Sparty over here: San Jose State WAC football preview

Part 4 of our WAC football preview is here. Today, I'm examining the oft-mediocre, but always scary, San Jose Stat Spartans. The Spartans have some intriguing transfers and returners, but you just never know what you're going to get with Tomey's boyz. Let's what they have to offer in 2008.

In 2003, Boise State defeated San Jose State in Boise by a score of 77-14...in regulation. To this day, it is the most points the Broncos have ever scored on an opponent. The following year in San Jose, the Broncos won 56-49 in overtime. These night-and-day type performances typify the play of the Spartans over the last few years...at times horrific...at other times terrific. What "ific" will they embrace this year? It is hard to say.

Sock it To-mey
Dick Tomey's sleepy demeanor pushed his Spartans to a 9-4 season in 2006 and a bowl win over New Mexico. The momentum for the Spartans was then so great that it catapulted them to a 5-7 season in 2007. Are you seeing a pattern yet? Tomey has been one thing since he took the reins of the Spartan program in 2005: Not Fitz Hill. He has guided his Spartans to new heights and par-for-the course lows in his brief tenure...but playing close-to-500 ball is what the Spartans do best. Tomey looks like he may just take a nap on the sidelines or during interviews at any moment—maybe his apathetic, Stan Laurel-like persona is what keeps the Spartans on such a milktoast even keel. We know the team can play...but when they decide to is a different story.

No O...no go
Losing your top tailback in the first game of the year is tough. When you have no capable backups for that injured tailback—it's real tough. This is the scenario that the Spartans faced last year. Star RB Yonus Davis went down in the Spartans opening game against Arizona State and never returned—neither did the Spartans rushing attack. The Spartans barely scratched the 1,000 yard rushing mark last year as a team...their top rusher had 331 yards on the year and 1 touchdown. This lack of a running game hampered the Spartans all year, and had it not been for the inspired play of WR Kevin Jurovich and the capable passing of senior Adam Tafralis, the Spartans may not have even been lucky enough to win the 5 games they did. However, for all of their offensive difficulties last season, the Spartans nearly toppled eventual champ Hawaii, dropped 51 points on New Mexico State and defeated a pretty good Nevada team in their finale. Not the type of year that Spartan fans had in mind, for sure, but no reason to push the panic button quite yet either. Yonus Davis returns to the backfield and Jurovich will be a threat...a little O can go a long way. The Spartans do have to replace 3-year starter Tafralis...but capable replacements abound in Myles Eden, Jordan LaSecla and Cal-transfer Kyle Reed. I doubt the Spartans will repeat their feat of getting shutout twice in one season, as they did against Stanford and Fresno State—but they have a little ways to go to trade offensive blows with the WAC's best.

Come one, come all
The welcome sign is always on and buzzing at Spartan Stadium, apparently, as they have drawn Pac-10 transfers with the greatest of ease. Besides the Cal-transfer on offense, the Spartans have added Coye Francies from Oregon State to their defensive secondary and more impressively, ex-USC defensive end Jeff Schweiger. Schweiger and Francies should make their presence known this season...the Spartans already had a pretty good secondary and the addition of Francies alongside all-WAC second team corner Chris Owens will soften the blow that Dwight Lowery's graduation/drafting dealt. Schweiger is a big boy and with a Trojan pedigree may wreak havoc on WAC O-lines. Heck, OBNUG thinks he may be the DPOY. Could be...but you gotta go through Ryan Winterswyk to get it, savvy?

Is a winning season so much to ask?
A winning season is never too much to ask...but is often too much to deliver. I think that the best-case scenario for the Spartans this year is a 7-5 record, but likely a 6-6 outing is in the tarot cards. I think they'll get by UC-Davis, SDSU and Utah State and then defeat NMSU, Idaho and La Tech. Fresno and Boise State have to come to the Bay...and I think the Spartans will put a scare into one of 'em (please, not Boise State again) but ultimately come up short. This is a big year for the Spartans and I think that even a .500 campaign will give them a nice boost after last years injury-plagued and disappointing season. After all is said and done, Dick Tomey will take a nice, long nap.

Hey Spartans, at least you don't have to deal with this tool anymore, right?


Previous previews:
Utah State preview
Idaho preview
New Mexico State preview

Guerrero back to Boise

Alex Guerrero, everyone's (mine) favorite DT is heading back to Boise via the great white north. Guerrero, who has been quite the journeyman in his two seasons away from the blue, has had stops in Seattle, Kansas City, Minnesota, NFL Europa and, most recently, with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the CFL. The Boise Burn have brought Guerrero on to help with potential playoff push. The Burn's regular season finale is this Saturday against the Spokane Shock. The Burn have never beaten the Shock, but if they win...they're in, so to speak. I think I speak for all Boiseans when I throw Alex a hearty "Welcome Back"...and maybe if your globetrotting days are over, hang around for a bit, huh?

Click HERE to backtrack and read FFBSU's exclusive Alex Guerrero interview from a little while back.

Deeper and deeper...way down

Wonder what was the driving force behind Nevada's inexplicable barrage at Bronco Stadium last year? Do you wonder why Luke Lippincott sliced through our defense in OT like he was sleepwalking...well, he might have been. It seems that Luke Lippincott is hypnotized before football games by his father, Dr. Demento Brian Lippincott. "Three or four" of his Wolf_space_pack teammates are "put under" as well by the good Dr. Lippincott, a psychologist at John F. Kennedy University(their motto: Ich bin ein undergrad). Luke explains:

"It's not follow the magic thing," Lippincott said. "Hypnotism, I like to think of it as just like getting your body in a totally relaxed state and thinking of a game-time situation to the point where you're in the game-time situation in a real-life game and you're calm."

Like, wow man.

And nothing unseemly about this:

Brian Lippincott travels to every game — home and away — and hypnotizes players in their hotel rooms.

No, Chris Hansen does not come out of a back room with cameras rolling.

Dr. Quack Lippincott also "helped out" prior to the New Mexico Bowl

Lippincott said his father hypnotized Nevada safety Uche Anyanwu prior to the New Mexico Bowl and asked the junior to envision stripping the ball from a running back. In the second quarter, Anyanwu did just that.

...he also hypnotized the entire Nevada offense and told them to envision scoring no points.

Now that we know about Nevada's ace in the hole, Chris Petersen has invited David Blaine to visit Boise State players before games to do some coin tricks.

Full STORY.

Rock on! Dinwiddie given the reins in Winnipeg

Ryan Dinwiddie is the starting quarterback, for now, of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Incumbent QB Kevin Glenn has been the starter for the Bombers since 2004, but has the team off to an 0-4 start this season while throwing only 2 TDs against 8 INTs. Dinwiddie will get his first start this Thursday against Calgary and will direct the offense (or 'offence' as those wacky Canucks spell it) indefinitely. Ironically, Dinwiddie has thrown 2 touchdowns against 8 INTs in his backup tenure with the Bombers. Dinwiddie's only previous start was in last year's Grey Cup (CFL Super Bowl)...a game that the Bomber's ultimately lost 23-19.

"I woke up today, and I was excited," Dinwiddie told the Winnipeg Sun. "Any time you're the starting quarterback, you're a lot more enthused to go out there, so I'm excited for the opportunity to go out there and play well."

We're excited for you too, Ryan...make the most of the opportunity.

TSN link

Broncos find their voice

So, after getting spurned by their top pick and overshooting their announcement date by over a week...it appears that Peak Broadcasting and Boise State has found their man.

This morning a cryptic anonymous message was left on my article about the Peak delay that said an announcement was forthcoming. Now, Idaho Radio News has posted a similarly cryptic headline-only article saying that indeed Peak and the Broncos have found their man. Bob Behler, the voice of the Umass Minutemen for the last 8 years, looks to be heir apparent to Paul J's throne. Behler, for the last 5 years, has also been the manager of broadcast properties at Umass. East coast Behler and his broadcast partners were honored as the Associated Press' Best Radio Play-by-Play in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for five of the last six years. Prior to becoming the UMass mainstay, Behler worked as the play-by-play announcer for Bucknell's various athletic programs.

The announcement of Behler's hiring ends months-long speculation about who KIDO would be placing in the booth. Behler has precious little time to get his act together as football season is fast approaching. We sincerely wish Behler the best and hope that Bronco fans still reeling from Paul J's departure will be able to find a little room in their hearts for "Bob B"...maybe it's too soon for a Paul J-esque moniker.

I, for one, am hoping that Paul J can take Behler under his wing to get him up to speed on the Broncos program that he knows so well. Maybe Paul J can teach him some of his "quainter" on-air antics as well.

Here's some 20-year old audio of Behler calling a Bucknell/Penn game if you really can't wait.

Here's some much more recent Behler audio as he does an NIT interview.

Ryan Clady about to be rich

Why do players leave school early? Two words: CHA CHING! Ryan Clady, Boise State's highest ever draft pick, and first ever to declare for the draft after his junior season (followed, in short order, by Orlando Scandrick) may be seeing up to an $11 million dollar package from the Denver Broncos. Denver's nine draft picks will be paid out an estimated $14 million in bonuses with Clady expected to gobble up around 80 percent of that sum.

It's your money, Ryan...but think how sweet this would sound: Cladyvision.

Denver Post

Fresno jurors not too bright

Despite getting saddled with the easiest court case ever, Fresno jurors were unable to reach a verdict in a multi-misdemeanor extravaganza featuring ex-Fresno State star DT Jason Shirley. A few days ago, I posted an article about Pat Hill "testifying" on Shirley's behalf to acknowledge that Shirley had received a concussion playing against Nevada last season. A Bulldog team doctor also testified about Shirley's egregious concussion that was apparently so severe that it made him back his car into an apartment building and then blow a .12 on a breathalyzer over a month after said "mild" concussion occurred.

I believe that I have a very basic knowledge of law...even a rudimentary understanding of the physiological effects of a concussion—but has anyone ever successfully used a month-old concussion as reason for a DUI, hit and run and driving on a suspended license? Well, Jason Shirley is halfway there after a jury deliberated THREE DAYS and were unable to reach a verdict. A mistrial has been declared...the jury has been declared to be idiotic and Jason Shirley is off to Cinncinnati to make up for lost time (until a retrial date is set)

Now, I have nothing against Jason Shirley. He was a fine player for Fresno State and I wouldn't even have dug up this story if he hadn't played for a WAC conference-mate...but this whole trial is so laughably symbolic of the sad state of the U.S. legal system that it is kinda sad. Pat Hill and a team doctor should not have gotten involved. A concussion can be a difficult thing to get over, but it does not inject alcohol into the bloodstream. Shirley's defense attorney, Charles Magill, baffled by the hung jury—had this gem of wisdom about the mistrial:

"They are making an example of him," Magill said.

Yes, they are making an example of him, Chuck. What would that example be exactly? You can call in star witnesses to a slam-dunk DUI proceeding and somehow be fortunate enough to receive a mistrial? Sounds about right.

Oh, and in the interest of full disclosure I should mention that in 2002, I received a mild concussion while playing a game of ultimate frisbee...then 3 months later I knocked over a Keybank. Them concussions is crazy.

Fresno Bee article

Ex-Bronco roundup

Yesterday. I ruminated on Gerald Alexander's Mother's day gift that made us all look bad...but what are the other ex-Broncos up to?

Orlando Scandrick, now a Dallas Cowboy, impressed in mini-camp, but is sitting out OTA's with an eye infection.

Ryan Clady already on his way to Canton?

"This one goes to eleven." Legedu Naanee changes numbers and solidifies his position.

Taylor Tharp gets a bit more competition in Carolina.

Daryn Colledge trying to fight off the competition in Green Bay.

Ryan Dinwiddie will fight to remain number 2.

TJ Acree traded to Argonauts. Does Jason know?

Also, trying to confirm reports that Marty Tadman has decided not to pursue an opportunity with the Jets and instead focus on the impending birth of his first child and his ministry.

Gerald Alexander loves his mom

Former Boise State defensive back, Gerald Alexander, who now plays for the Detroit Lions has a special bond with his mom. Gerald's mom moved to Boise to be near her son during his Boise State playing days and even opened up a Bronco-friendly Louisiana Fried Chicken franchise—now Gerald is showing his mom his commitment to her...by giving her a brand new Mercedes. A 2008 Mercedes CLS550, to be exact—fully loaded.

Gerald's gift was the second car he scouted for her...the first one he crashed on it's maiden voyage.

"Wham! I hit this lady," Alexander said. "I'm just thinking like, 'Did this really just happen?' It was obviously a shocking situation. I was telling everybody, 'How do you crash on a test drive?' "

Weird. We all thought that Alexander was better at Safety. A Mercedes CLS550 is about $80K...I got my mom a card.

Full Story

University of Idaho big in the UK...

...not that there's anything wrong with that.

Really?!

So Vandal coach and noted mustache-afficionado, Robb Akey, was asked about the recent NCAA sanctions against the University of Idaho that will strip the football team of 8 scholarships in 2008. First, Uncle Robb told mesmerized onlookers how he responded to the NCAA actions:

With dissatisfaction.With determination. And without regret.

Then added, "with fries, please", but was told that he'd have to pull around.

Akey, who is a cross between the dad from Family Ties and the neighbor from Office Space , went on to imply that the NCAA employed a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" framework for punishing offending institutions. This assertion, backed up by Rob Spear's ridiculous spin on the punishment shows that someone up north doesn't get it.

We lost retention and ultimately some eligibility points because we made decisions to protect the character of our athletic program

The punishment is not for kicking criminals off the team, but for having them on the team in the first place...furthermore, to paint every departure from the team as being due to "protecting the character of the athletic program" is just wrong. 7 Vandals were removed from the team for breaking laws or university policies, 5 were removed for sub-par academic progress, and the rest left due to dissatisfaction with the team or injury issues. Again, no one is punishing the university for kicking felons off the team, Rob(b)s, but rather, they are punishing the systematic neglect that has taken place over the last 7-8 years.

Robb Akey is not the reason that most of the bad eggs "found" their way onto the Vandal squad—and no one is accusing him of such. But to subtly accuse the NCAA of taking erroneous actions is sub-moronic. Akey said:

Go visit that campus. It will be very evident whether the coach is the problem, the school is the problem or things are being done to address the situation

Again...what?! No one said you were the problem, Robby...but the university has to answer for low APR regardless of how and when it occurred. If you really want to point the finger of blame, look no further than honcho Rob Spear, who signed, sealed and delivered a who's who of coaching ineptitude, shady fundraising practices, non-qualifiers and JC transfers to your doorstep. Spear is the common denominator in the last few coaching hires and recruit signings. And, oh yeah, the school is the problem.

But nice 'stache.

Statesman article

OBNUG explains blogging...

OBNUG has been on an absolute roll lately and this most recent salvo really hits the mark. Kevan Lee gives the local media a lesson on why bloggers will ultimately destroy them unless they can bring the goods with much more passion, conviction and singularity of vision.

Long live the Bronco blogs!

Clady is still a Bronco...

With the 12th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...the Denver Broncos drafted Boise State Junior O-lineman Ryan Clady making him the highest draft pick ever from Boise State and first player in school history to leave early for the NFL. Clady was the 2nd Offensive Tackle taken in the draft behind overall first pick Jake Long of Michigan. All of Bronco Nation wishes Ryan Clady the best with his new career...now you'll be part of another Bronco Nation and still close enough for some of us to come watch you play again.



OBNUG tracked down some video of Clady's pick

Be back tomorrow to blog about other Bronco draftees (hopefully).

Paul J gets his "gold watch"

After 35 years as the voice of the Broncos, Paul J was rewarded today for his service after getting the axe last month in a controversial switcheroo by Boise State University.

Paul J will be honored at half-time of the home opener as well as given lifetime family seats in the soon-to-be-opened pressbox which will also bear his name. In addition, Paul J's name will be affixed to a hefty football or basketball scholarship endowment and he will become eligible for Boise State's Hall of Fame with the next class.

Paul J's mustache may also be dipped in bronze and donated to the Smithsonian.

COMEUPPANCE!
Opportunistic OBNUG beats me to the punch!

Stadium expansion complete!

...on a bit smaller scale. Word on the street is that a Lincoln Logs concourse and a K'nex video board will be added in the next few days.

*Thanks to Sean Harris for this great Lego model.

Ryan Clady not memorable...

Some fellow who calls himself the "Sports Curmudgeon" doesn't think too highly of Ryan Clady. He recently wrote an article breaking down the upcoming NFL draft, and after watching one Boise State game (UNR at Boise State) last year he came up with the following thoughtful analysis:

By the way, I mentioned above that I watched the Nevada/Boise State game last season. I made no notes about Boise State tackle Ryan Clady. Some now think he is one of the top two or three offensive linemen in the entire draft. Sorry, but I just didn’t notice him…

Oh no! An anonymous blogger with no credentials watched the Nevada/Boise State game last year and didn't notice Ryan Clady! I'm sure that Clady's draft stock just plummeted.

Hey, Sports Curmudgeon...do you think that Clady's All-America honors were based on one game of his career? Do you think that the fact that you didn't make any notes on Clady mean he wasn't doing his job on the field? Most coaches would tell you that you don't want to "notice" an O-lineman during the game...this generally means that they are blocking their assignments and not jumping off-sides. Real analysts break down a LOT of tape to determine the quality of a player, then NFL teams hold a little thing called a combine, where said players are put through other rigorous tests. But you know best, right? I'm sure in a few weeks Ryan Clady will be browsing the internet and come across your draft insight about him and a solitary tear will run down his face...which he will promptly wipe away with a wad of $100 bills.

Sports Curmudgeon the next Kiper?

Bronco expansion gets a name

Boise State's stadium expansion got a name today—a name that mixes aliteration and pronunciation difficulties. Behold! The Stueckle Sky Club!

Prominent Boise businessman and major Boise State donor Duane Stueckle, along with his wife Lori have donated over $4.5 million to Boise State in recent history including a $1.5 million dollar contribution in October to establish a Biology endowed chair. Boise State has decided to honor the Stueckles (which is actually pronounced "stickles") with the naming rights to the new Bronco Stadium Sky Suites.

We look forward to the unveiling of the Velma Morrison broadcasting booth and Cost Less Carpet Stadium in the near future.

Statesman link

Poor "vision"

Over the next few weeks, I'll be discussing ways to improve the overall gameday atmosphere at Bronco Stadium. The Broncos don't lose often on the blue, and that is partially because of the huge homefield advantage gained by playing at Lyle Smith field...but there are certainly things we could all do to make that advantage even greater.

The video screen at Texas' Darrell K. Royal Stadium is known as "Godzillatron". By comparison, Boise State's video screen might well be called "Hapless Tokyo citizen". Bronco Stadium, whose north endzone is adorned with the aptly named "BroncoVision" video board, has had it's share of improvements and upgrades over the years. Yes, even the inclusion of the video board was a big step up from what the stadium used to have...but the time has come to upgrade BroncoVision...and in a big way.

Now, with new turf going in this summer and the pressbox/luxury suites invading the skyline, this offseason may not be the best one for a video board overhaul. But the paltry display that adorns Lyle Smith field right now simply cannot keep pace with the other stadium advancements. South endzone types must have the eyes of a fighter pilot to be able to see BroncoVision...and don't get me started on some of Bronco Stadium's...well...more seasoned fans (bluehairs). I don't want to squint anymore to realize that the refs need to be roundly booed.

We're not asking for a Godzillatron, Athletic Department, we'd settle for Mothra-tron or Megalon-tron. Just please give us something bigger than the CBH touchdown lounge.

Fresno State installed a 24' x 32' screen in '06, and we all know that Boise State's unofficial motto is "if Fresno State can do it, so can we". Dig deep Bronco fans, and let's help give BroncoVision the makeover it deserves.

The secret of Boise State's success?

Apparently the secret to Boise State's success may not be facilities, coaches or even recruiting. It appears that Boise State's incredible string of winning seasons is thanks to a small Kenyan man who doesn't know a thing about football. Hope the NCAA doesn't get wind of Boise State's "Kenyan connection".

Article

Oil prices up, corn prices up, ticket prices...

"With great success, comes great fan suffering" this quote comes from Sun Tzu in his 6th century B.C strategy guide the Art of College Football. Never has this great truth been more evident than the past few seasons of Bronco football where loyal fans have seen their season ticket prices raise steadily. Certain ticket packages have risen over 30% in the last two seasons alone. Upon hearing this news, I was introspective:

"What're you gonna do", said me, "it's not like I'm NOT gonna renew my tickets".

Still, getting my ticket renewal form in the mail on Wednesday was the happiest I've been to receive a bill since...well...ever.

Statesman story about ticket prices.