East Carolina Offense vs. Boise State Defense
The Pirates feature one of the best under-the-radar players in the nation in RB Chris Johnson, who is as versatile as they come. Johnson, who is averaging 5.8 yards per carry, possesses good vision and shows a nice burst once he locates a seam. That said, he'll face a stingy Bronco front seven that has held opponents to just 3.4 yards per carry, so he has his work cut out for him. It all starts up front where Boise State's defensive line is especially stout on the edges. DE Nick Schlekeway is a first-team all-conference player who has adequate size and plays with a mean streak. Opposite him, Mike T. Williams and Ryan Winterswyk rotate and have combined to record 14.5 tackles for loss.
East Carolina has rotated Rob Kass and Patrick Pinkney at quarterback, going with whomever has the hot hand and both have been adequate when called upon. Regardless of who lines up under center, the Pirates will look to the ball into the hands of go-to receiver Jamar Bryant. Bryant has 626 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. More importantly, he'll be working against a Bronco secondary that has been bitten by the injury bug. The time off before the game should give Boise State some time to heal, but how healthy this unit is come game day remains to be seen and the Pirates should be able to move the ball through the air if the Broncos are less than 100 percent. It's also important to note that the Bronco defense has to keep a keen eye on Johnson when East Carolina drops back to pass. Johnson is the team's second leading receiver and is dangerous after the catch.
Boise State Offense vs. East Carolina Defense
The Broncos' balanced attack features reliable RB Ian Johnson, an experienced offensive line led by All-American LOT Ryan Clady and emerging QB Taylor Tharp. Look for Boise State to lean on its line early in an effort to get one-time Heisman candidate Johnson into a groove early. This is a less than promising prospect for East Carolina. After all, the front four has been weakened by injuries and will by far be facing their toughest test of the year. Making matters worse, Johnson is a smart and instinctive runner who will make the most of his blockers.
Look for the Pirates' to try and bring pressure with a pass rush that is led by DEs C.J. Wilson and Zack Slate and try to force Tharp into errand throws and create some momentum changing turnovers. The only problem is Tharp has shown great accuracy along with decision-making throwing just nine interceptions on the year and East Carolina should have problems matching up with WR Jeremy Childs. Childs set a school record with 82 receptions this year to go along with his nine touchdown receptions. While the Pirates will likely line senior CB Travis Williams over Childs in an effort to slow him down, Williams isn't capable of holding his own on an island. Therefore, East Carolina is in a difficult position. Move a safety up to help out the run defense and risk giving up the big passing play or play the safeties deep and get gashed by the run.
Special Teams
Kyle Brotzman handles all of the kicking duties for the Broncos and has been productive in all three phases. Brotzman has connected on 15 of his 17 field goal attempts this year displaying adequate range with a long of 47 yards. He's been impressive with his punting averaging 45.1 yards per punt and placing eight of his 17 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. As far as kickoffs go, Brotzman has also handles that role well but the same can't be same for his cover team, which has struggled and faces the explosive Chris Johnson. Johnson is averaging 28.5 per kickoff return and has a 96-yard return for a touchdown this year.
East Carolina PK Ben Hartman has shown he has great range with a long of 52 yards this year, but his accuracy is a concern. Hartman has connected on just 11 of his 20 field goal attempts and is an abysmal four of ten from the 30-40 yard range. The good news he also handles the kickoffs and, not surprisingly, fared much better in that department. P Matt Dodge has shown great accuracy placing 24 of his 73 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. However, the struggling Pirates cover units have given up a combined four touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, Boise State PR Marty Tadman is averaging a respectable 8.4 yards per return and KOR Rashaun Scott has flashed big-play capability with a long return of 55 yards. With that in mind, Tadman and/or Scott will could provide the Broncos quality starting field position or even points.
Scouts' Edge
Boise State turned down an opportunity to play a much more credible opponent in Georgia Tech at home in the Humanitarian Bowl -- choosing instead to travel to Hawaii. In addition, this game has to viewed as a letdown for the Broncos' after playing in and winning a BCS Bowl last year. Keeping that in mind, look for a lackluster performance from the Broncos early on. This will open the door for East Carolina to stay in the game and turn this matchup into a shootout that should come down to the wire. In the end, however, it won't be enough for the Pirates. The Broncos' balanced offensive attack will prevail and escape from Honolulu with a win that might take an overtime or two to decide.
Prediction: Broncos 48, Pirates 45
The Pirates feature one of the best under-the-radar players in the nation in RB Chris Johnson, who is as versatile as they come. Johnson, who is averaging 5.8 yards per carry, possesses good vision and shows a nice burst once he locates a seam. That said, he'll face a stingy Bronco front seven that has held opponents to just 3.4 yards per carry, so he has his work cut out for him. It all starts up front where Boise State's defensive line is especially stout on the edges. DE Nick Schlekeway is a first-team all-conference player who has adequate size and plays with a mean streak. Opposite him, Mike T. Williams and Ryan Winterswyk rotate and have combined to record 14.5 tackles for loss.
East Carolina has rotated Rob Kass and Patrick Pinkney at quarterback, going with whomever has the hot hand and both have been adequate when called upon. Regardless of who lines up under center, the Pirates will look to the ball into the hands of go-to receiver Jamar Bryant. Bryant has 626 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. More importantly, he'll be working against a Bronco secondary that has been bitten by the injury bug. The time off before the game should give Boise State some time to heal, but how healthy this unit is come game day remains to be seen and the Pirates should be able to move the ball through the air if the Broncos are less than 100 percent. It's also important to note that the Bronco defense has to keep a keen eye on Johnson when East Carolina drops back to pass. Johnson is the team's second leading receiver and is dangerous after the catch.
Boise State Offense vs. East Carolina Defense
The Broncos' balanced attack features reliable RB Ian Johnson, an experienced offensive line led by All-American LOT Ryan Clady and emerging QB Taylor Tharp. Look for Boise State to lean on its line early in an effort to get one-time Heisman candidate Johnson into a groove early. This is a less than promising prospect for East Carolina. After all, the front four has been weakened by injuries and will by far be facing their toughest test of the year. Making matters worse, Johnson is a smart and instinctive runner who will make the most of his blockers.
Look for the Pirates' to try and bring pressure with a pass rush that is led by DEs C.J. Wilson and Zack Slate and try to force Tharp into errand throws and create some momentum changing turnovers. The only problem is Tharp has shown great accuracy along with decision-making throwing just nine interceptions on the year and East Carolina should have problems matching up with WR Jeremy Childs. Childs set a school record with 82 receptions this year to go along with his nine touchdown receptions. While the Pirates will likely line senior CB Travis Williams over Childs in an effort to slow him down, Williams isn't capable of holding his own on an island. Therefore, East Carolina is in a difficult position. Move a safety up to help out the run defense and risk giving up the big passing play or play the safeties deep and get gashed by the run.
Special Teams
Kyle Brotzman handles all of the kicking duties for the Broncos and has been productive in all three phases. Brotzman has connected on 15 of his 17 field goal attempts this year displaying adequate range with a long of 47 yards. He's been impressive with his punting averaging 45.1 yards per punt and placing eight of his 17 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. As far as kickoffs go, Brotzman has also handles that role well but the same can't be same for his cover team, which has struggled and faces the explosive Chris Johnson. Johnson is averaging 28.5 per kickoff return and has a 96-yard return for a touchdown this year.
East Carolina PK Ben Hartman has shown he has great range with a long of 52 yards this year, but his accuracy is a concern. Hartman has connected on just 11 of his 20 field goal attempts and is an abysmal four of ten from the 30-40 yard range. The good news he also handles the kickoffs and, not surprisingly, fared much better in that department. P Matt Dodge has shown great accuracy placing 24 of his 73 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. However, the struggling Pirates cover units have given up a combined four touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, Boise State PR Marty Tadman is averaging a respectable 8.4 yards per return and KOR Rashaun Scott has flashed big-play capability with a long return of 55 yards. With that in mind, Tadman and/or Scott will could provide the Broncos quality starting field position or even points.
Scouts' Edge
Boise State turned down an opportunity to play a much more credible opponent in Georgia Tech at home in the Humanitarian Bowl -- choosing instead to travel to Hawaii. In addition, this game has to viewed as a letdown for the Broncos' after playing in and winning a BCS Bowl last year. Keeping that in mind, look for a lackluster performance from the Broncos early on. This will open the door for East Carolina to stay in the game and turn this matchup into a shootout that should come down to the wire. In the end, however, it won't be enough for the Pirates. The Broncos' balanced offensive attack will prevail and escape from Honolulu with a win that might take an overtime or two to decide.
Prediction: Broncos 48, Pirates 45
