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They lost 19 seniors, almost all key contributors. The offensive line and receiving corps were decimated, 32-touchdown tailback Brock Forsey is gone and four invaluable defensive starters need to be replaced. "Last year was the culmination of three years of guys playing together," said BSU offensive coordinator Chris Petersen, whose group led the nation in scoring, total offense and pass efficiency. "That's a lot of experience walking out of this building. There's no substitute for experience. We think we've got some good young players, but it's going to take a while." The good news? Eight starters return from a defense that was dominant late in the season, as does star quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie. The Broncos open the season against Division I-AA Idaho State and rival Idaho of the Sun Belt -- two games they can win without flawless efforts. The trouble comes in the final five weeks, when the Broncos face BYU, Fresno State and Hawaii -- all on national television and all on the road. OFFENSIVE KEYS: Dinwiddie is one of just three returning offensive starters. If he can stay on the field -- and the Broncos can replace his supporting cast -- he could generate Heisman buzz. Dinwiddie, a senior, missed spring ball with the second suspension of his career. He also sat out four games last season with a broken ankle. A plate used to help the ankle heal was removed after the season. Despite the injury, Dinwiddie tossed 20 TD passes with only three interceptions.Dinwiddie will be surrounded by inexperience. Both tackles -- Daryn Colledge and Rusty Colburn -- are back, but the interior of the offensive line will be filled with longtime backups or redshirt freshmen. David Mikell replaces Forsey. Mikell has the breakaway speed Forsey lacked, but has fought injuries the past two years. The biggest concern is the receiving corps. The top three wideouts are gone and the returning players made just three touchdown catches last season. DEFENSIVE KEYS: The four missing players on defense include the unit's best player (safety Quintin Mikell), best end (Ryan Nelson), best tackle (Bobby Hammer) and third-leading tackler (linebacker Chauncey Ako), but their replacements are in place.The defensive line is fortified with fresh faces brought in during a major emphasis on linemen in the 2002 recruiting class. Sophomore Jason Wardlow , an end who transferred from USC, will replace Nelson. The tackle position should be solid if Dane Oldham recovers adequately from his ACL injury. Leading tackler Andy Avalos gobbles up ball carriers at weakside linebacker. He lost his running mate, Ako, but three talented youngsters are scrapping for the middle linebacker spot. The strongside job belonged to Travis Burgher much of last season, but a spring suspension may cost him that spot for his senior year. The secondary is impressive. Gabe Franklin and Julius Brown are strong cover corners, and free safety Wes Nurse is primed for an All-WAC season. SPECIAL TEAMS: The Broncos lost kicker Nick Calaycay and punter Keith Schuttler. Tyler Jones has a 60-yard leg to replace Calaycay. Jones is a major weapon on kickoffs, but he isn't as consistent. The Broncos still are trying to find a consistent punter. The return games are excellent. Tim Gilligan averaged 14 yards on punt returns last year and Mikell has starred on kickoff returns when healthy.FINAL ANALYSIS: The Broncos will need the light first half of their schedule to get a young, inexperienced offense operating in an efficient manner. BSU likely will rely on its more experienced, and often dominant, defense during a stretch of games that features just two potential pitfalls: road games at Oregon State and Louisiana Tech. The health of Dinwiddie and Mikell -- two of the WAC's scariest offensive players -- will be essential. To earn a Top 25 spot for the second straight year, the Broncos will need impressive performances in their trio of national TV games in the final six weeks. A sweep would be a startling accomplishment, and more than enough to capture national attention.• Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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