The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: Key Stats from Week One

Kaleb Barker quietly had a solid first career start. The junior completed 20 of 29 passes for 211 yards. He managed the offense well for the most part, but misfired on multiple quick-hitters. If he can settle down, read the defense better and make the easy plays then Barker only stands to improve from here. He’s already faced the best team he’ll see all season.
The three running backs had 97 rushing yards on 22 carries. The trio of Jamarius Henderson, Jabir Frye and BJ Smith only lost two yards the entire game. Take away Barker’s five sacks and he had 69 rushing yards himself on just 12 carries.
Six players caught multiple passes. The Trojans are still deep on the outside and Saturday’s game showed it. Deondre Douglas was a quick favorite for Barker, catching seven passes himself for 102 yards.

Boise State converted on nine of 15 third attempts and three of four from 10-14 yards. It seemed like every time the Broncos were faced with a long third down, Brett Rypien converted. Trips right, quick out with the slot will haunt my dreams every night this week.
Terrance Dunlap (22.5 mph) and Marcus Jones (22.4 mph) were the Trojans’ fastest players on Saturday. You move pretty quick when you’re chasing receivers to the endzone. Troy never adjusted to the deep ball, evident by Melvin Tyus being a leader tackler. The cat safety should’ve moved back at some point, keeping the Bronco wideouts in front of the secondary.
It was a rough start for the offensive line and the depth was exposed a bit. Only two utility lineman were used, combining for 13 snaps. Deontae Crumitie graded out at 69 and 4/5 of the starting line gave up a sack. Boise State had five sacks and eight total tackles for loss.

The following are the yards gained on Boise State’s offensive touchdowns: 20, 53, 7, 3, 54, 44. After giving up just 10 plays of 40+ yards and zero of 50+ last year, Troy allowed four 40+ yard plays and two 50+ yard plays in its first game this year. The Trojan defense was consistently burned deep and then gashed late when the tank was on empty.
Field position was an issue last year thanks to poor special teams play in last year’s game. Despite sound kick coverage, the Broncos average starting position was its own 37 yard line this time around. That’s nearly identical to last year. That ended up being utterly detrimental, as the Broncos crossed midfield on eight of its 11 drives.
That blue turf the Broncos are going home to.