defense
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Game preview: Boise State looks to solidify themselves as CFP frontrunners in battle of the Broncos
- Through its first three 2026 games, Boise State allowed explosive plays on 12% of defensive plays, a rate this preview ranks 133rd in the FBS. This is a measured early vulnerability, not a prediction that Western Michigan will produce explosives at the same rate.
- Boise State DL Max Stege had 13 pressures, tied for 11th nationally, and an article-cited 72.6 PFF run-defense grade through three 2026 games. Those are current individual results, not a promise of his Western Michigan workload or production.
- Boise State RB Dylan Riley had forced 19 missed tackles, ranked eighth nationally, and stood second nationally in rushing yards entering the Western Michigan game, per this Sept. 25 preview. Its 25-30-carry suggestion depends on Sire Gaines' uncertain status and is not an announced workload.
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Gameday Availability Report
- KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Boise State's gameday availability report for today's contest against Western Michigan is below.
- All Pac-12 availability reports can be found at Pac-12.com QUESTIONABLE Sire Gaines , RB OUT Sam Brooks , LB
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Q & A
- QB/LB: What's your thoughts on why our pass defense has been so bad over the last 5 years.
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Mitigating Risk Hyper-focus
- Pick/market: I wish they would go back and watch how create the coaches were to get SWR the ball, QB has elite speed that is waisted on running 3-4 go routes a game
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Boise State coaches talk explosive plays - both on defense and offense - ahead of Western Michigan matchup
- Erik Chinander said Boise State will compete for defensive roles this week across the secondary, linebackers and front. Jaden Mickey can play inside or outside, and Kyle Hall must keep competing after his first start; no final position move or starting lineup was announced.
- Chinander said Boise State has called few mixed-down pressures this season and is evaluating how to create more pressure while correcting explosive-pass breakdowns. Options include coverage changes, four-man rush variations and added blitzes; these are under review, not installed changes.
- Spencer Danielson said Boise State's starting right tackle missed practice time after getting banged up but retains the starting job. Kyle Cox's game reps were part of building offensive-line depth, not an announced demotion of the starter.
- Danielson said Cam Bates remains Boise State's No. 1 punt returner for now, with Jeremiah Lane also in contention. After the South Dakota error, the staff will use tougher decision-making situations in practice and evaluate how both respond before settling the role.
- Nate Potter said Boise State has called downfield shots, but execution and timing of those calls need improvement. South Dakota's defense limited deep opportunities while the run game worked; Potter did not say the offense was deliberately withholding a different package for a later opponent.
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- Pick/market: We've got the snap counts from Boise State's 38-24 win over South Dakota.
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Defensive ranks
- Offense: Not overly concerned on the offense side just yet with the way we have run the ball the last two weeks.
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- Defense: There have only been 8 plays in college football this season to go for at least 80 yards.
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- KICKER: The game was closer than it should have been last night because of the defensive/special teams struggles.
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