Season analysis: Boise State struggled in return game, gave up 4 special teams TDs
Note: This is the third installment in a five-part series wrapping up Boise State’s 2022 season. The Idaho Statesman next will break down the Broncos’ TV ratings and home attendance numbers.
The Boise State football team had a rare down year on special teams in 2022.
The Broncos didn’t get any touchdowns out of their punt or kick returners last season. Their only special teams touchdown came when edge rusher Deven Wright fell on the ball in the end zone after linebacker Andrew Simpson blocked a punt against New Mexico.
The Broncos didn’t have much better luck covering kicks and punts. They gave up four special teams touchdowns: a 100-yard kickoff return against New Mexico; a blocked punt that was returned 36 yards to the house by San Diego State; and long punt returns by UTEP in the regular season and Fresno State in the Mountain West championship game.
There is clearly work to be done in 2023. Here’s a look at how Boise State’s special teams performed in 2022.
Season analysis: After impressive year, Boise State’s defense will look different in 2023
What we learned
Dalmas is still pretty darn good
Boise State kicker Jonah Dalmas set the program’s single-season record with 26 field goals in 2021. He followed that up by going 23-for-27 and was named Mountain West Special teams Player of the Week three times. He also tied his career-long field goal with a 51-yard kick. The former walk-on from Rocky Mountain High ranks No. 2 all-time at Boise State with 56 career field goals. Kyle Brotzman (2007-10) owns the record with 67.
Dudley is a budding star in the return game
Kaden Dudley joined the Broncos in 2021 as a wide receiver, but he moved to running back last summer. He didn’t see many carries, but he did carve out a role for himself late in the season as a kick returner. The redshirt freshman took over as the Broncos’ primary returner in a win at Wyoming on Nov. 19, and he reeled off returns of at least 30 yards in three straight games.
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Cole Wright also broke a couple of long returns, but he isn’t quite as elusive as Dudley. The same instincts that made him dangerous with the ball in his hands at Palmer Ridge High in Colorado make Dudley one of the favorites to open the 2023 season as Boise State’s starting kick returner.
Season analysis: Boise State’s offense hit rock bottom, then rebounded to end the year
Story lines to watch in 2023
Who will take over at punt returner?
Boise State didn’t get much out of its punt returners. Running back George Holani, who recently announced he’ll return for his senior year, has the vision and speed to be a game breaker, but he averaged just 7.4 yards per return. Wide receiver Latrell Caples averaged 6.6 yards on nine returns and fellow wide receiver Stefan Cobbs returned a few punts early last season. All three should be in the mix again in 2023, but somebody has to find a way to make a play.
Colorado transfer Chase Penry may also land a role on special teams, whether it’s on kick or punt returns. He handled both roles in high school.
When is Ferguson-Reynolds going to keep one?
Freshman punter James Ferguson-Reynolds averaged 41.7 yards per punt in his first season with the Broncos. The native of Geelong, Australia, brought his rugby punting style to Boise State last year. Rugby players are used to punting the ball on the move, which is what makes them attractive to college football coaches. Rolling left or right before the kick makes it easier for the punter to keep the ball on a fake. It also forces the defense to account for the punter.
The Broncos didn’t attempt a fake punt last season, but it is bound to happen eventually. That’s especially true at Boise State — a program that built its reputation on its willingness to pull out trick plays, even on the biggest stage.
