‘They are playing their best football.’ Boise State’s receiving corps coming on strong

The Boise State football team’s top four receivers have all set career or season bests statistically in recent weeks.

But a closer look at the group reveals they aren’t simply improving on the stat sheet, wide receivers coach Matt Miller said.

“We’re continuing to make strides every single day, every opportunity we have on the practice field to go get better, we’re doing a really good job,” Miller said. “And in a lot of different areas, too, whether it’s our run-blocking, our pass catching, our route running, or just total overall understanding of what we’re trying to get done offensively, or the rhythm and timing with our quarterbacks.

“We’ve just got to continue that trend and keep working our tails off.”

Redshirt freshman Eric McAlister has made some of the most marked improvements.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder from Azle, Texas, had his first career catch — a 44-yarder — on Oct. 22 against Air Force. He then caught his first career touchdown against BYU and posted a career-best 70 receiving yards against Nevada. He ranks fourth on the team with seven catches for 195 yards and one touchdown.

“He’s gonna get more and more confident and comfortable within the system the more reps he gets,” Miller said. “And he’s getting more reps now, and you can see he’s making a lot more plays.”

Against Nevada, redshirt senior Billy Bowens tied his career high with four receptions for 67 yards, and had his third career touchdown. He ranks third on the team with 311 yards, coming on 22 receptions, and has three touchdowns.

Redshirt sophomore Latrell Caples, the Broncos’ No. 2 receiver with 321 yards on 32 grabs — he also has three TDs — posted career highs for receptions (5) and yards (81) against BYU.

And even redshirt senior Stefan Cobbs has made strides, recording his season high in receiving yards (91) against Colorado State. He leads all Broncos with 360 yards receiving, and has two touchdowns and 27 receptions.

“I think they are playing their best football right now,” Miller said. “We’ve talked every single week since the start of the season is, can we be in that constant state of improvement? ... If you’re staying the same, you’re not getting better, and they’ve done a nice job getting better.”

Matlock, Skinner accept invites

Boise State safety JL Skinner and defensive tackle Scott Matlock were each invited to senior all-star bowl games this week.

Skinner accepted an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl on Feb. 5 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. Matlock will attend the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Jan. 28 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

BSU breaks Graduation Success Rate records

Boise State athletes set an all-time record for the school-best NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR), according to data released Tuesday by the NCAA.

The Broncos also were just one percentage point away from the all-time Mountain West record of 94% set by Air Force (twice) and Utah State in previous reports.

The Broncos recorded a four-class average GSR of 93%. Boise State has set or tied its department record in each of the past 14 reports, raising its GSR 23 percentage points in the process.

Boise State’s GSR of 93% is the top overall score in the Mountain West this year, as a school-record six programs — men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s golf, gymnastics, women’s tennis and volleyball — recorded scores of 100%.

The latest figures include the cohort who entered college during the 2015-16 academic year, while the four-class average includes student-athletes who entered college between the 2012-13 and 2015-16 academic years.

BOISE STATE AT WYOMING

When: 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: War Memorial Stadium (29,181), Laramie, Wyoming

TV: CBS Sports Network (Rich Waltz, Aaron Taylor, Sherree Burress)

Radio: KBOI 670 AM/93.1 FM (Bob Behler, Pete Cavender)

Records: Boise State 7-3, 6-0 MW; Wyoming 7-3, 5-1 MW

Series: Boise State is 15-1 all-time against Wyoming, including five consecutive victories.

Vegas line: Boise State by 13

Weather: High of 34 degrees, 1% chance of rain, 18 mph wind