Boise State football coach attempts to insulate Broncos from hype that follows hot start

The hype surrounding the Boise State football program right now is the most seen around these parts in quite some time.

The Broncos are ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25 — their highest ranking since 2020 — and are on the cusp of many lips thanks to Heisman Trophy-contending running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty’s latest showing saw him rush for 259 yards and four touchdowns Saturday in a 45-24 victory over Washington State.

And the fan base is responding. Boise State’s first three home games of the season — including this week’s game against Utah State — were sold out weeks ago. The Boise State student section for Utah State was sold out by noon Monday, marking the second straight week that’s occurred.

Despite the spotlight shining heavily upon Boise State, head coach Spencer Danielson wants just one thing: to block out all of the noise.

“When you’re successful, you fight the pats on the back, to where the easy thing to do is then become very comfortable and relaxed with your prep because everyone’s telling you you’re doing a great job,” Danielson said Monday. “The only reason you’re doing a good job is because of how you prepped and how you worked. And the second you take your foot off the gas, that will catch you.”

Of course, that becomes a lot more difficult when you’re in the Top 25.

The Broncos became accustomed to being a “team to beat” for many years under the likes of Dan Hawkins, Chris Petersen and Bryan Harsin, back when Boise State was consistently cracking the Top 25 and sitting atop the Mountain West or old Western Athletic Conference.

But it’s been a few years since the Broncos had this type of target on their backs.

“Every time we play someone, we’re going to get their best,” Danielson said.

Danielson acknowledged it’s difficult to block out all of the chatter about the team. It’s not just the media attention, he said, but it also comes from family and friends.

That’s why, despite all that’s being said, Danielson’s preferred tactic is to be “clear and concise” with his players — no matter how well Boise State played the prior weekend, Danielson looks at how they can get better.

“Regardless of what people on the outside think, regardless of what maybe some other voices into our players feel, this is what we need you to improve and grow on,” Danielson said of his approach. “Regardless of what happened on Saturday or what happened in the weeks prior.”

Boise State will open conference play at 5:05 p.m. Saturday at Albertsons Stadium against Utah State. Despite Washington State having a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West this season, that game didn’t count in the standings.

Boise State vs. Utah State

When: 5:05 p.m. Saturday

Where: Albertsons Stadium (36,363, Turf)

TV: Fox Sports 2 (Eric Collins, Spencer Tillman)

Radio: KBOI 670 AM/KTIK 93.1 FM/Sirius XM Ch. 160 or 201 (Bob Behler, Pete Cavender)

Records: Boise State 3-1; Utah State 1-3

Series: Boise State leads the series 23-5

Vegas line: Boise State by 26 points

Weather: High of 81 degrees, low of 55 degrees, humidity 28%, mainly sunny, 0% chance of rain