On display Saturday at Wyoming’s War Memorial Stadium will be Boise State’s high-powered offense built by first-year Colorado coach Dan Hawkins.
The Broncos (2-0) have outscored their opponents 87-14 and have not allowed a point in the second, third and fourth quarters. Boise State beat Sacramento State 45-0 before trouncing Oregon State 42-14 last week.
Winners of 46 of their past 52 games, the Broncos returned 20 starters and 49 of 57 lettermen from last year’s team, which was 9-4 and 7-1 in the Western Athletic Conference. Senior quarterback Jared Zabransky directs an offense that has scored 10 times (nine touchdowns) in 11 red-zone opportunities.
“This is a big, big game for us,” said Wyoming coach Joe Glenn, whose team (1-1) lost 13-12 in overtime last Saturday at Virginia. “They’re 8-0 against teams from the Mountain West Conference…they’re one of the top scoring teams in the United States, they’re undefeated, they’re a veteran team, they got a running back (Ian Johnson) that rushed for 240 yards and five touchdowns against Oregon State, and a tremendous defense with team speed.
“So, it’s a real challenge for us. And I just hope we’re up for the challenge.”
Johnson, this week’s Walter Camp offensive player of the week, tied a school record with his five touchdowns against Oregon State, and he has seven this season. His 240 yards against the Beavers were third-most in the program’s history. He is averaging 164.5 yards a game and 9.4 yards per carry.
“Somehow we got to get the guy stopped,” Glenn said. “If we put 11 guys in the box I’m pretty sure Zabransky will throw it over our heads, so we can’t be stupid about it.”
Boise State is 2-0 against Wyoming, which lost 35-13 in 2002 and 33-17 in 2003. But Boise State probably hasn’t seen a defense this season as good as Wyoming, which ranks No. 4 nationally in total defense (167.5 yards per game).
“From a defense standpoint we have our hands full,” Wyoming senior safety John Wendling said. “They have good receivers and a veteran quarterback that can really move. They present lots of headaches for our defense, so it’s a good test for us.”
Footnotes
Senior running back Ivan Harrison, who led the Cowboys with 587 yards rushing in 2004 but played in only one game last season because of shoulder and ankle injuries, is expected to return to action against the Broncos.
Glenn said Harrison will “have to start working his way up to bat. And in time he’ll play. I just don’t know how many reps he’ll get Saturday.”…
Wyoming four-year starting offensive lineman Jason Karcher, who suffered a knee injury against Virginia, likely will miss a game for the first time in his career. He has started 37 consecutive games, but likely will return to the lineup next week against Air Force.
GAME BREAKDOWN
Players to watch
Boise State (2-0) – In two games, sophomore running back Ian Johnson has gained 329 yards and scored seven touchdowns. He is tied as the country’s top producer in points-per-game (21.0) and is second in average rushing yards with 164.5. Senior quarterback Jared Zabransky is 22-5 as a starter, the most wins of any QB in the country. He won his first 11 games as a starter.
Wyoming (1-1) – Senior safety John Wendling led the team last year with 45 solo tackles but is a threat to run the ball as the signal-caller in punt formation. His two fake punts against Virginia last week netted two first downs and a combined 60 yards. “It was all based on a formation we knew they’d come in,” said the 6-foot-1, 222-pound All-America candidate. “If I saw it I could audible from the fake we had set up. After the first one, they gave us the same look so it was hard not to call it again.”
Key stat
Boise State has allowed just 14 points – none beyond the first quarter. The Broncos blanked Sacramento State and gave up two first-quarter TDs against Oregon State.
Key for Boise State
Coach Chris Peterson continues his good fortune. So far, Dan Hawkins’ successor has been terrific, leading a talented team to decisive victories to begin the season.
Key for Wyoming
Great defense against what could be the best offense it will play this season. The Cowboys have allowed just 16 first downs in two games, including only 11 last week at Virginia.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
