Number 19 Aztecs Now The Hunted

It promises to be a long week of hype as the Boise State Broncos prepare for what might well be a season defining game this Saturday at San Diego State.

Coming off a 42-23 loss to Virginia at home, then a bye week, the Broncos won in Provo for the first time since 2003 beating BYU 24-7. Boise State is now 3-2 and some say have righted the ship.

However to stay on course towards their goals for 2017 the Broncos will have to find a way to win in San Diego because the Mountain West title definitely goes through San Diego.

It used to be not too long ago that conference titles went through Boise but the Bronco mystic has lost some glow but the fire isn't out.

Normally Boise State is the ranked team and the hunted by conference foes but this year the Aztecs are #19 in the country and at 6-0 have themselves become the hunted.

With 16 new first time starters on this years team Boise State is a squad still in search of an identity. Brett Rypien is still Brett Rypien but without blocking up front and a running game to keep teams honest, Rypien has been roughed up physically and mentally  Saturdays win at BYU may have been just what the doctor ordered to take BSU, Rypien and all those new young players to the next level of confidence and performance.

Remember, this is the same youthful team that led now #8 Washington State 31-10 in Pullman with 6 minutes left in the game. Yes the collapse to lose in overtime frustrated BSU fans, players and coaches but tell me this, who has played the Cougars tougher? The answer is no one!

If you like big games Saturdays BSU-SDSU showdown doesn't get much better for Mountain West fans.