Kellen Moore exceeded expectations last year when he became the first freshman quarterback to ever start a season opener at quarterback for Boise State.Moore's poise and production also were off the charts, helping the Broncos come within two points of an undefeated season. He was named Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year and second-team all conference in addition to being named Boise State's Most Valuable Offensive Player by a vote of teammates.
That's plenty of praise and hardware, but don't think for a second Moore is blinded by his success.
"We have high expectations here," Moore told FanHouse. "We go into each week with a game plan and I am expected to do what I do, whether it's throwing a certain route or whatever. We prepare in practice and nothing really happens brand new out on the field during the game."
Yes, it's not a surprise. Boise State, of course, is accustomed to winning.
The Broncos have gone 118-20, never winning less than eight games in a season and capturing eight Big West or WAC championships, over the past decade. Boise State swept its' 12 regular-season opponents before falling 17-16 to TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl last year. This season isn't expected to be any different. Boise State is a popular pick to win the WAC and be in the mix for a Bowl Championship Series bid as long it avoids any upsets.
Such is life in Boise, Idaho.
"The expectations are getting higher, and we look at it as our opportunity to keep it going and build on that success," Moore said. "I think it's awesome."
Moore was headed home to Washington for the Fourth of July weekend, a final opportunity to relax and visit with family and friends. The Broncos have been lifting, conditioning and holding player-only practices each morning. The tempo and intensity will increase following the holiday as the Broncos circle their testy season opener against Oregon.
"This is kind of like our final big break," said Moore, who completed 281 of 405 passes for 3,486 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season. He ranked 12th nationally in passing efficiency (157.1) and second in total offense (265.8) and average passing yards per game (268.2).
"We've had a good off-season," Moore continued. "Everyone has been around this summer and it has just been a matter of everyone getting comfortable and on the same page. For me, it feels like a complete 180-degree turn. I am so much more comfortable, more confident from a year ago and I understand what's going on -- there are no ifs, ands or buts, no hesitancy in any of my throws.
"I have a better understanding of the guys who are on our offense and adjusting to their strengths and what they do best."
What Boise State does best is win -- specifically on its home blue "smurf turf," where it has won 19 straight games and 49 straight regular-season home games. The Broncos sell out those home games, too, averaging 32,275 fans per game last year.
While Boise State continues to upgrade its talent level under head coach Chris Petersen, who is 34-2 overall in the regular season, the Broncos are not without question marks.The most obvious one is: Who is Moore, who had four games with more than 300 yards passing and 11 with more than 200 yards in the air last season, going to pass the ball to this year?
Jeremy Childs, Vinny Perretta and Julian Hawkins were the top three receivers a year ago and now they are all gone. Austin Pettis will step into the staring role after catching 49 passes for 567 yards and nine touchdowns, and Moore's younger brother, Kirby, will be a freshman this year.
While the Broncos' offensive line features three returning starters, the defense must find replacements on the front line and at linebacker.
Moore, who redshirted in 2007 after being named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Washington, has embraced his leadership role this offseason. He has studied game video from last year and is determined to be more efficient and make better decisions in the pocket.
Still, it's difficult to nit-pick his success last year.
Moore's 69.4 completion rate was tops in the WAC. His 3,486 yards passing was second-best and his 3,456 yards of total offense was third-best all-time at Boise State for a single season. In the Broncos' 41-34 win over Nevada that clinched the WAC title, Moore completed 29 of 48 passes for 414 yards.
Of course, TCU spoiled Boise State's bid for perfection for the second time in three seasons in the Poinsetta Bowl. The Broncos were outgained 472-to-250 in total yards, and, making matters worse, squandered an early 13-0 lead. While the defeat has served as a healthy gulp of motivation for Moore and teammates this summer, Moore says the Broncos learned from the game and are focusing on the future.
One game at a time.
Expectations don't change at Boise State. Ditto for Moore.
"You can't linger on one game," said Moore, a native of Prosser, Wash.
"We got plenty of teaching points out of it. We can't worry about it or look back. It's done. We also can't worry about the end-of-the-road type of stuff, like a BCS game. We've been working hard this summer. We have to concentrate on what's at hand, concentrate week-by-week and take care of business."
