FRISCO, Tex. – It’s been 1,827 days since Boise State last won a bowl game – five years to be exact.
But how long has it really been?
Leighton Vander Esch, the anchor for Boise State’s defense in a 38-28 win over Oregon in the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl, is getting ready to finish his fifth season for the Dallas Cowboys. Oregon’s quarterback in the game was rising NFL star Justin Herbert. Boise State football staff members Jabril Frazier and DeAndre Pierce were still on the roster.
Many players on this year’s roster have never been to a bowl game, let alone won one.
The Broncos have a chance to change that Saturday night when they host Conference USA runner-up North Texas (7-6) in the Frisco Bowl. The Broncos also have a chance to get to 10 wins for the first time since 2019.
“I’ve actually never played in a bowl game,” defensive lineman Scott Matlock said. “It’s exciting, I’m very grateful but at the end of the day it’s still a mission that we have to accomplish.”
The Broncos have had more bad luck than anything when it comes to bowl games in recent years. The only bowl game the Broncos have finished during this stretch was a 38-7 loss to Washington in Chris Petersen’s final game. The Broncos missed two games due to COVID, and had another game canceled midway through due to weather. A quick recap:
Bowl opportunities from 2018-21:
2018: First Responder Bowl (No contest due to weather)
2019: Las Vegas Bowl (38-7 loss to Washington in Chris Petersen’s final game)
2020: Opted out (COVID-19)
2021: Arizona Bowl (Cancelled due to COVID-19)
Barring any unforeseen changes (Frisco isn’t too far from Dallas after all) Boise State will end its two-year drought of playing in a bowl game on Saturday.
With a “physical” week of practice according to coach Andy Avalos, the Broncos are approaching the game as business as usual. But with how it’s gone in recent years, the Broncos are just thankful to finally be back playing in a bowl.
“I think it’s a great experience for the rest of the team just to come out here and enjoy this last game that we get to come out and play,” running back George Holani said. “We’re having a lot of fun out here and everyone is excited.”
Today's video report from Frisco, Texas, where @BNNBroncoNation is on the ground covering the Broncos in the Frisco Bowl.
Talked with Ezekiel Noa and Jonah Dalmas and checked in on the ‘fowling’ competition against North Texas, which the Broncos won: pic.twitter.com/axn1xMEQgB
— B.J. Rains (@BJRains) December 15, 2022
Boise State has participated in multiple events since arriving in Frisco on Tuesday. On Wednesday both teams had a “Fowling” competition, a game that includes the components of football, bowling and horseshoes. The Broncos gave back to the local Frisco community on Thursday visiting FastPacts, a non-profit organization designed to ensure children don’t go hungry.
“We love it,” injured defensive end George Tarlas said. “It’s giving back to the community and it’s what we do, what we preach and what we always do that’s our main philosophy as a team.”
George Tarlas, Markel Reed and about 15 members of the Boise State football team are helping pack meals for school kids in need in the Frisco/Dallas area this morning. @BNNBroncoNation was there to cover it. More video and interviews to come. pic.twitter.com/OBCza7RAgK
— B.J. Rains (@BJRains) December 15, 2022
The Broncos have had success in other events in Frisco this week, beating North Texas in the Madden NFL Football video game and Family Feud while attending a dinner event Thursday night.
They’ll look to continue that success when the lights turn on at Toyota Stadium Saturday night.
“We’ve been through a lot together, ups and downs. It’s been a crazy year,” sixth year John Ojukwu said. “(This is) the last time this team is going to play together so we’re just going to give it everything we got and be grateful for every moment we’ve got together.”
Make sure to watch the Lithia Ford of Boise Pregame Show at 6:00 PM MT on the Bronco Nation News YouTube and social media channels before tuning into ESPN at 7:15 MT for the game.
