Boise State Broncos
2000 overall record: 10-2
Conference record: 5-0 (1st in Big West)
Returning starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 3
Kickers: 1
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Brock Forsey* (914 yds)
Passing: Bart Hendricks (3,364 yds)
Receiving: Lou Fanucchi* (796 yds)
Tackles: Quintin Mikell* (118)
Sacks: Shaunard Harts (7)
Interceptions: Four players with 2 each
What's new
Former assistant head coach Dan Hawkins is now the head coach of the Broncos after Dirk Koetter's departure for Arizona State. He led preparations for the bowl game, which resulted in the team's second straight Humanitarian Bowl victory. Needless to say, it has been a smooth transition at the top in Boise.
Battling it out
Both starting corners were first-team All-Big West last season but have graduated. Julius Brown, who made two interceptions as a freshman, is probably the leading candidate to fill one of those spots. The other competitors are Greg Toomes, who saw limited action as the fourth corner last year; redshirt freshman Gabe Franklin, who is inexperienced but has shown a lot of talent; and Randy Selden, a veteran who had an INT in the spring game.
Eye catchers: LBs LaGary Mitchell and Andy Avalos
The Broncos needed to fill some key holes at linebacker but got a couple of pleasant surprises among several unproven candidates. Mitchell was a backup last season and made 11 tackles in limited action, but he had an outstanding spring in the middle of the defense. Avalos redshirted as a freshman a year ago but has proven to be an intense competitor and a big hitter. Both players are listed as starters entering the fall.
Budding star: K Nick Calaycay
The high-scoring offense of Boise State has attracted much attention over the last two seasons, but the highest-scoring player on the team has remained fairly unknown. Calaycay has quietly become one of the better kickers in the country and led the nation in FG percentage last year at 93.8 (15-16). Over the last two seasons, he is 29-of-33 (88%). Look for Calaycay to be a Lou Groza Award candidate in 2001.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
