Scott Slant: Spencer Danielson and Boise State’s Defense
This season, the Boise State defense has taken some shots, both on the field and from the fans. The defensive leader is now the temporary coach for the Broncos.
It’s a bit short-sighted to worry how Spencer Danielson will lead the Boise State football program the rest of the way. Last season, Danielson guided the Broncos to a sixth-place national ranking in total defense. However, he does not have the same defensive talent as last season. He simply doesn’t. There are no fail-safe anchors like Scott Matlock, JL Skinner, or Tyreque Jones. But let’s take a look at the Broncos’ true development on that side of the ball, and how Danielson has handled it at halftime. In the three games after the bye week, Boise State has allowed only 292 yards per game, which is the team’s final total in 2022. Since the bye, the Broncos have allowed 193 yards per game in the first half, but only 99 in the second. Danielson has worked his tail off.
During our roundtable conversation on Sunday Sports Extra following Andy Avalos’ firing, we discovered that Boise State players like Danielson just as much as he does them. And the Broncos will most likely run through a wall for Danielson when they face Utah State on Saturday night in a crucial contest. We’re not sure what to make of this news, but Danielson stated that the program was working on a possible return for wide receiver Eric McAlister to the squad.
We’re not sure what to make of this, either: standout running back Ashton Jeanty returned to drills on Tuesday, and Danielson is thrilled to have him. That doesn’t necessarily mean Jeanty will play against the Aggies, or that he’ll still be on the team a month from now, but it’s not what many people expected even 72 hours before.
As Boise State seeks for a new coach, keep in mind that there is competition from a peer, maybe including Bryan Harsin. Brady Hoke will retire from San Diego State at the conclusion of the season, and The Athletic has a few names on their prediction list for both institutions. Harsin, for example, would likely get along well with the Aztecs.Another is Kirby Moore, a former Broncos wide receiver who is better recognized for his coaching abilities at Fresno State and now Missouri. In case you hadn’t noticed, the Tigers are rated ninth in the CFP, and Moore is the offensive coordinator. Mizzou leads the nation in red zone scoring % after being No. 90 previous season. One of the names missing from Boise State’s dart board but appearing on San Diego State’s is Oregon State offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, a former Idaho quarterback.
