Boise State got stuck at home for the holidays. Some penalty.

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BSU will be in the rare position of playing a bowl game on its home turf when Louisville visits Bronco Stadium for the Humanitarian Bowl on Dec. 30th.

It'll be the Broncos' first ever Division I-A bowl game, the only first-timer among the 46 teams bowling this season. But not even Hawaii -- which is also playing at home -- will have a home-field advantage like this: Blue turf and a 7-0 record.

Based on ticket sales leading up to the game, it was likely that more than 30,000 will pack Bronco Stadium.

To make up for not having a true traveling "bowl experience,'' BSU coaches are planning some team outings -- to the movies, perhaps to a CBA or minor-league hockey game. The team also will stay in a hotel prior to the game. Beyond that, BSU coaches are trying to come up with a defensive plan that can curtail Louisville quarterback Chris Redman, winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, symbolic of the nation's top senior quarterback.

BSU's defense, however, was no slouch this season. The Broncos were 30th nationally in total defense, including 21st against the pass. Opponents only had 13 passing touchdowns in 12 games, while BSU came up with 14 interceptions. BSU also had 42 sacks.

"No question it's a winnable game,'' BSU coach Dirk Koetter said. "No question about that.''

The pressure will fall on BSU's secondary, which is led by cornerback Dempsy Dees. But just as important will be the Broncos' pass rush. Ends Mike Maloy and Andy Bennett trampled Idaho's front in the regular-season finale. And Broncos' linebackers, in particular Bryan Johnson and swift Kareem Williams, must do their part in defending short passes and screens to the running back.

"We're playing well right now and our players have a lot of confidence,'' Koetter said. "I don't care who comes in here. Boise State is going to give anybody a fight right now.''

He's got evidence to back up the boast. BSU finished the season on a roll, pounding Idaho (45-14), New Mexico State (45-26), Arkansas State (63-10), Utah State (33-27) and Nevada (52-17).

And as good as the defense played, the offense just might have been better. That unit will have to produce for BSU to have a chance against Louisville. Quarterback Bart Hendricks accounted for 30 TDs rushing and passing.

An intriguing sidelight to the game is the return of coach John L. Smith to Boise. He came to Louisville via Utah State and Idaho. It was at Idaho where Smith carved up the Broncos on several occasions -- both on the field and in print. He reveled in the rivalry and, you guessed it, he's at it again.

"I've always wanted to know, is it true that ducks really land out there (on the blue turf) and break their legs?'' Smith jabbed. "Other than that, it's just darn different.''

He knows he'll be the villain come Dec. 30th. "You're supposed to hate your arch rival,'' he says, "so I think it's fair that they hate me.''

The Personnel File

BSU has hit the recruiting trail hard, picking up three high school recruits close to home and two JC players from California. Running back Donny Heck and Eagle High teammate Sherm Blaser, and Centennial High fullback Scott Koci have committed to BSU. The two JC recruits are offensive linemen -- Peter Naumes of Ventura College and Jose Caywood of Moorpark College. ... Junior safety Casey Fisher had the sixth surgery of his college career. He had a shoulder operation on Monday. ... The Broncos should have the services of running back Gavin Reed and defensive tackle Bobby Hammer for the game. Both were slowed by hamstring injuries but have returned to the practice field.

Noteworthy

Numerically speaking, BSU was outstanding this season. The Broncos were 10th nationally in turnover margin (plus-10), 15th in scoring offense (33 points) and 28th in scoring defense (20.5). ... The Broncos have one less worry: Louisville senior wide receiver Charles Sheffield was booted from the team for disciplinary reasons. He had 34 catches for 418 yards this season. ... Boise State tight end Jeff Udvarhelyi was named the Idaho Sports Medicine Institute Humanitarian Award winner, given to the player who best personifies humanitarian ideals. Udvarhelyi is active with church groups, children's organizations and helps tutor BSU students. ... The Cardinals put up some huge offensive numbers: fourth nationally in scoring (37.5 points), second in passing (335.2 yards) and seven in total offense (466.9). But their defense was as lenient as their offense was potent. Opponents averaged 30.1 points and 392.1 yards, including 166.5 yards rushing.

Starters to replace

OFFENSE: Four. Three offensive linemen depart, though Ryan Groneman lost his starting job halfway through the season. The biggest loss will be tight end Dave Stachelski, who should get a shot at playing on Sundays.

DEFENSE: Four. BSU loses four good ones, including All-Big West linebacker Bryan Johnson. Also exiting are ends Andy Bennett and Mike Maloy, who each had six sacks, and cornerback Damien Schilling.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Zero. The whole crew returns, including freshman kicker Nick Calaycay, who was 14 of 17 on field goals.