Boise State aims to open up the passing game for Cutforth through improved play calling
BOISE — After reviewing the film from Boise State’s 17–7 loss to San Diego State, head coach Spencer Danielson acknowledged that the Broncos missed opportunities with their offensive approach.
Heavy rain in Southern California and the debut of a first-time starting quarterback pushed Boise State toward a run-heavy game plan for the first three quarters. Still, Danielson said Monday that the staff needs to trust quarterback Max Cutforth more and give him chances to push the ball downfield.
“We believe in Max, and we didn’t give him enough chances to stretch the field,” Danielson said. “That’s on us as a coaching staff. Looking back, there were more opportunities to throw deep, to get the ball outside, and to create space for our playmakers. We didn’t do that, and we need to be better. We’ll keep running the ball, but we have to open things up.”
Making his first start while Maddux Madsen recovers from a lower-leg injury, Cutforth completed 12 of 18 passes for 104 yards. Most of that production came in the fourth quarter, with Boise State trailing by 10; he went 7-for-11 for 85 yards in the final period.
Danielson confirmed Monday that Madsen will remain sidelined for Saturday’s game against Colorado State. That puts Cutforth in line to start again as the Broncos (6–4, 4–2 Mountain West) try to halt a two-game skid.
“He threw the ball well late,” offensive coordinator Nate Potter said. “It’s part of his growth — getting real game reps and learning from them.”
Earlier in the game, though, the passing attack was nearly nonexistent. At one point, Boise State ran the ball on 27 of 28 plays — including 22 consecutive rushing attempts. The Broncos finished with 164 rushing yards on 41 carries, averaging 4 yards per attempt.
Entering the fourth quarter, Cutforth had just 19 passing yards, putting the team dangerously close to its all-time low of 49 passing yards, set in a 1978 loss to Northern Arizona. Even after opening up the passing attack late, Boise State still managed only seven points. In all four of its losses this season, the team has scored exactly seven and has not put up any second-half points.
In contrast, the Broncos are averaging 44.7 points per game in their six wins.
“We’ve been explosive at times, but lately we haven’t been — and why is that?” Danielson said. “There are no excuses. Weather isn’t an excuse. Personnel isn’t an excuse. We must produce on offense, and we have what we need to do it. It’s on the coaches.”
McCoy out for season, will undergo surgery
Danielson also announced that cornerback A’Marion McCoy aggravated a lingering knee injury on Saturday and will undergo season-ending surgery this week.
The injury, which had not been disclosed previously, was sustained roughly six weeks ago. Despite it, McCoy continued to play — during a stretch in which he recorded four interceptions in five games, including pick-sixes against Appalachian State and UNLV. The senior closes his season with 27 tackles and four interceptions.
“Some people thought he should shut it down when he first got hurt,” defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said. “But he wanted to keep playing. I’m proud of him for that, and I know he’ll help the younger guys prepare.”
Danielson said that Arizona transfer Demetrius Freeney or junior college transfer Sherrod Smith will likely start alongside Jeremiah Earby. Redshirt sophomore Franklyn Johnson and redshirt freshman Trey Tolmarie are also expected to rotate in. Smith missed last week’s game with an undisclosed injury, but Danielson hopes he will be available Saturday.
McCoy, Earby, and Smith all played high school football together at Menlo-Atherton High in East Palo Alto, California.
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