2008 Woodie Awards
Moore continues to earn honors, O'Neill out for season
BY TRENT LOOTENS
Arbiter Journalist
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Sports
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O'Neill broke his foot during the Broncos' win over Louisiana Tech. He is tied for the team leader with two touchdowns and was second on the team with 10 catches for 131 yards.
"It's a big loss for us special teams wise, and especially tight end wise," head coach Chris Petersen said. "I am confident those other guys just need to step up and fill the void."
On a positive note, Moore's WAC Player of the Week award was based on his performance against La Tech. Moore threw for 325 yards on 20-of-28 passes for two touchdowns in Wednesday's 38-3 win.
"Kellen's strengths are throwing the ball," Petersen said. "He just needs to keep doing what he's doing, and nothing more then that."
In addition to the emergence of Moore, the biggest story for the Broncos (4-0) this year is their defense.
The defense will be up against a similar test this week against Southern Mississippi (2-3) who, in a lot of ways, runs an offense similar to Oregon.
"I think we will be tested in a lot of different ways against Southern Miss," Petersen said. "A lot like Oregon, they have a great running back and a mobile quarterback."
Damion Fletcher has turned into a star for the Southern Miss. Last week Fletcher became the school's all-time leading rusher when he ran for a career-best 260 yards against the University of Texas - El-Paso.
Fletcher gained a total of 680 yards over five games this season. The Broncos will have to find a way to slow him down or it could be a long day for the defense.
"He's a strong, tough running back with instincts to find the holes and make plays," Petersen said. "He is very athletic and fits well into spread no-huddle style of offense."
This is just the second time in history that these teams have met. The Broncos defeated the Golden Eagles in 2007 at Bronco Stadium 38-16. Boise State's defense held Fletcher to 83 yards in that game, while Ian Johnson had one of his better games of the year, running for 111 yards.
Boise State was able to account for 506 total yards in last year's game.
They will need a similar game against the Golden Eagles' defense that is led by redshirt junior linebacker and Conference USA preseason top Defensive Player Gerald McRath. McRath leads the team in tackles and is the catalyst for the Golden Eagles' defense.
Boise State puts their national ranking on line this weekend. They moved up in the polls once again to 15 in the Associated Press poll and to 16 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.
Boise State travels to Hattiesburg, Miss. to take on the Golden Eagles at Roberts Stadium. The game will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
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