootout a la Nevada in 2007, but rather they keep it looking like the Oregon game in 2009, maybe with a few more points from the Broncos mixed in. All in all, it should be a fantastic game and there is no better way to start the season!