Aug. 14, 2006

WAC preview: High-flying Boise wants to get defensive

By J. Darin Darst | CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer

Check out these numbers: 36.1, 48.9, 43.0, 45.6 and 34.2.

Those aren't offensive lineman's waist sizes or tests scores. Those are the average number of points scored by Boise State over the past five seasons.

Boise State linebacker Korey Hall had two interceptions last season. (Provided to CBSSports.com)

Defense.

What makes it more amazing is Petersen was the offensive coordinator under former head coach Dan Hawkins for five seasons. During that stretch, he guided the Broncos as the top scoring offense in the country, averaging 41.6 points per game.

But after Hawkins left to take the head coaching job at Colorado this offseason, Petersen was promoted and looks to keep Boise State a powerhouse in the WAC.

"I really believe championships are won on defense and I think the past couple of years the offense has gotten a lot of headlines because we've ended up scoring a lot of points, but our defense has been very, very underrated," said Petersen. "They got us the ball in great field position many, many times and they changed the momentum many, many times to spark the offense."

Nine starters are back on a unit that finished second in the WAC in scoring defense and total defense and is led by linebacker Korey Hall.

The senior earned first-team All-WAC honors for the second consecutive season after recording 106 tackles -- five for a loss -- 1½ sacks and two interceptions.

Despite being one of the best players in the conference and a preseason All-American, Hall doesn't mind Boise State being known as an offensive machine.

"It doesn't bother us," Hall said. "We've done our job out there. We just want to go out there and be dominant. We have a great offense. They deserve the attention they get. We have a good team on both sides of the ball."

Along with Hall, Boise State also returns a strong defensive line, led by tackle Andrew Browning, who was named the team's outstanding defensive lineman the past two seasons, and senior Tim Volk. The secondary returns completely intact and is led by Gerald Alexander, who moves from cornerback to safety.

But with a loaded offense and defense, the Broncos are looking to improve on last season's 9-4 record and reach a big-time bowl game, maybe even a BCS bowl.

"For us to do something like that, we would have to go undefeated," Hall said. "That's one of our goals this year. We have tough teams on our schedule, but no Georgia. There are no huge dragons to slay. This is the year we might have the chance to go undefeated."

Offensive MVP

Colt Brennan, Hawaii: In his first season under head coach June Jones, Brennan threw for 4,301 yards and 35 touchdowns with only 13 interceptions. Brennan tied or broke 11 school records, which is pretty impressive considering Timmy Chang rewrote the record book only two years ago. With almost the entire offense back for 2006, Brennan could surpass 5,000 yards and 40 TDs.

Defensive MVP

Korey Hall, Boise State: The best linebacker in the conference, hands down. Has 283 career tackles and has been named All-WAC first team twice and was honorable mention as a freshman. He has been named to the preseason watch lists for the Lombardi Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lott Trophy.

Projected order of finish

1. Boise State: The Broncos will be looking for their fifth straight WAC title and will once again be the favorites. The team is loaded as 18 starters return on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Jared Zabransky. He'll also have All-WAC wide receiver Drisan James as his top target and a solid offensive line.

2. Fresno State: The Bulldogs are one of the most experienced teams in the conference and will challenge Boise State for the league title. Pat Hill has 11 players returning who have played at least 30 games, including center Kyle Young. Gone is Paul Pinegar, so Tom Brandstater takes over as the starting quarterback. The schedule doesn't do the Bulldogs any favors; they travel to LSU and Boise State and play host to Oregon.

3. Nevada: After going 9-3 and earning a Hawaii Bowl victory last season, Nevada will be looking for more. The schedule gets tougher as they play four bowl teams, including two road games to start the season (at Fresno State and at Arizona State). Two of the best players in the conference are back in QB Jeff Rowe and WR Caleb Spencer. LB Ezra Butler is back and so is J.J. Milan, who sat out last season with an injury.

4. Hawaii: The Warriors struck gold last season when ex-Colorado QB Colt Brennan became the starter. His numbers should be just as good -- if not better -- as all four starting receivers are back, including sophomores Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullen. Defense is an issue, as Hawaii ranked 102nd in the NCAA in yards allowed and 110th in points allowed.

5. Louisiana Tech: Two very good running backs return in Freddie Franklin and Patrick Jackson. The biggest question the Bulldogs face is at quarterback and on defense. Zac Champion looks to be the frontrunner at QB, but is being challenged by Joe Danna and freshman Michael Mosley. Champion is the only one who has thrown a collegiate pass. On defense, nine starters are gone, but they do return safety Dez Abrams.

6. San Jose State: The defense improved tremendously in 2005, but with just two starters returning, it could see a drop-off. Linebacker Matt Castelo finished seventh in the conference in tackles and has to anchor an inexperienced squad. The offensive line and running game should be solid, as four offensive lineman and leading rusher Yonus Davis return.

7. Utah State: The Aggies took their lumps last season, playing 20 freshman, including 12 true freshman. That should help this season as they return their top seven rushers, top two passers and top six receivers. Quarterback Leon Jackson guides the offense and had a pretty solid season in 2005 (1,547 passing yards, 328 rushing). Linebacker Jake Hutton, who led the team in tackles as a freshman, guides the defense.

8. New Mexico State: After a rough first season under Hal Mumme, the Aggies look to win at least one game this season. Redshirt sophomore Chase Holbrook, a transfer from Southeastern Louisiana, will be the starting quarterback. He played seven games under Mumme before both came to New Mexico State. The top four receivers all return, including senior Tim Tolbert.

9. Idaho: Dennis Erickson returns to Idaho after a 20-year absence and will have his work cut out for him as the Vandals have just 11 wins in the past five seasons. Ten offensive starters return, including senior quarterback Steven Wichman (15 TDs, 18 INTs). The running game must get better as Rolly Lumbala had just 472 yards rushing and a 3.7-yard average. LB Josh Bousman and safety Tone Taupule anchor the defense.