Boise State Running Back: A Legacy of Excellence and Dominance

Introduction

In the annals of college football, the Boise State Broncos have carved a niche for themselves as a formidable force, renowned for their high-octane offense and unparalleled running game. The running back position has been a cornerstone of the Broncos' success, producing a lineage of exceptional athletes who have left an indelible mark on the gridiron.

Historical Dominance

Boise State has consistently ranked among the nation's top rushing teams, averaging over 300 yards per game in recent seasons. This remarkable consistency is a testament to the talent and depth of the Broncos' backfield.

• Since 2010, the Broncos have had three seasons with over 2,000 rushing yards as a team.
• In 2019, they led the FBS with 3,613 rushing yards, averaging 257.7 yards per game.

The Broncos' Running Back Factory

The Broncos' coaching staff has a knack for identifying and developing exceptional running backs. Several notable players have emerged from Boise State, including:

• Ian Johnson (2004-07): FBS record holder for rushing touchdowns in a season (25)
• Doug Martin (2010-11): NFL Pro Bowler and leading rusher for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Jay Ajayi (2012-14): All-American and NFL Pro Bowler
• Alexander Mattison (2016-18): Current Minnesota Vikings running back

Key Attributes

The Boise State running backs possess a unique combination of speed, power, and agility that makes them a potent threat on the ground.

• Speed: Broncos running backs typically have blazing 40-yard dash times, enabling them to break away from defenders and create big plays.
• Power: Despite their smaller frames, Boise State backs boast impressive strength and can shed tackles with ease.
• Agility: The Broncos' backs are renowned for their quick feet and ability to change direction on a dime, making them difficult to bring down.

Offensive Scheme

The Broncos' offensive scheme, known as the "Air Raid," is predicated on a high-tempo passing attack. However, the running game remains an integral part of the Broncos' arsenal, as it complements the passing game and keeps defenses honest.

• Draw Plays: Boise State uses draw plays to deceive defenses and exploit gaps created by the passing game.
• Option Runs: Option runs give the quarterback the option to hand off the ball to the running back or keep it himself, keeping the defense guessing.
• Counter Runs: Counter runs involve a misdirection play where the running back goes against the flow of the play, confusing defenders.

Impact on Team Success

The effectiveness of the Broncos' running game has significantly contributed to their team's success.

• 21 consecutive bowl games: Boise State has appeared in 21 straight bowl games (2002-2022), a school record.
• 5 Mountain West Championships: The Broncos have won five Mountain West Championships (2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014).
• National Rankings: Boise State has been ranked in the AP Top 25 for 95 consecutive weeks (2006-2013), the eighth-longest streak in FBS history.

Current Running Backs

The Broncos' current running back stable includes several talented athletes:

• George Holani: Senior running back and returning starter with over 1,000 rushing yards in 2022.
• Ashton Jeanty: Sophomore running back with impressive speed and agility.
• Keaon Johnson: Freshman running back considered a rising star with great potential.

Future Outlook

The future of the Boise State running game looks bright with a promising pipeline of talented recruits and a proven track record of developing elite running backs. The Broncos' commitment to a high-octane offense and skilled position players will ensure that the running game remains a cornerstone of their success for years to come.

Stories and Lessons

1. The Cinderella Story of Ian Johnson

Ian Johnson arrived at Boise State as a walk-on and quickly became one of the most prolific running backs in college football history. In 2007, he set the FBS record for rushing touchdowns in a season (25) and led the Broncos to an undefeated season and a Fiesta Bowl victory.

Lesson: Hard work, determination, and belief in oneself can lead to remarkable achievements.

2. The Resilience of Doug Martin

Doug Martin battled injuries throughout his career, but he never gave up. In 2012, he rushed for over 1,400 yards and earned NFL Pro Bowl honors.

Lesson: Perseverance and resilience are essential ingredients for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

3. The Explosive Rise of Jay Ajayi

Jay Ajayi was not a highly touted recruit, but he quickly became a star at Boise State. In his final season (2014), he rushed for over 1,800 yards and won All-American honors.

Lesson: Natural talent and exceptional coaching can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

Effective Strategies

1. Establish a Strong Running Game: A solid running game forces the defense to respect the run, which opens up play-action passes and other offensive options.

2. Utilize Draw Plays: Draw plays can keep the defense honest and create big gains by catching them off guard.

3. Diversify Running Styles: Having a mix of running backs with different skill sets allows for greater versatility in the play-calling.

Pros and Cons of Boise State's Running Game

Pros:

• High-scoring offense: The running game complements the Broncos' passing attack, creating an explosive offensive unit.
• Physicality: Boise State backs are known for their toughness and ability to gain tough yards.
• Versatility: The Broncos' running backs can contribute in various ways, including rushing, receiving, and pass blocking.

Cons:

• Size: Some opponents may have a size advantage in the trenches, which can impact the running game.
• Injuries: Running backs are susceptible to injuries due to the physical nature of their position.
• Predictability: If teams can't stop the running game, the Broncos may become one-dimensional on offense.

Tables

Table 1: Boise State Running Backs with 1,000+ Rushing Yards in a Season

Table 2: Boise State Running Backs in the NFL

Table 3: Boise State Offense with and without a Strong Running Game