Boise State's dominance linked to execution

Cheap Seats by Zack Walton

BOISE, Idaho—If Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez calls the New York Yankees his “daddy,” then maybe Pat Hill and Fresno State should call Boise State their daddy.

For the fourth consecutive season, Fresno State football has lost to the Broncos. During those four losses, Boise State has not just beaten the Bulldogs, but has beaten them up by a combined score of 166-84.

Although this loss has dropped the Bulldogs to 0-3 in Western Athletic Conference play, and into a tie for last place with Tulsa, this was not Fresno State’s most disappointing loss to Boise State.

In 2001, Fresno State hosted the Broncos as the eighth-ranked team in the nation, only to be upset by Boise State 35-30 and have their dreams of busting the Bowl Championship Series dissipated.

That was the first meeting between the two teams as WAC opponents and Fresno State has yet to beat the Broncos in four games. Since that game, Boise State has taken over as the dominant force in the conference, going 26-1, including 22 consecutive WAC victories.

“[Boise State] is a better football team than Kansas State or Washington,” Hill said. “They were definitely a better team [than us Saturday] and we have a way to go to catch them.”

What is it that makes Boise State so much better than Fresno State? One word.

“Execution,” Fresno State defensive end Garrett McIntyre said. “They’re not the most physical guys, they’re not the strongest guys, they’re not the biggest guys, but they play hard and they execute and make plays.”

And whether it is the offense, or defense, the response is the same across the board.

“They out-execute us,” offensive tackle Logan Mankins said. “They play their assignments the way their coaches tell them to and I’m not to sure we do.”

Boise State has had the most efficient offense in the conference since joining the WAC in 2001. And it starts with the quarterback.

From 2001 to 2003, Ryan Dinwiddie ran the Broncos offense perfectly and retired as the NCAA’s passing efficiency career record holder at 168.79. In three seasons as the starter, Dinwiddie passed for 9,819 yards and 82 touchdowns against only 20 interceptions, while leading the Broncos to a 33-6 record.

Now the Broncos signal caller is quarterback Jared Zabransky. The sophomore earned the job in camp earlier this year and has led Boise State to a perfect 7-0 record, a 4-0 conference record, and a No. 18 national ranking.

Zabransky has an efficiency rating of 150.4 and has thrown for 1,803 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Now switch sides. Fresno State, now 3-3, has dropped three straight games and is in several danger of not making a bowl appearance for the first time since 1998.

The leader of the offense, quarterback Paul Pinegar has struggled with efficiency this season, tossing 12 interceptions versus six touchdowns.

During his first two seasons, Pinegar was labledas an efficient passer, able to find a way to win. But after three straight losses, and an abundance of turnovers, Pinegar and the offense must find a way to get back on the track to good execution.

“I still think we have a really good football team, we are just a little snake bit right now,” Hill said.