Defenses usually win scrimmages early in camp. That wasn’t the case Saturday at Boise State

It’s commonplace for defenses to win scrimmages early in fall camp, but that wasn’t the case in Boise State’s first scrimmage, head coach Andy Avalos said on Saturday.

The offense won the day, Avalos told reporters in the lobby of the Bleymaier Football Center, and he was particularly impressed with the running game.

“It was awesome to see (the offense) operate and push different tempos up and down the field,” Avalos said. “Different players were executing, both running and throwing ball, and they had a really good plan to start the game.”

Here are Avalos’ observations from scrimmage No. 1.

▪ The offense wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as quarterback Hank Bachmeier engineered a 10-play, 75-yard drive against Boise State’s No. 1 defense to open the game. Avalos wouldn’t say who scored on the drive, but it did end with a touchdown against what is expected to be one of the top defenses in the Mountain West.

“That drive was a mixture of great execution in the pass game and some really good runs right out of the gate,” Avalos said. “To be able to come out against the defense and start fast right out of the gate is a huge plus for our offense.”

▪ Starting running back George Holani didn’t fully participate in the scrimmage, Avalos said. Holani is not hurt. The coaching staff is just taking extra care to keep him healthy. The redshirt junior missed most of the 2020 season with a knee injury and wasn’t healthy until the final four games of last season.

▪ Despite Holani’s absence, freshman running back Ashton Jeanty and former walk-on Tyler Crowe looked impressive. Utah State transfer Elelyon Noa also saw his first live action since joining the program in July. Avalos said a couple of running backs averaged between 4.5 and five yards a carry on Saturday, though he didn’t specify who.

Avalos also said former wide receiver Kaden Dudley had some impressive runs Saturday, and the offensive line did a nice job opening holes most of the day.

“There were some times where the running backs created something where there wasn’t much,” Avalos said, “but there were other times they were able to put their foot in the ground and make vertical cuts. (The offensive line) has shown great improvement since the spring and summer.”

On Noa: “He will put his foot in the ground, and he will get vertical with the rock in his hands,” Avalos said. “All we’re asking is for the running backs to be decisive and hit that line of scrimmage.”

▪ Backup quarterbacks Taylen Green and Sam Vidlak evenly split reps with the No. 2 offense on Saturday. The race to name Bachmeier’s primary backup will continue into the coming weeks, Avalos said.

“(Green) ran around and did a nice job throwing the ball,” Avalos said. “They’re both doing good things but this next week we have to make a huge jump with those guys in terms of the consistency of their decision making.”

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▪ Boise State’s quarterbacks spread the ball around on Saturday. There were five receivers that finished with at least two catches, and Avalos singled out redshirt seniors Stefan Cobbs and Billy Bowens as having big outings on Saturday.

▪ Former Borah standout Austin Bolt also made some plays in the passing game Saturday. Bolt, the 2020 Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year, moved from tight end to wide receiver this spring.

▪ Tight end Tyneil Hopper had some big catches on third down. Hopper is one of three veteran tight ends on the roster. He’s joined by former quarterback Riley Smith, who has been limited in practice as he recovers from shoulder surgery but came up with a nice one-hand catch in practice last week, Avalos said. Nebraska transfer Kurt Rafdal is in his final year of eligibility, while Hopper and Smith both have the option to come back next season.

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▪ Redshirt senior DJ Schramm appears to be gaining traction in the competition to replace five-year starter Riley Whimpey at weakside linebacker. He’s competing with fellow redshirt senior Brandon Hawkins, former edge rusher Isaiah Bagnah and redshirt freshman Andrew Simpson.

“DJ has been consistent as far as getting guys lined up and handling adjustments and converages,” Avalos said.

▪ Avalos has also been impressed this summer and fall with safety Rodney Robinson, who forced a fumble in the scrimmage Saturday that was recovered by fellow safety JL Skinner. Robinson is competing to replace Tyreque Jones, who moved to nickel.

▪ Weber State transfer George Tarlas is leading the defense in sacks this fall, Avalos said, and nose tackle Herbert Gums is becoming more of a force as he’s further removed from the knee injury he suffered in 2020.

▪ What happens in the coming week will go a long way toward deciding who will start at several positions, Avalos said. The Broncos have Sunday off before returning to practice on Monday. They will scrimmage again next Saturday.

“What we see coming out of this scrimmage and how we show up on Monday is going to tell us who are the dudes who can do this week in and week out,” Avalos said.

Boise State opens the season Sept. 3 at Oregon State.