The Boise State special teams unit isn’t on the field as much as its offense or defense, but can make a big impact in those few plays.
For a long, long time the Broncos have put an emphasis on special teams, and this season the kicking game has not disappointed.
Whether its kicking a field goal or a punt or blocking a kick, special teams isn’t always a time for fans to make a bathroom run.
“Coaches have always talked about putting the best guys on the field, and that’s what they do on special teams, too,”
junior receiver Jeremy Childs said. “Even if a guy plays on offense or defense, he’s a playmaker and he can do it in the kicking game, too.”
Kicker Kyle Brotzman has hit 9-of-12 field goals this season and has hit all 27 of his extra point attempts. He also is the team’s primary punter, averaging 46.2 yards per punt.
Brotzman’s leg, combined with his unorthodox rugby-style punting has the Broncos ranked No. 5 in the NCAA in net punting average (40.22 yards).
“I think that just says a lot about how important special teams is here,”
Brotzman said. “A good kick, good blocking and good coverage all goes into that.”
When lining up against a kick, the Broncos are about as dangerous as anyone. Boise State has blocked two field goals and two punts — opponents have made only 2-of-8 field goal attempts this season.
Those two blocked punts were courtesy of Ian Johnson and Jeremy Childs — the school’s all-time rushing TD leader and single-season reception leader, respectively.
“I think it also gives credence to our statement belief that we play our best guys on special teams,”
head coach Chris Petersen said. “... I think when Ian and Jeremy and those type of guys are out there making plays and playing on all of them, it really does help that whole team concept and shows guys how to win — it’s not just offense and defense.”
Both of the Broncos’ blocked punts led to immediate scores — Johnson’s against Idaho State gave the Broncos the ball at ISU’s 12-yard line and led to a touchdown three plays later. Childs’ block against San Jose State led to Boise State’s first score of the game on a 14-yard drive.
Not a lot of teams are keen on putting their best players out on the field on special teams, but the Broncos wear it as a badge of honor.
“It can change the momentum on one play,”
Childs said. “It’s actually a good feeling to know the coaches think you can contribute in another way and that you have the ability to change the game around.”
Players from both sides of the ball and veterans combine with youngsters like running back Doug Martin (seven special teams tackles) and Shea McClellin (blocked field goal against Oregon) on special teams, letting some guys play along one another who normally would not.
“It’s exciting, because I’m out there on the front line on kickoff returns, blocking big guys right alongside Ellis (Powers), my cousin, and I don’t normally get to play next to guys like that, so it’s a lot of fun,”
Childs said.
The Broncos still have their Ia Falo-type special teamers like walk-on safety Travis Stanaway, but also have the unique dynamic of putting their top playmakers on special teams.
Petersen has long spoken of former linebacker Korey Hall’s special teams abilitiy, and now can speak of even more versatile standout.
“Mindset-wise, we might have an advantage when guys look across and say ‘what’s the starting wide receiver doing over there?’ we have the mindset that we’re the all-star team,”
Johnson said.
One-sided affair?
Boise State has played New Mexico State eight times in the schools’ history and the Broncos have won every time.
There’s been quite a difference between games in Las Cruces and Boise. Bold games were played at Aggie Memorial:
Nov. 16, 1996: Boise State 33, New Mexico St. 32 (Broncos’ first win over D-IA team)
Oct. 11, 1997: Boise State 52, New Mexico State 10
Nov. 7, 1998: Boise State 55, New Mexico State 51
Nov. 13, 1999: Boise State 45, New Mexico State 26
Oct. 28, 2000: Boise State 34, New Mexico State 31
Nov. 5, 2005: Boise State 56, New Mexico State 6
Oct. 15, 2006: Boise State 40, New Mexico State 28
Oct. 7, 2007: Boise State 58, New Mexico State 0
