The most efficient passing game in Boise State school history does not belong to Kellen Moore, the quarterback who left the Broncos with a 50-3 record as their starter, the all-time Football Bowl Subdivision record for wins.
It belongs to Joe Southwick, his successor and the guy the Fresno State defense will oppose at Bulldog Stadium Friday night.
Southwick, in his second year as the Broncos’ starter behind center, completed 23 of 27 passes — 93 percent — in Boise State’s 42-20 win over Air Force last Friday.
It’s one performance that’s made evident the strides the senior has made in an offense the Fresno State coaching staff said has improved since the last time they played — when the Broncos won 20-10 at home last season.
“I think he’s much more poised … much more comfortable,” Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter said.
“To this point, they’re the best offense we’ve played,” defensive coordinator Nick Toth said.
And it starts with the progress Southwick has made in a more “simplified” offense centered on a balanced attack.
“The last couple of games he’s started to get into a better rhythm,” Boise State coach Chris Petersen said of Southwick in a teleconference.
“The first half of the season last year was up and down [for Southwick]. And then the second part of the season, he started to settle in and play more consistently. He’s had a pretty good spring ball and summer.
“In the first game, he probably didn’t perform as well as we hoped and liked. We’re splitting hairs here. It’s not like he did poorly.”
The Broncos offense features a physical wide receiver group headlined by 6-foot-3-inch receivers Matt Miller and Kirby Moore (younger brother to Kellen). The duo has accounted for 37 receptions and 325 receiving yards. Boise State’s wideouts provide a similar challenge to what the Bulldogs had to prepare for in their win against Rutgers.
“These guys have a little bit less speed, but they’re more physical, a little thicker,” Toth said. “And they’re just using them differently. We have to match them. They have a bunch of talent.”
Running back Jay Ayaji leads the Broncos’ run attack, rushing for 298 yards and six touchdowns (four of them against Air Force) this season and has helped balance Boise State’s offensive attack.
Part of Soutwick’s success against Air Force was bolstered by the Broncos running game, with most of his passes going for short gains — the longest one going for 33.
Fresno State has taken note.
“Southwick’s done a great job all season of being efficient and being productive with that offense,” said Bulldogs safety Derron Smith. “They’re hitting a lot of quick passes, so we’re going to have to get our corners up a little closer to try to stop that.”