Idaho Sports Talk

Boise State plays at Oregon on Saturday and we dive into several angles ... Will Boise State QB Maddux play better against the Ducks than he did in 2024 - he answers that question in a Tuesday press conference, can LB Boen Phelps (the Green Dot Guy) lead a defense that can stop the Ducks (Bob's report in Bronco Focus), Boise State has 58 players (more than half the roster) who have never appeared in a FBS game, Ducks reporter Aaron Fentress (Oregonian, Ducks Confidential podcast) on his thoughts from Eugene, Vandals coach Thomas Ford on a season-opening loss and Thursday's game against UtahSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share his interview with the Broncos' No. 1 linebacker. The 225-pound Phelps talks about wearing the "green dot'' communication helmet and being a "vocal leader'' this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oregon Ducks reporter Aaron Fentress (Oregonian, Ducks Confidential podcast) joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about Saturday's game in Eugene. The Ducks are the highest-ranked opponent in Boise State football history - Fentress talks about one "vulnerable'' area where the Broncos might take advantage in a game with a 24.5-point spread. Also, what makes Dante Moore so special going into his final season of college football?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's game week - Boise State at Oregon on Saturday and we kick off with Spencer Danielson's press conference - what the Broncos' coach said Monday about the Ducks, Bob gives an early scouting report in Bronco Focus, which former Boise State players (and other players with state of Idaho ties) made NFL rosters over the weekend (and who's been assigned to practice squads), Saints reporter Matthew Parras on Kellen Moore and his right-hand man (Mike Martinez, a Bishop Kelly High grad who is married to a former Boise State employee - he's been promoted to game management coordinator), our first impressions of Memphis football (big win over UNLV, coming to Boise on Sept. 12)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share a few quick thoughts on the Broncos' season opener in Eugene, including one major factor to pay attention to: Boise State must have a better run game than Oregon in order to pull off the 24.5-point upset. Now See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is this Oregon team the best team they've ever had in Eugene? Bob asks Joey McMurry of the Oregon Radio network how things are shaping up for the Ducks heading into a highly-hyped 2026 season in which Oregon is the preseason No. 2 team in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg (in for Johnny) and Bob (in for Prater) broadcasted Friday's show from Snake River Pool & Spa in Meridian! They examined the Raiders QB situation with the silver and black's preseason slate in the books. Bob checks in with Joey McMurry from the Oregon Radio Network and discusses some of the best teams he's seen Boise State Football play in his team as the play-by-play announcer. BJ Rains joins from Las Vegas for the BNN Report. What's on the line in Week 1 for the Pac 12 with a slew of games against P4 opponents? Plus, the Friday Five rolls on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We celebrate the Pac-12 football season with a preview show at Goldy's Corner Bakery in Downtown Boise, what are the top storylines, top surprises and top locks to expect this Pac-12 season, Bob talks to new defensive back JeRico Washington in Bronco Focus, Pac-12 reporter John Canzano joins the show to talk about his new show on KTIK starting Monday, Aug. 31 - Bald Face Truth Unfiltered (noon-3 p.m. every weekday), Broncos to watch in the final round of NFL preseason games, we launch another season with our longtime fantasy football guru Howard Bender (FantasyAlarm.com)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime reporter John Canzano - based in Oregon and covering the Pac-12 for several years - joins the KTIK family on Monday, Aug. 31, with his new show, airing from noon-1 p.m. MT every weekday (leading into Jim Rome, 1-3p, and Prater & The Ballgame, 3-6). What's the plan for the show? What's Canzano's style? What does he think about Boise State and the 2026 Pac-12 football season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame from Goldy's Corner Bakery in Downtown Boise for a report on 185-pound senior JeRico Washington (Kennesaw State transfer). He's part of plan to build more depth in the Broncos' defensive backfield - and he seems to be embracing all roles on the team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should Boise State football and the Pac-12 chase NFL players while P4 conferences continue to chase legal battles - the pros and cons, Bob goes one-on-one with new starting safety Derek Ganter Jr. in Bronco Focus, Saints insider Ross Jackson on Kellen Moore's camp and a rash of injuries, Idaho State coach Cody Hawkins on his fall camp and Saturday's home opener in Pocatello, our weekly Prep Rally segment (Eagle High football coach James Cluphf), who is the Dolly Parton of sports - elite, bigger than life, perfect reputationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PREP RALLY - EVERY WEDNESDAY THROUGH THE REGULAR SEASON ... Eagle High football coach James Cluphf joins Prater and Ballgame for a conversation about the highly emotional start to the Mustangs' season. Eagle beat state power Highland in Pocatello last weekend after the tragic death of offensive coordinator Jordan Devey earlier this summer. This week, Eagle hosts Timberline on Friday night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cody Hawkins has high expectations going into a new Big Sky football season in Pocatello - a well-balanced team with a high-powered offense and a defense that's growing its reputation. What are Hawkins' expectations for this season - and what's the update with his father, coach Dan Hawkins?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share his interview with senior safety Derek Ganter Jr. The Eastern Washington transfer has moved from cornerback (why?) and talks about why he's a better tackler this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime broadcaster Charles Davis, now working college football with CBS Sports, joins Prater and Ballgame for a conversation about his first assignment of the season: Boise State at Oregon on Sept. 5. Davis, who joins play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler, paints a picture on how the 24-point underdog Broncos can stay competitive against the No. 2 Ducks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CBS Sports lead college football analyst Charles Davis joins the show to talk about his first game of the season - Boise State at Oregon and what storylines he's focused on, coach Spencer Danielson will be mic'd up for Pac-12 games this season, Bob (Bronco Focus) has four players destined to make the Pac-12 postseason team, what's up with QBs for the UNLV-Memphis game this weekend, RB Ashton Jeanty "on the mend" and former Boise State TE Matt Lauter lands roster spot with Vikings, Boise State basketball adds three nonconference opponents in Idaho Falls, Dolly Parton (RIP) and her role in sports See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to talk about the four players who will have strong football seasons in 2026. Bob believes EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan, RB Dylan Riley, TE Matt Wagner and CB Jaden Mickey will end up on the All-Pac-12 postseason team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State football closes out fall camp with a scrimmage and Table Rock hike - what coach Spencer Danielson said about his team after the scrimmage (competition remains at center, interior DL, linebacker, kicker), three Boise State football names starting to get attention - Jeremyah Lane, Jacob Arbuckle II and Keawe Brown, Washington State and Oregon State name starting QBs (Pac-12 down to Fresno State, Colorado State, San Diego State), Ashton Jeanty avoids major injury scare and other news about former Broncos in the NFL, Weekend Winners & LosersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share an updated preview of the Broncos' upcoming regular season. Now that camp is over, Bob thinks Boise State will finish the regular season with eight to 12 wins. Here are the four areas that could decide the final total - defensive tackles, pass game, special teams/kicker and big plays. Your thoughts?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State defensive coordinator Erik Chinander fires up the fan base with his Thursday press conference - playing with juice and playing with violence, Bob previews Saturday scrimmage (end of fall camp) with defensive storylines in Bronco Focus, BJ (BNN Report) ranks the top seven wide receivers on the roster, Boise sculptor Ben Victor with an update on the Kellen Moore statue, do the Raiders look any better after two preseason games (and how is RB2 impacting Ashton Jeanty?), Friday Five - our week in review, with a twistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Victor is the Boise sculptor who has been commissioned to build the Kellen Moore statue, to be unveiled outside Albertsons Stadium at one point this season. Victor gives an update on the statue, where the process sits and changes that have been made to the 11-foot project. He said the target date for an official unveiling has not be announced, but he's working on a plan for late October.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share his preview of Saturday's scrimmage. It's the final day of fall camp. It's the final chance for major changes to the Broncos' depth chart. Bob takes a deep dive into the defensive line, linebackers and the secondary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deep dive into Boise State QB Maddux Madsen and the six games he's played vs. power opponents - all losses with less-than-ideal stats (but is he better prepared to play Oregon on Sept. 5?), former Broncos and NFL preseason storylines this weekend, Pac-12 After Dark includes 13 games this season (Which team has the most? The least? Why?), Bob examines kicker Colton Boomer and punter Oscar Doyle in Bronco Focus, would/could Jeramiah Dickey, Spencer Danielson, Leon Rice and Madsen shoot a "problem'' armadillo, we celebrate National Radio Day with a few fun storiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share his thoughts on fifth-year kicker Colton Boomer and senior punter Oscar Doyle. Both are expected starters this year, though Boomer is in a camp battle with sophomore Canaan Moore. What are their strengths? Weaknesses? Expectations for the 2026 season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State athletics is facing a potential $14-$18M budget deficit for fiscal year 2027, according to athletic director Jeramiah Dickey - do fans care about budget issues when it comes to their sports teams, Broncos unveil new "Blue'' helmet for Sept. 12 home opener against Memphis (celebrating 40 years of football on the blue turf), Bob talks to motivated WR Cam Bates in Bronco Focus, how did Kellen Moore respond after all the fights/brawls in the Saints-Cowboys joint practice TuesdaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share a conversation with junior wide receiver Cam Bates. He had some drop issues last season and has a strong desire for more production this season, including his role as the team's punt returner. How is that going to happen?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a wide receiver-themed show - has Boise State's mysterious/experience-lacking WR room suddenly become a strength of the team, Bob shares interview with starting center Stewart Taufa in Bronco Focus, Boise State has three WRs in the NFL - can all three make rosters and contribute in different ways, pros-cons of the NFL permanently putting teams in Europe (What cities? Which teams would move? Expansion?), Seahawks reporter Gregg Bell (Tacoma News-Tribune, KJR Radio) on George Holani and DeMarcus LawrenceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share his conversation with sophomore center Stewart Taufa. How'd the St. George, Utah, product (Bishop Gorman HS in Vegas) end up at Boise State, how has he won the starting job this year - and could Taufa be the Broncos' starting center for the next four years?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State Football held a closed scrimmage over the weekend for the first time in fall camp. Bob caught up with Spencer Danielson and shared some of the head coach's observations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny hosted as usual while both Bob and Greg chipped in with Prater out to start the week. Boise State Football is back at practice and Johnny shared some of his observations. Plus, the Pac 12 has a variety of different kinds of experience with its coaches. Johnny and Greg dove into the different backgrounds around the league. Plus, can Boise State catch Oregon off guard on September 5 with some more Maddux Madsen designed runs? Lastly, how do you feel about Mark Few getting into the Basketball Hall of Fame while his coaching career is still active.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to separate interviews with potential Boise State starters Carson Rasmussen (LG from Owyhee High) and Roman Tillmon (nickel transfer from South Dakota), Boise State adds Western Illinois to 2027 schedule, former Broncos hit NFL fields starting Thursday night for important preseason games - we're closely following Ahmed Hassanein (Lions), Cedrick Wilson (Loins) and Scott Matlock (Chargers), Albertsons Boise Open hits town with Troy Merritt in the field, is Scottie Scheffler the PGA Player of the Year, thoughts on country music star Luke Combs returning to Albertsons Stadium in 2027See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, is on vacation. In place of his daily Bronco Focus report, we play an entire interview with Owyhee High graduate Carson Rasmussen, a 6-5, 300-pound senior who is targeted to win the Broncos' starting job at left guard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LIVE from BanBury Golf Course in Eagle for our inaugural Tournament of Champions, Boise State and the Pac-12 have a challenging nonconference schedule to open the season - how can that impact league credibility, Bob talks to transfer DL Mikaio Edward in Bronco Focus, former Boise State player/coach Mike Sanford (now a media personality in Denver) on the highs and lows of OL Kage Casey and S JL Skinner in the Broncos' NFL training camp, questions surrounding RB1 for the Oregon Ducks, would the Ted Lasso coaching style work in real lifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share his interview with senior Mikaio Edward, a Central Washington transfer who is battling for rotation reps on the Broncos' interior defensive line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey joins Prater and Ballgame in the KTIK Lithia Ford of Boise Studio for his once-a-month conversation - he touches on the new North End Zone project (good and bad, so far), football season ticket sales, jersey patches ... and a new concert coming to The Blue??, Bob (Bronco Focus) talks to three assistant coaches (QB, WR, DL) about their most important player, Pac-12 and MW now sharing the same corporate brand - beef jerky, LSU reporter on expectations for former Boise State safely Ty BenefieldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share separate interviews with QB coach Zak Hill, DL coach Frank Maile and WR coach Alvis Whitted. Bob asks each coach about their most important player.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey joins Prater and Ballgame in the KTIK Lithia Ford of Boise Studio for his once-a-month conversation. This time, Dickey touches on the new North End Zone project (the good and bad, so far), football season ticket sales, jersey patches, Pac-12 branding ... and a new concert coming to The Blue??See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob steps outside of Boise on a Monday edition of Bronco Focus and fills the audience in on some of the hottest talking points around the Pac 12 with camps well underway across the entire conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Troy Merritt is returning to Boise this week for the Albertsons Boise Open. He talked about what's been a strong 2026 for him having played in events both on the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour and coming back to the Treasure Valley to play at Hillcrest Country Club this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny and Greg (in for Prater) celebrate Johnny's birthday, share their winners and losers from the weekend, and check in with Boise State athletics Hall of Famer Troy Merritt from men's golf as it's Boise Open week! Bob checks in and gives us all the hottest preseason topics in the Pac 12. Ryan Leaf was in Boise over the weekend Johnny and Greg reacted to a lot of what the lead analyst for USA's coverage of the Pac 12 had to say. Plus, who is going to be the biggest contributor amongst the newcomers to Boise State Football in 2026? Lastly, do you trust the Raiders to get the most out of Ashton Jeanty in a pivotal second season for the BSU legend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sherrod Smith is projected to be one of Boise State's starting cornerbacks in 2026 after sitting behind A'Marion McCoy and Jeremiah Earby last season. Bob filled everyone in on what to expect from the junior this season, who also went to the same high school as McCoy and Earby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny and Greg (in for Prater) talked a lot about the Pro Football Hall of Fame weekend in Canton. Former Boise State football player Richie Brockel joined the show from Ohio as Brockel was a former teammate of Luke Kuechly's in Carolina. Plus, who might give Boise State Football fans a reason to head to Canton one day? Bob checks in with Broncos CB Sherrod Smith who is projected to start in 2026. Later on, Johnny and Greg talk about a challenging task of preparing inexperienced Broncos for the challenge that is opening the season in Autzen Stadium against Oregon. Also, the Friday Five is back and they gave out one final pair of Boise State Football season tickets in Touchdowns for Tickets!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our final day of qualifying for Touchdowns for Tickets - we pick our sixth and final winner of Boise State football season tickets during Friday's show, observations from the second day of Broncos' camp (Boen Phelps!!!), hear interviews with WR Akeem Wright (motivated, confident) and EDGE rusher Bol Bol (Bronco Focus with Bob), NFL running backs are getting paid - what does that mean for Ashton Jeanty when he starts chasing a second contract, Prater diving into a bachelor party this weekend - how old is too old for a bachelor party?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share his conversation with Bol Bol. The 6-4, 250-pound Canadian said he "was alright'' last year - his first in college football. What are expectations for this season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our three-week Touchdowns for Tickets contest is down to its final three days - new winner of Boise State football season tickets is announced Wednesday with three more chances to qualify Thursday, our first-day observations from Boise State football camp, interviews with starters Dylan Riley (RB), Tyler Ethridge (LT) and Travis Anderson (S), touchdown celebration spikes will be allowed in college football this season (what happens when a player dives into the north end zone field-level suites?), are you Team Ted Lasso or Team Hard KnocksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame to share his conversation with junior safety Travis Anderson. Wednesday was the first day of fall camp and Anderson was taking No. 1 snaps at field-side safety. Where has Anderson become a better player going into 2026?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three new chances to qualify for our Touchdowns for Tickets contest - and your chance to win Boise State football season tickets (contest ends this week), Boise State opens fall camp Wednesday and our focus will be on the offensive line, one EDGE rusher position and linebackers, Bob shares how this team can go from "good to great" in his Bronco Focus report, Spencer Danielson looking into adding 2025 top players Braxton Fely and Jeremiah Earby to this year's roster (new court ruling!!) - how would that impact chemistry, has Tony Romo called his last game for CBS and how do we feel about that potential decision See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Ballgame for a conversation on the eve of fall camp. Bob wants to see the 2026 Broncos go from "good to great'' - what is he looking for on offense and defense as fall camp Wednesday?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Third and final week of our Touchdowns for Tickets contest - 12 chances to qualify this week and two winners (Wednesday and Friday) will walk away with a pair of Boise State football season tickets, Boise State football coach Spencer Danielson on details behind fall camp starting Wednesday, could Danielson add former players Braxton Fely and Jeremiah Earby to the roster, Bob looks into the running back room in Bronco Focus, we chronicle the highs and lows of Banana Ball weekend inside Albertsons Stadium, Weekend Winners & LosersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Greg for a conversation about running backs Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley. Bob said RB is the Broncos' best position - both players are hoping to chase 1,000 yards this season. How can that happen? Will it happen? And which players are providing depth behind Gaines and Riley?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Week two of Touchdowns For Tickets comes to an end with another winner of Boise State football season tickets - 12 more chances to qualify next week (the third and final week of our annual contest), Boise State opens camp next week - will the Broncos go with live, physical tackling in fall camp like they did in the spring, we honor the life of former NFL player, Super Bowl champion and Eagle High football coach Jordan Devey who passed away earlier this month, Jordan's mom, Leslie, joins the show to talk about her son, his battle with CTE and how it can be spotted early enough to make a difference, B.J. with his weekly BNN Report - this time from Banana Ball inside Albertsons Stadium, former Boise State WR Cam Camper joins the Jets and becomes the 15th former Bronco in the NFLSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.