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PROVO — BYU’s 2016 schedule thus far has been anything but a cake walk.
Seven Power 5 opponents. Three-straight Pac 12 teams to open the season. Even a then-undefeated Toledo wasn’t easy before BYU’s 55-53 win on Sept. 30.
But coming off a 28-21 double-overtime victory against SEC foe Mississippi State, the Cougars’ upcoming challenge this week may be the stiffest.
BYU (4-3) will head to No. 14 Boise State for the first game against an opponent ranked in the top 25 at the time of the matchup (Utah and West Virginia went on to national rankings after playing BYU).
“They are well coached, and it seems like they have coaches all over the place,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake said of the Broncos. “I’ve known their coaching staff from so many different programs; (head coach Bryan) Harsin is a great coach. They are efficient on offense, and tough on defense. They get the most out of their players, and they’ve recruited really well.”
The Broncos (6-0) have averaged 35.3 points per game, and have scarcely faced a tight game behind quarterback Brett Rypien and running back Jeremy McNichols. The sophomore signal caller ranks in the top 10 nationally in pass efficiency with 1,622 yards and 12 touchdowns with just three interceptions, while the junior McNichols is a power back with 775 rushing yards and 11 scores on the year.
Naturally, though, when most people think of Boise State, they think of trick plays and Statue of Liberty runs.
“They come out almost every formation in something different, or with motion,” BYU linebacker Francis Bernard said. “We just have to understand each formation, and motion to something. Film will play a big key in this game.
“If all of us do our part and watch film, we’ll be more prepared and have a step on them.”
Just like Boise’s traditional offense, the Broncos’ defense also relies on a little “trickeration” to confuse opposing linemen.
“They’re a good, physical defense,” BYU tight end Tanner Balderree said. “I think Boise State is kind of notorious in terms of mixing things up — it’s what I expect. They have a new defensive coordinator, but a lot of the stuff they do this year is stuff they also did last year.”
The Broncos lead the all-time series 4-2, including wins in all three contests in Boise. But the past four matchups have gone to the home team, including BYU’s 35-24 win last year in Provo.
Quarterback Taysom Hill remembers the feeling he had after his first game at Boise State. The then-freshman from Pocatello, Idaho, was green when he traveled to the blue turf in 2012 — and the then-No. 24 Broncos didn’t score an offensive touchdown en route to a 7-6 win.
“I remember the long touchdown drive, and having the opportunity to win the football game. But we came up a little short, and I remember what that felt like,” Hill said. “We’ll definitely prepare this week; I’m doing everything I can so the outcome is different this time.”