Broncos deny Chang
BOISE, Idaho » The Boise State Broncos said all the right things publicly, then they did all the right things on the field last night in their 69-3 trouncing of visiting Hawaii.
While plenty of talk centered on UH quarterback Tim Chang's march toward the NCAA career passing record, the Broncos spoke only of their respect for the Hawaii senior who never beat Boise State, now in three tries.
But cornerback Gabe Franklin started an avalanche of five second-half interceptions with a pick of Chang's first third-quarter pass. After the game, Franklin said the Broncos used all the attention on Chang as a focal point for controlled fury.
"Our motto all week was 'not on the blue, not in our house,' " Franklin said. "He said he wanted to break it on the blue, and we didn't want him to do that. Our whole goal this week was to stop him. And we did it."
Chang never actually said he wanted to break the record in Boise. But when it comes to locker-room wallpaper, the fine print doesn't always matter; sometimes headlines are enough.
Just the thought of it was enough to stoke the Broncos.
"Don't make any mistakes on defense. That was our whole goal," Franklin said.
On offense, quarterback Jared Zabransky upstaged Chang with school records for rushing touchdowns (four, to tie) and longest run from scrimmage (85 yards). BSU's eight rushing touchdowns are also a school record.
Zabransky said the defense was key.
"I know they didn't want (the record) to happen here," he said. "They played a great game."
Said Franklin: "We've got so many guys who can make plays. Different guys have made plays all year. Guys stepped up all over the place."
Trick or treat: One of the few plays that didn't work for the Broncos was the most creative. BSU faced fourth-and-1 at the Hawaii 46 on its first possession after UH took a 3-0 lead. Zabransky faked a fumble, picked up the ball and barely missed on a long pass to wide-open Sherm Blaser that would've been a touchdown.
That was set up by our staff last week," Zabransky said. "We all yelled 'fumble.' "
Thunder and Lightning ... together: The Warriors played running backs Michael Brewster and West Keli'ikipi at the same time on several occasions last night, as coach June Jones searched for a new wrinkle. Brewster and Keli'ikipi both played in a slot position at times.
Brewster netted 39 yards rushing and Keli'ikipi 38. The Warriors totaled 73 yards rushing. Boise State went into the game leading the nation in rushing defense at 63 yards per game.
Role player strikes again: Boise State continued its history of backup players helping to do in the Warriors. Two years ago, second-string quarterback B.J. Rhode started, and figured heavily in BSU's 58-31 win. Last year, backup running back Donny Heck scored four touchdowns in the Broncos' 45-28 victory at Aloha Stadium.
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Last night, it was freshman backup fullback Jon Helmandollar. He carried 12 times for 59 yards, including TDs of 4 and 3 yards. He was among nine Broncos to carry the ball last night.
Also, Austin Smith, who returned four punts for 77 yards, including a 41-yarder, is subbing for standout return man and safety Chris Carr. Carr is out with a broken collarbone.
"Not necessarily just against Hawaii," Boise State coach Dan Hawkins said. "We try to work all our guys into the game plan. And when it's time for their opportunity, they make the most of it."
Injury report: UH starting right guard Uriah Moenoa left the game with a strained left hamstring, starting safety Matt Manuma suffered a right ankle sprain and special teams player Daniel Tautofi experienced a stinger on his right side.
All three are day-to-day.
Cold facts: Game-time temperature was 47 degrees, but Chang said it didn't bother him.
"I was throwing good (Thursday) in practice, and it was colder," he said. "I think later in the game I was squeezing the ball too much."
Tough crowd: The Broncos won their 24th consecutive home game, and Hawaii coach June Jones said the boisterous near-sellout crowd of 29,591 had a lot to do with it.
"Fresno State and here are two very difficult places to play," said Jones, whose 2002 team that went 10-4 lost 58-34 here. "A combination of a lot of things. It's very tough to come in here. We busted some things. I don't know if it was crowd noise. ... Some guys didn't hear the play right in the huddle a couple of times. That hasn't happened before. That kills drives."