WHERE ARE YOU ON THE MEASURING STICK: BOISE ST.-USF PREVIEW
Written by Ian Gibson
The USF Bulls will open their 2025 season with another high-quality opponent. It is hard to remember the last time USF had a stretch before conference play where they had favorable matchups at the beginning of the year. Boise State, fresh off their college football playoff run to go along with their Mountain West championship, comes to Tampa as they will meet each other for the first time in both programs’ history. For the Bulls program, they are trying to get where Boise State is currently; a force in the group of six conferences. There will be no better measuring stick for Alex Golesh and USF then how they compare to the very best in the group of six. Will USF come thundering out of the gates? Or will they be the victim to the Broncos’ statement that they are just as good as they were last year.
Byrum Brown makes his long awaited return as USF’s starting quarterback. Brown’s mobility will be key to how well the offense runs. Read option plays with running backs Cartevious Norton and Alvon Isaac will try to confuse the Bronco defense in the flow of motion from the offensive line. The offensive line was an issue last season but with portal transfers plugged in they should be improved, but face a monster test in their first game. Boise State’s edge rushers are some of the best in the country. Lead by All-Mountain West Jayden Virgin-Morgan, the O-Line needs to shift the motion during the read plays or RPO to give Brown and the running backs time to breathe and make the big play. Speed at the wide receiver will be a crux for the passing game for the Bulls. That is where Jaden Alexis and his ability to beat defenders off the line will be needed most. Slant patterns will be the most effective concept. If the O-Line does break down too fast, Brown is going to need to get the ball out quickly to Alexis and other receivers, notably Keshaun Singleton and Chas Nimrod. One other detail is how well will the offense run the up tempo hurry up offense. UNLV with their similar Go-Go offense, was able to get over 300 yards of offense on Boise State in both of their matchups last year. However, the Broncos were still able to force back breaking turnovers, so this offense is not foreign to Boise State’s defense. How effective the offensive line will hold on the read and RPO plays will be the deciding factor on if USF can drive down the field in bunches. Or result in several three and outs.
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The Bulls defense is going to determine if they can really face the music and actually pull the upset. Boise State will be moving on from Heisman finalist running back Ashton Jeanty. The Broncos have historically been a run first team and likely will continue that model into 2025. Sire Gaines, the redshirt freshman and Fresno State transfer Malik Sherrod, will be in the backfield for Boise State this season. That is where the linebacking corps, lead by Jhalyn Shuler, will have to take charge on defense. Slowing the run game down is critical. USF did good enough most games last year to prevent big runs. However, giving up an average of 167 yards per game will need to be improved this season. That will not be the problem for USF. The real question will be how well they do against the pass. The goal is to force the Broncos into passing situations which they have not been used to. Veteran quarterback Maddux Madsen returns to Boise State and this is where we bring up the most intriguing stat for both teams that will decide the game. USF was winless against teams where they completed over 60% of their passes. Madsen’s completion percentage was only 62% in 2024. If USF is going to get stops and maintain a lead, they will need to give Madsen as much trouble as possible. The Bulls will be as hard hitting as any team in the country and getting in Madsen’s face and using spy packages, not for preventing him from running, but to effect his vision in finding easy completions, will be the utmost of importance. How well the secondary will be in man coverage as well will be their first big test of the year. Cornerback De’Shawn Rucker will be asked a lot; mainly sticking to receivers and not being beat from behind. High percentage pass plays is what Boise State will be looking to capitalize on. So either from pressure or coverage, the Bulls need to find a way to prevent Madsen from finding the open target. If USF can control the middle of the field on defense and keep Boise State away from third and manageable, they will get the necessary stops. But will they get enough?
Both teams will be looking to prove themselves in this game. Boise State wants to show they can pick up right where they left off. While USF is eyeing an upset and the first ranked win since 2016, Boise State has currently the better roster and pedigree. And for USF, the hope would be the Broncos overlook this game. But Boise State as a program rarely does that. They are disciplined and focused and will rarely let any outside elements interfere with them. USF wants to win but the Broncos know how to win. And if it comes down to the wire, Boise State can certainly find a way to escape back to Idaho with a win.
PREDICTION: Boise St. 31-25
CHRIS’ PREDICTION: USF 28-24
