Maybe if the Broncos’ rush defense had held up for 60 minutes, we’d be talking a different story today. Mangum will take the reins of the Cougars offense again Saturday in what should be a challenge, particularly given his inexperience.
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Fans and players were elated with the stunning victory. Coach Bryan Harsin wasn’t just blowin’ smoke the past couple of weeks when talking about the need to get the ball in SWR’s hands. He also suffered a season-ending injury as a freshman. The Cougars defeated No. 20 Boise State 35-24 as the Mangum magic continued. The Ducks ran for 485 yards opening weekend and look to move the ball with the same tenacity against the Spartans.
Through two games, Rosen has completed 50 of 77 passes for 574 yards and four touchdowns. Despite the sloppy play the defense stepped up big in crucial moments, keeping things close when the tide could have easily turned. It helped the Broncos recover nicely from the shock of Mangum’s first touchdown bomb. “They swelled up in those situations”.
How Boise State was going to replace Jay Ajayi was one of the biggest questions heading into the season.
Iowa Football: Looking to next week, we start with a local rivalry between Iowa and Iowa State.
Kai Nacua sealed the win with a pick-six interception of Boise State quarterback Ryan Finley with 30 seconds left. He came in (against Nebraska) and played very well.
Tanner Mangum is creating quite a reputation for himself. “So, our thoughts are with him as well”. “You have to have quality guys who can come in and fill that role”. Boise State lost some of their better playmakers on offensive from the 2014 season in QB Grant Hedrick and Jay Ajayi, and although they looked a bit sluggish of offensive, they are still the team to beat in the Mountain West. “I’m really proud of him”. “We just have to go do it”. Regardless, I’m going with the Broncos winning a tough one tonight in Provo. An interception return by Nacua set up the Cougars at the Boise State 12.
Clemson’s top receiver from last season sustained a small fracture in his neck Saturday when he crashed into a padded goal post while making a touchdown catch in a 49-10 rout of Wofford. Of course, history isn’t on most teams’ side when they take on the Broncos. The Cougars are looking for some redemption against the Broncos after Boise put up 55 on them last season.
There is clearly something working at BYU, a program pained by Hill’s departure but simultaneously galvanized by the ascension of his successor.
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There was one significant silver lining to be found in Hill’s injury: It pushed Mangum into the starting role one season ahead of schedule, a development that should pay dividends during the progression of his career.
