Facing the Sack Machine: Boise State Prepares for Trey White and San Diego State's Dominant Defense

Boise State's offensive line is in for a tough challenge this week as they prepare to face San Diego State's defensive end, Trey White. White, the nation's leader in sacks with 11.5 on the season, has been a force to be reckoned with for opposing offenses.

The Broncos are well aware of White's prowess. Boise State offensive line coach Tim Keane joked about not knowing who White was before quickly emphasizing his team's full understanding of the threat he poses.

"We know exactly who you are talking about," Keane laughed.

Keane and the Broncos have been studying White's game all week as they prepare to face the Aztecs on Friday. White's disruptive presence and relentless motor make him a constant challenge for opposing offensive lines.

"That guy is a phenomenal, phenomenal player and super disruptive," said Keane. "He’s got such a high motor, he puts his body on the line. Sometimes, it will look like the offensive line is pancaking him and he’s diving and grabbing a shoelace and getting a sack. He’s super dynamic and they do a really good job in their scheme finding ways to get him unblocked, to make it challenging and get good mismatches. Whenever a player like that comes on The Blue, everyone is super geared up to know exactly where he is on every single play."

A Surprise Breakout Star

White's breakout season has been a surprise for many, considering his limited production in his first two seasons with the Aztecs. He had just 16 tackles in those two seasons, none of which resulted in sacks. However, this year, he's been a dominant force, recording at least half a sack in six of San Diego State's seven games, including a stretch of four consecutive games with at least two sacks.

He also had back-to-back games with three sacks against Central Michigan and Hawaii. His sudden emergence has made him a key player for the Aztecs' defense.

"When you lead the nation in sacks, that’s a big deal," Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said. "He’s explosive in the run game and pass game, we always got to know where he’s at. And they really play well together defensively. They’re one of the top scoring defenses in the country, as well."

Boise State's Stellar Pass Protection

The Broncos have a strong track record of neutralizing opposing pass rushes, having allowed only six sacks this season, tied for the seventh fewest in the country. This impressive stat is a testament to the efforts of the entire offensive unit, from the line to the tight ends and even the running backs.

Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter emphasized the importance of this stat, comparing it to their defensive sack numbers to highlight the effectiveness of their pass protection.

"There’s some crazy numbers out there," said Koetter. "Our first-team offense, in however many game’s we’ve played, we’ve had four sacks. Our defense has 35 sacks. Four against 35, that’s crazy. San Diego State this week is No. 3 in the nation with 28 sacks. We’ve given up four sacks."

Koetter credited the entire offensive unit for the low sack numbers, specifically mentioning the line, tight ends, running back Ashton Jeanty, and quarterback Maddux Madsen's quick release in getting the ball to receivers.

Balancing Protection and Risk

So, with White and the Aztecs' powerful pass rush looming, will the Broncos stick to their tried-and-true methods or adjust their strategy? The answer, according to Keane, lies in a combination of both approaches.

"There are certain plays that you have to be calculated with risk on when you don’t need to triple team a guy like that and when you can just leave them isolated one-on-one," said Keane. "It’s always about figuring out in the flow of the game where to take a calculated risk where you don’t have the whole offensive line and the tailback and the tight end all chipping in."

The upcoming matchup between Boise State and San Diego State promises to be a captivating contest. The Broncos' offensive line will be tested as they attempt to contain White's relentless pursuit, while the Aztecs' defense will aim to disrupt Boise State's rhythm. The outcome of this clash will hinge on both teams' ability to execute their game plans effectively.

The Trey White Factor

Trey White's emergence as a dominant force in the NCAA has made him a player to watch. His ability to consistently generate pressure and create havoc in opposing backfields has turned him into a key figure for the Aztecs. As he continues to improve and develop his skills, White will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

This matchup against Boise State will be another opportunity for White to showcase his talents and contribute to the Aztecs' success.

The battle between the Broncos' offensive line and White's relentless pursuit promises to be a highlight of the game. It will be a test of wills and a battle of strategy, with the outcome potentially shaping the course of both teams' seasons.