Boise State @ Tulsa Highlights

Thank You For Visiting Boise State

Boise State announced back in early June that it would begin offering self guided tours of Bronco Stadium. The Tour would start at the Bronco Shop, continued on to the Hall of Fame Gallery and ended on the blue turf. For some odd reason I thought the tour included the Stueckle Sky Club, but alas it did not. I took the tour this past Friday, June 26th, with my family. The Hall of Fame Gallery was impressive and my daughter enjoyed being on the turf and running around the track. If your looking to plan economical events with the family or friends this summer you can’t beat this free tour.  It runs until August 12, for full details click here.  Click here for my snap shots of the tour.

Bronco Nation Out for Summer

The first time I heard the classic Alice Cooper song “Schools Out” is was about Junior High. Each year following I would play that song on the last day of school for that year. As the Broncos finished up spring practice and the NFL Draft has left me troubled, I have fired up the classic and bid Bronco Nation farewell for the summer.

However, Bronco Nation the summer is not free for just fun and sun. Orange Death at Bronco Country put out a challenge on the Blue Turf message board and I echo his request. It would be great if come the Oregon game each every fan in the stadium would know the words to the BSU fight song and bellow the words when it is played. Below are the words to the song. I suggest practicing as much as possible.

Fight Broncos, celebrate the orange and blue
Boise will stand and cheer for you
Fight for distinction and our alma mater
Bravely defending B-S-U!
Fight on courageously for Boise State
Success and Honor make her great
Boise’s proud tradition-
Heads up competition-
Glory for B-S-U!

Go Orange!
Go Big Blue!
Fight! Fight!
B-S-U!

Additionally, I will be posting to the Bleacher Report every now and again and of course when it is needed, I will post to this site. Until next fall take care Bronco Nation and enjoy your summer break.

WAC Players Drafted

Despite its conference champion not having a single player drafted over this past weekend, 10 players from the WAC were drafted. The first WAC player, Defensive End David Veikune, went to the Cleveland with the NFL Draft’s 52nd Pick.

The pick that caught my eye was Denver’s choice of Tom Brandstater in the 6th round. Considering all the turmoil in the off season with Jay Cutler being traded to Chicago, it was nearly a sure fire bet the Broncos would have secured a top Quarterback with the depth chart having Kyle Orton and Chris Simms at that position.

However, the Broncos failed to move up to get Mark Sanchez (QB USC) and passed on Josh Freeman (QB Kansas State). Of course there might be a tie back to Pat Hill in this one.

It was a good showing by the WAC. In being drafted these players are representative of the types of athletes the Western Athletic Conference produces and I wish them the best in their pro careers.

2009 WAC Draft Picks

Boise State's Ian Johnson Goes Undrafted

Bronco Nation waited with bated breath for Ian Johnson’s name to be callwd on the second day of the 2009 NFL Draft. After 256 picks and many less than exciting hours, Ian Johnson’s name was never called. Earlier in the day it was announced that Ian had backed out of being followed around by ESPN cameras. Looking back on that announcement it would appear it foreshadowed the days outcome.

Of all the players that were part of the historic 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma, no player was more highly regarded by Bronco Nation than Ian Johnson. In the 2007 NFL Draft the names of Gerald Alexander, Legedu Naanee, Korey Hall, Derek Schouman were called.

The following year underclassmen Ryan Clady and Orlando Scandrick had their names called in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Ian having one more year of college eligibility finished out his Senior season with the Broncos. During the season Ian worked on polishing himself as a player, by taking on special teams duties, catching the ball out of the back field and blocking techniques.

To top off his career he passed LaDainian Tomlinson and Marshall Faulk as the WAC’s all-time touchdown leader.

In the months following Ian took part in the NFL Draft Combine. Ian who showed up to the combine measuring 5-foot-11 and weighing 212 pounds, posted timing of 4.45 in the 40 and completed 26 reps on the bench. Certainly catching the eye of many scouts.

Ian also displayed great character throughout his college career that included being open to the media, suffering through life threatening injuries and graduating from BSU this past year.

Clearly I am not part of an NFL draft and nor have I scouted players. What I can tell you is of all the players from the 2007 Fiesta Bowl win, Ian Johnson played a big part the Broncos undefeated season. Of the 6 that were drafted from that team, not one player, coach or fan would have thought number 41 would not have his named called.

I am disappointed in the NFL for not recognizing what Ian could bring to a franchise. At the same time Bronco Nation wishes all the best for Ian and has no doubt Ian will prove to the NFL he belongs.

***Update Chad Cripe is reporting that Ian and former Bronco WR Vinny Peretta have signed free agent contracts with the Minnesota Vikings. I am sure there is more to come.***

EA NCAA Football 10 Gives Bronco Stadium a Refresh

Among several updates to the EA’s NCAA Football 10 video game, is an update of Bronco Stadium.  I am sure Bronco Nation can’t wait for this years version, due out July 14th, 2009.

Bronco Stadium
Famous for the blue turf, Bronco Stadium now has a state of the art pressbox.

Picture Highlights From the 2009 Blue and Orange Game

Note to self, taking 650 shots and trying to get them into a slide show, not a good idea.  I have been working on a slide show off and on since last night.  Here is my attempt.  Sorry thing is I got zero shots of either team scoring a TD.  Trying to live Twitter, cheer, and take pictures at the same time did not work too well.   Here is a link to most of all the photos I took.  I will recap a the Blue and Orange game later this week.