Southern Miss preps for Boise State running attack

By Andy Hess The Student Printz

September 26, 2007

Hattiesburg, MS (CSTV U-WIRE) -- During their dream season last year, media darling Boise State finished 13-0 capped off with an unforgettable win against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

Bronco running back Ian Johnson finished last season with 1,713 yards, 25 touchdowns, 12.7 points per game and Heisman Trophy consideration for the 2007-08 season.

Coming into this week's game against Southern Miss ranked 38th nationally, Johnson has run for 97.3 yards per game. Three games into the season he has run for 292 yards and three touchdowns. While his stats are not out of this world, the Golden Eagles (2-1) are focusing their attention on stopping the running game.

The Golden Eagles' defense comes into the game ranked 45th in the nation having allowed 362 yards on the ground, with an average of 127.8 yards. However 193 yards came in their 39-19 loss to Tennessee.

"I don't take anything from them," said linebacker Tokumbo Abanikanda. "They're a real good squad, and it's always good to play against good squads like that because of the competition level is up high, and everybody can see what they're made of."

Senior defensive end Matthew Chatelain feels the same way about the Broncos.

"They have a really good offensive line," Chatelain said. "They've really got the whole package. Good players, well-coached, well-disciplined, so it'll be a tough game."

Staying on the ground over 50 percent of the time, the Broncos (2-1) are known to favor the run. But that doesn't mean they won't throw the ball. Boise State comes into the game averaging 221.7 passing yards a game.

"They've got a veteran line and a great back, plus they've been playing so well defensively, that they've been a little bit more run," said head coach Jeff Bower.

"Whether they'll stay that way, I don't know, but that's been their personality," he added. "They got a little bit away from that at Washington, but they had to play catch-up. This last ballgame, they ran the football."

In the Golden Eagles' two other games against East Carolina and Tennessee-Martin, their defense has allowed an average of 84.5 yards per game and the leading rusher of both games finished with only 45 yards.

"The biggest thing is to recognize the formation, realize what we see and react to what we see," said safety LeVance Richmond. "They try to throw you off, hope they can find a busted play."