WHAT’S INSIDE
SPORTS 1–2
NEWS 4–5
OPINION 3
CULTURE 7–8 I SSU E
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The Independent Student Voice of Boise State Since 1933
Volume 23
First Issue
F R E E October 11, 2010
Nursing student awarded scholarship
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Do motorcyclists need helmets?
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ARBITERONLINE.COM
Reference guide to Islamic holidays
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BSU blows Toledo apart Broncos make fireworks of Rockets, force 5 turnovers Kirk Bell
Managing Editor
T
he No. 4 Boise State Broncos (5-0, 1-0 Western Athletic Conference) made easy work of Toledo (3-3, 2-0 Mid-American Conference) Saturday night at Bronco Stadium, downing the Rockets 57-14. The victory put BSU atop the nation’s longest winning streak, 19, after No. 1 Alabama lost to No. 19 South Carolina earlier in the day. By using offensive efficiency, turnovers and a little trickery, the Broncos made short work of the Rockets, leading Toledo 36-7 before halftime. “The key to this game was the turnovers because if we didn’t have those turnovers in the first half it would’ve been a much different game,” BSU head coach Chris Petersen said. “It was interesting at halftime, there was a little bit of a frustration feeling. We’d had a nice drive to give us some more breathing room right before we went in, but they were moving the ball fairly effectively. They were getting good field position because of our special teams. The turnovers were the key in terms of letting us get some points. That helped, but it was very awkward in terms of how it felt I thought.” The Broncos forced five turnovers, two interceptions and three fumbles, to create scoring opportunities that led the way to a BSU victory. Ju-
Mitch Esplin/THE ARBITER
The Boise State Broncos used a fast offensive start thanks to the arm of junior quarterback Kellen Moore to put the Toledo Rockets away early. nior defensive end Shea McClellin recorded his second career interception, running it back 36 yards for a touchdown. “The coaches are always harping on the same thing, getting turnovers and being physical,” McClellin said. “We want to be that dominating defense and anytime a defense can get five turnovers, it’s a great day.” Senior running back Jeremy Avery made his triumphant
Boise State keeps focus local Broncos turn blind eye to 'Bama loss Trent Lootens Sports Editor
Boise State head coach Chris Petersen may not want to talk about it now, but Alabama’s loss to South Carolina will effect his team come season’s end. The entire college football landscape was changed Saturday by an earthquake that came from the devastating tremor delivered by South Carolina in its 35-21 defeat of Alabama. The Gamecocks pulled out the last foundational block of Jenga, that was the Crimson Tide, and allowed the remaining blocks -- the rest of college football’s undefeated teams -- to plummet with no decisive frontrunner. What does it mean for the Broncos? “That doesn’t mean anything. That probably means were going to move down five spots,” Petersen said after BSU defeated Toledo 57-14 Saturday. “We’ve just got to keep playing and talk about it in December.” But it does mean something for the Broncos, and it could be something really
good. Wait, we almost forgot, Petersen is right. This is BSU, the team that moves down in the polls after it wins 59-0. Ohio State is the new No. 1. There’s no way anybody can argue that after its 3810 drubbing of Indiana. Oregon will stay at No. 2 just on principal alone. The voters and coaches don’t want to admit they made a mistake when they put Oregon in front of BSU last week after watching the Ducks’ lackluster 4323 win against a miserable Washington State team this week. Remember, Oregon comes from the Pac-10, a BCS conference. It’s allowed to have a poor showing and not be punished for it because it plays a harder strength of schedule down the road. Now, this is all really starting to make sense. Don’t forget about Nebraska, the team that hasn’t beat any ranked teams this year. It deserves to jump BSU too, right? Either way, Petersen feels the Alabama loss is good for college football in
return after starting the season as the Broncos’ No. 3 running back. Avery was utilized effectively in the red zone in the wildcat formation, rushing for three touchdowns on six carries in the first half. He finished the game with seven carries, averaging six yards per carry and reigning in a 26-yard reception. “When you’re in the red zone, you want to score…,” Avery said. “All of us want to get
general, but really doesn’t care how it influences others’ view the Broncos in the rankings. “It’s all stuff that we don’t want to pay attention to, but I think everybody else loves it. In terms of Boise State, I don’t really have an opinion. We’ll have an opinion way down the road when it’s all said and done,” Petersen said. “I just really believe that and mean that. We just have so much more football to play and we got a long way to go. We’re going to have some really tough games. I can feel them coming.” Petersen, who gets to fill out a ballot in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll every week, still isn’t sure where to put his team when he wakes up Sunday morning. In fact, he makes it sound like it’s something he dislikes doing, even though his vote could help BSU rise in the polls. When asked after BSU’s blowout win against the Rockets if he had any idea who he’ll chose as the No. 1 team in his ballot Petersen said, “Nope, I figure that out tomorrow.” Any chance it could be Boise State, Pete? “No. I don’t think so,” he said. That pretty much sums up where BSU’s mindset is concerning the rankings at this point.
in the red zone and take it in.” “He knows what he’s doing,” junior quarterback Kellen Moore added. “He has done this for a while. Maybe early on he wasn’t getting the touches, but there’s long seasons and there will be different guys that will need to step up and Jeremy doing that right now.” The Broncos have struggled on special teams all season, a place where they previously have thrived. BSU allowed
two long kickoff returns in the first half; a 41-yard return by sophomore wide receiver Eric Page and a 31-yard return by junior linebacker Isaiah Ballard. The long return by Page set the Rockets up for a 58yard march to their lone first half score. BSU entrusted most of the second half to their second and third teamers to close out the game. The Broncos scored 21 third-quarter points; Mc-
Clellin’s touchdown return, a 33 yard pass from Moore to junior wide receiver Tyler Shoemaker and a seven-play rushing attack handled by sophomore running back Matt Kaiserman capped by a 1-yard touchdown rush. BSU goes on the road this week to face WAC opponent San Jose State. The Broncos return the following week to play a Tuesday night game (Oct. 26).
Avery right at home in No. 2 spot Bronco running back scores three touchdowns Joey McCullough Sports Producer
Two weeks ago, Boise State football suffered its first loss of the season when junior running back D.J. Harper tore his anterior curciate ligament, knocking him out for the rest of the season; the same knee that Harper blew out last season. BSU’s Doug Martin has been a household name all season, but with the injury to Harper, it made room for senior Jeremy Avery to get back in the mix. Avery ran the ball eight times last week against New Mexico State for 69 yards and touchdown. Saturday, Avery churned out a better performance against the Toledo Rockets. Avery’s output was key for the Broncos. He rushed for only 42 yards, but reached the end zone on three separate occasions. “(W)hen you get into the red zone you want to score,” Avery said. “Every chance that you have it is all out (because) everybody wants to
Robby Milo/THE ARBITER
Senior running back Jeremy Avery gives the Broncos a dual-threat option in the backfield next to Martin. get into the end zone.” “He’s a really good player,” head coach Chris Petersen said. “He’s fast, he’s shifty. The first touchdown he scored wasn’t blocked very clean. He just put a little move on and outran everybody.” Avery is no stranger to rushing the ball. Having been
a primary back in the past, Avery reminded us all what he is capable of. “(Avery) knows what he’s doing,” junior quarterback Kellen Moore said. “He has done this for a while.” The Broncos enjoy seeing
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