By the Numbers
Boise State: Points for 45.1(2) Points Against 12.8(2) Total Offense 521.3(2) Total Defense 254.7(2) ***Pass Offense 321.1(6) Rush Offense 200.2(21) Pass Defense 150.9(4) Rush Defense 103.8(7)
Georgia: Points for 32.1(30) Points Against 22.1(36) Total Offense 385(56) Total Defense 328.5(23) ***Pass Offense 242.4(40) Rush Offense 142.6(73) Pass Defense 181.3(17) Rush Defense 147.2(56)
Who to Watch for
Boise State: D.J. Harper Sr. RB #7 Harper is coming off his second season ending knee injury in the last two years. We’ve all witnessed Harper’s speed and elusiveness, which could make him an invaluable asset to the Bronco’s backfield. The key for Harper will be staying healthy in his final season.
Jerrell Gavins Sr. CB #4 The 5’9” Gavins may indeed be the key to the secondary’s success this season. Gavins has had a good summer and fall camp and will be asked to use his speed and quickness to help shut-down opposing wide receivers.
Geraldo Boldewijn So. WR #17 With the loss of their two starting wide-outs to the NFL in the offseason, the Broncos are desperate to find talent that can replicate the success of Austin Pettis and Titus Young from last year. Bouldewijn will get his shot early in trying to fill those shoes. At 6’4” 200 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to go up for jump balls, and the strength and speed to separate and elude tacklers.
Georgia: Aaron Murray So. QB #11 The Bulldogs have a gem in quarterback Aaron Murray. As a freshman, Murray threw for over 3,000 yards and finished the season with 28 TD’s (4 rushing) as opposed to only 8 interceptions. The Georgia faithful are expecting great things from their dual-threat QB.
Alec Ogletree So. ILB #9 As a freshman the 6’3” 236 pound Ogletree started as a safety, but after losing two veterans at their inside linebacker positions, the Bulldog coaches decided to move him a little closer to the line of scrimmage. Watch for the athletic Ogletree to make plays inside and outside of the tackle box.
Orson Charles Jr. TE #7 The Bulldogs have a long tradition of excellent tight-ends that have moved on to the NFL, and Charles is hoping to be the next in line. Quarterback Aaron Murray will have to rely heavily upon Charles with the loss of last year’s wide receivers A.J. Green and Kris Durham to the NFL. Watch for the 6’3” Charles to be targeted across the middle.
Key Matchup: Boise State’s Defensive front vs. Georgia’s Offensive line
The Bronco defensive line will have their hands full in trying to penetrate against one of the bigger offensive lines in the country. With a line that averages 6’4” 330 pounds the Bulldogs will try to establish themselves up front and overpower the smaller Boise State defense. The key to the Broncos success will rely on how well they can control the edge and establish a pass rush. Boise will hope to use their speed and blitzing packages to disrupt the Bulldogs offense.
Things to know:
Georgia returns 13 of 24 starters. They run a pro-style offense and a 3-4 defense. The Bulldogs did not beat a single ranked opponent last season.
Boise State will have 14 seniors starting for this year’s squad. Those seniors have only lost two games in their careers as Broncos. The Broncos have never beaten a SEC opponent.