College Football Preview: 22. Boise State Broncos

22. Boise State Broncos Returning Starters: 9 Returning Star: WR Matt Miller Key Loss: QB Kellen Moore Player to Watch: QB Joe Southwick It seems like a Bronco tradition to win games and they still should even without quarterback Kellen Moore. It seems that the man to replace Moore, maybe the best Boise quarterback ever, is junior Joe Southwick. Southwick, a two-year backup, has the tools to become the next great quarterback. He has an accurate arm and can also throw deep balls. He has the receivers to have a breakout first year as starter. Back is sophomore Matt Miller who caught 62 balls in his freshman year. He has good size and he has fantastic hands. Also back is senior Mitch Burroughs who has the experience and smarts. Junior Geraldo Boldewijn could have a big 2012 and sophomore Dallas Burroughs is improving. Tight end Gabe Linehan caught five touchdowns last season and should help Southwick mature. The ground game is without Doug Martin a bigger loss then people may think. Senior D.J. Harper is likely the one to replace Martin. He can make big plays but he is not proven as an every-down back. Senior Drew Wright should also make plays for Boise State. This offensive line is solid and experienced. Junior tackles Charles Leno could have a big junior season. Senior guard Joe Kellogg has the talent to become one of the best offensive linemen in the Mountain West. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has his work cut out for him losing most of this defense. The line lost talented Shea McClellin and Billy Winn. Tackle Mike Atkinson is huge and should dominate. JUCO transfer Demarcus Lawrence could end up being this team's top pass rusher. Gone is Byron Hout which leaves this linebacker postition razor thin. Senior J.C. Percy is the only returner. He should lead the Broncos in tackles as he has the speed and athleticism. Sophomore Blake Renaud will handle plays in the middle. The secondary is the best unit on defense headlined by cornerbacks Jamar Taylor and Jerrell Gavins who provide a lethal combo. Both are experienced and Gavins led this squad with interceptions in 2011. With no TCU in this conference the Broncos should be a lock to win the Mountain West crown. Heisman Hopeful: Joe Southwick Mountain West Rank: 1st