Nhat V. Meyer / McClatchy Tribune

SAN JOSE – Boise State is still undefeated, but the Broncos are far from perfect.

In what is becoming a consistent refrain for this bunch, Boise State managed another victory, this time against a game San Jose State unit, with a less-than-stellar performance.

The final score 33-16 will look impressive enough, as Boise State tacked on 10 points in the final six minutes as it pulled away. But Boise State has more things left to work on than any undefeated team in the nation.

At 7-0, the Broncos are more than halfway to their third undefeated regular season in five years. But, outside of their 49-7 pasting of Idaho State in the opener, the Broncos have yet to put a complete game together, a “Wowâ€Â game.

The type, unfortunately in this college football system, you need to impress the voters who decide where to rank teams and, as a result, what bowl game programs get invited to.

At 7-0, do you give the Broncos credit for finding ways to win without their “Aâ€Â game? Or do you start to wonder if these Broncos will ever truly figure it out?

The Broncos that appeared on ESPN2 on Friday night were not the confident, swaggering, point-scoring team that they̢۪ve been in the past. This team felt much more uncertain, seemingly sweating out each drive offensive and defensive. You almost had to remind yourself that Boise State never trailed in the game.

Nhat V. Meyer / McClatchy Tribune

Some will be able to chalk it up to San Jose, the Broncos̢۪ personal purgatory, where undefeated seasons of 2004 and 2006 nearly ended. Chalk it up to something about the sod at Spartan Stadium.

Except this seems to be Boise State̢۪s norm this year, flashes of potential followed by head-shaking signs of futility.

Friday night was no different.

The Broncos had to be ecstatic about the hard-nosed running of tailback Jeremy Avery, who with 96 yards came oh-so-close to being the first Bronco to rush for 100 yards this season, and the amazing hands of wide receiver Austin Pettis, who secured six balls for 69 yards, including the Broncos̢۪ first touchdown.

They had to celebrate Ian Johnson̢۪s two rushing touchdowns and several huge blitz pick-ups. But Johnson might have had the record earlier, he now has 51 career rushing touchdowns, had he not fumbled on the goalline in the second quarter, a play that helped allow San Jose State hang around into the fourth quarter.

The Spartans handed out yellow t-shirts to the first 5,000 fans in attendance, and attracted one of their largest crowds ever. There is no truth to the rumor they handed extra yellow flags to the officials.

Boise State was flagged 11 times for 100 yards. San Jose State picked up 11 for 101 yards. The Broncos had two long returns negated by penalties in the kicking game. Safety Jeron Johnson picked up two personal fouls, including one on third down that sustained a San Jose State touchdown drive.

Freshman quarterback Kellen Moore, hit more in this game than in any game previously, threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown and fumbled after running the Broncos out of field goal range.

Despite holding San Jose State to 207 yards, 60 of it on one touchdown run, the Broncos couldn̢۪t put their foes away until late in the fourth quarter.

Through seven games most teams have crafted an identity. These Broncos have created theirs: A undefeated team that makes it harder on themselves, one that is often battling two opponents each week.

By Brian Murphy / McClatchy Tribune