My second player on this week’s JB’s Star Watch is a guy who already knows a little something about playing the Oregon Ducks.
Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen.
And that’s important.
Madsen has been in Autzen Stadium before. He knows what that environment feels like, and more importantly, he knows Boise State can play with Oregon.
The last time Madsen faced the Ducks, he went 17-of-40 for 148 yards and a touchdown in a game Boise State came within three points of winning, falling 37–34.
Now he gets another shot.
And this time he’s a much more experienced quarterback.
That’s what makes Madsen interesting to me Saturday.
Oregon comes into this season ranked No. 2 in the country, and I’ve got the Ducks as one of the teams capable of winning the national championship. On paper, Oregon should win this football game.
But Boise State isn’t going to be intimidated by Oregon.
And I don’t think Madsen will be, either.
He’s not the biggest quarterback you’re going to see. He’s not going to overwhelm you with some ridiculous collection of physical tools. What I like about him is that he’s experienced, competitive and capable of running this offense efficiently.
Against Oregon, that’s exactly what Boise State needs.
Don’t turn the football over. Stay ahead of the chains. Convert third downs. Hit a couple of shots down the field when Oregon gives them to you.
And most importantly, don’t let the game get away from you early.
Because the longer Boise State hangs around, the more interesting this thing becomes.
I’m also watching Madsen because this is our first real opportunity to put that Oregon defense under a microscope. If Oregon is really the second-best team in America, I want to see them look like it.
Maddux Madsen gives us a pretty good measuring stick.
He’s played these guys before.
He’s almost beaten them before.
And Saturday afternoon, he gets another chance.
Maddux Madsen. Boise State quarterback.
He’s officially on JB’s Star Watch.
