Tech faces stiff test at Boise State

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Boise State coach Chris Petersen's wish list for getting off to a fast start against Louisiana Tech in today's nationally televised game on ESPN revolves around stopping one thing.


"I'd have to say explosive plays. They're an explosive team. That's their style of play," Petersen said. "Pound in there, pound in there. It doesn't look like a lot, then they hit you with a fast receiver."

The 17th-ranked Broncos (3-0) are proud owners of six consecutive victories over the Bulldogs (2-1), and Boise has won 34 consecutive games on the blue turf against league foes. Tech is hoping to change that tonight when the game kicks off at 7.

"It'll certainly be a challenge for our team as it has been for every other WAC team that hasn't beaten Boise at Boise," Tech coach Derek Dooley said. "They certainly deserve all the attention and notoriety that they've gotten. They're like all championship teams "? they're very good at everything and have very few weaknesses. It's a challenge for our team to go up there and compete."

For the Bulldogs to have a chance at the upset, they'll have to continue the dynamic special teams play they've received in two of their three games this season. But that's something Petersen will be watching for.

"Coach Dooley is an old special teams coordinator himself. And anytime a coach has a specialty, or area of interest, you know they're going to be good," Petersen said. "Coming from his dad and Nick Saban, kinda that old school how to win, special teams are going to be a huge part. And you can see that in how they play and the emphasis they put on it, so it'll be a good challenge for our special teams."

In last year's meeting between the two rivals, Tech hung with the Broncos for more than three quarters, tying the game at 24-24 with about 10 minutes to play in the third quarter. Four turnovers contributed to the Bronco's eventual 45-31 win after they scored three unanswered touchdowns late.

But Peterson knows the Bulldogs are a dangerous team.

"They have players who can change the game at the snap of a finger on both sides of the ball," Petersen said. "A lot of speed. Speed is such a scary thing. One guy can make an error and the other guys can't make up for him."

And the Bronco coaching staff will keep a close eye on Tech's Phillip Livas, who is averaging 163 all-purpose yards per game despite playing twice against BCS opponents.

"Livas is very good player. Not only is he fast, but he has that football speed where he's shifty as well," Petersen said. "And they do a good job of getting him the ball on special teams and at receiver."

Tech is giving up just 93 rushing yards per game, but will be tested by Boise's Ian Johnson, who has a chance to end his career as the all-time WAC leader in rushing touchdowns, touchdowns scored, points scored and rushing.

Johnson has yet to break the 100-yard barrier this season but is averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

"Tech hard to run against. They get those safeties involved and it's tough," Petersen said. "They were tough for us to run against last year. It was quite a dogfight until that fourth quarter. Then we made a couple of plays to make it look different than it really was."

 

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Ian Johnson eyes breakout game on his favorite stage - ESPN




Perhaps an ESPN appearance is precisely what Ian Johnson needs. Boise State's star tailback - possibly the most analyzed player in the program's history - is still seeking his first breakout game this season as whispers persist that he is not the same runner who busted onto the scene in 2006.

Johnson, who rushed for 1,713 yards and 25 touchdowns on 277 carries in the Broncos' unbeaten '06 campaign, is on pace for 896 yards and 186 carries this year. His last 100-yard game came last year against Idaho, a five-game drought, by far the longest of his career.

Despite the numbers, Johnson and his coaches insist the senior is a better player than he was in 2006. His role has changed, his carries have diminished, but his skills are just as good.

"I'm a better back. I have a better understanding of the game. I have more skills and more attributes than I had that year," said Johnson, who finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting in '06. "Now it's a different role and teams are trying to approach us differently."

There are other changes. The Broncos' offensive line no longer contains NFL first-round pick Ryan Clady. Boise State is running more one-back sets. Johnson's pass protection and pass receiving skills have improved, allowing him to remain on the field in obvious passing situations.

"Is he a better runner? We're in a different scheme to be honest with you. But he is a better complete football player. There's no doubt in my mind," running back coach Jeff Choate said.

Unlike in the past two seasons, Johnson is returning kicks and playing on the punt return unit. He has blocked one punt and forced Oregon into a 3-yard punt, setting up a Bronco TD.

"There's no question at least two out of three of the games, he has impacted on special teams alone. That's really the bottom line," Boise State coach Chris Petersen said. "We need impact players to change the course of the game."

Johnson is hoping he still has a few game-changing performances left on offense. The Broncos' improved depth at tailback has led to fewer attempts for Johnson, a good thing given the pounding he has taken in previous years.

"Those opportunities will come, but those weren't the situations we needed so far. We didn't need to have me rush for 150 yards and lose the game," said Johnson, who is one rushing TD shy of Brock Forsey's school record of 50.

"We needed (quarterback) Kellen (Moore) to step up. We needed to be able to run the ball without fumbling. We needed to keep them honest enough for the play-action to work and get the game going and get Kellen going. We needed to be solid in pass protection. Those were the things that were needed."

ESPN, however, has always brought out the best in Johnson. In eight games as the Broncos' featured back on ESPN or ESPN2, Johnson has six 100-yard games, including two 200-yard games. He has scored 23 of his 50 total career touchdowns in those games. Wednesday's game with Louisiana Tech will be the first of four Boise State games on the ESPN family of networks.

"A lot of the linemen, the funny guys on the team, say I do my best on nationally televised games," Johnson said. "... We'll see if I can go out and bust a 200-yard game and prove them right."

Don't bet against it. Among everything else, Johnson has always had a sense of the moment - his finest skill. This is another moment to embrace.

Enjoy it because just a few remain in one of the most remarkable careers in Boise State history.