Prater & The Ballgame

Johnny and Greg get you over the hump and look ahead to Taylen Green and Malachi Nelson both playing ranked opponents this weekend. Bob talks with Leon Rice in Bronco Focus as the 2025-26 Mountain West conference schedule has been finalized. Johnny and Greg also re-draft the 2024 NFL QB class after JJ McCarthy is named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week and they get the opinion of CFB writer Chris Vannini at The Athletic on what's going on with The American, Mountain West and Sun Belt in the G5 CFP race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Vannini of The Athletic joins Johnny and Greg to discuss just how much of a blow Boise State's loss was to South Florida in the G5 CFP race with the American Conference off to a good start. Plus, is the Mountain West even the second-best conference in the Group of Five?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Mountain West men's basketball schedule now finalized for 2025-26, Bob caught up with Boise State men's basketball coach Leon Rice to get his thoughts on what lies ahead for the Broncos on the hardwood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny and Greg discuss the early-season concerns for the Mountain West in the race for the Group of Five's automatic bid in to the College Football playoff, Bob gets some perspective from Raiders radio announcer Jason Horowitz on Ashton Jeanty's NFL debut, Vandals coach Thomas Ford checks in with the 50th anniversary of the Kibbie Dome being celebrated on Saturday, and BSU AD Jeramiah Dickey joins for his monthly spot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey joins Johnny and Greg to discuss how things went at Albertsons Stadium for last week's football home opener, the design of the football team's new helmets which will debut at the end of the month against App State, scheduling more season openers at home and an update on where things stand with a future football game against Idaho.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vandals coach Thomas Ford joins Johnny and Greg to discuss the state of his team after two games, the 50th anniversary of the Kibbie Dome and how close we might be to seeing a game between Idaho and Boise State.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob gets the perspective in Vegas on Ashton Jeanty's NFL debut from Raiders radio play-by-play announcer Jason Horowitz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny and Greg react to Boise State's first victory of the season, the first Sunday of NFL action in 2025, Ashton Jeanty's Raiders debut and Kellen Moore's head coaching debut with the Saints, and ponder if now is a good time for Boise State's first bye week of the 2025 season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob recaps the good from Friday's win and highlights the strong rushing attack and Jaden Mickey's increased role in the secondary while also noting the struggles in the kicking game for the Broncos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny "Ballgame" Mallory and Greg Frank are live from Ridley's Family Markets in Middleton. The NFL season kicks off on Thursday night and Greg is fired up for his Eagles to defend their super bowl crown. Both Johnny and Greg share their thoughts on another NFL season getting started, share some things they'd like to see change in Boise State's game plan ahead of Friday's home opener against Eastern Washington, give their favorite NFL storylines for 2025 and discuss Kellen Moore's head coaching debut and Ashton Jeanty's NFL debut with both set for Sunday.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 Ballgame and Greg to share some of his observations from speaking with Boise State WRs coach Matt Miller, WR Ben Ford and DT Braxton Fely on his weekly coaches show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State hosts Eastern Washington in a Friday night home opener - Bob (Bronco Focus) takes a look at what needs to change after last week's loss at USF (No. 1 change - the running game), associate AD/operations Nathan Burk on what fans can expect Friday, especially the north end zone construction impact (and stadium entrances), there are 11 former Boise State players on 53-man rosters in the NFL - who has the best shot to reach the Super Bowl (or go deep into the playoffs), Rick Neuheisel on what he saw in the Boise State opener - and his favorite things about college football todaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nathan Burk, a senior associate athletic director/operations at Boise State, joins Prater and Mallory to explain Albertsons Stadium changes going into a new home football season, starting Friday night against Eastern Washington. Burk touches on north-end zone construction and how it will impact the game-day experience, and he dives into changes to stadium entrances, logistical issues on the east side and concessions.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 Mallory to share his four keys to getting better after the Broncos lost their season opener at USF last week. What Bob wants to see Friday night in the home opener against Eastern Washington ... No. 1: Improved run game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime college football coach Rick Neuheisel, now a analyst for CBS Sports and SiriusXM, joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about Boise State, its slow start in the USF opener, replacing Ashton Jeanty and Dirk Koetter, fixing effort ... and all the things he still cherishes when it comes to the current state of college football. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Giving away tickets to the Boise State football home opener all week, how coach Spencer Danielson (and his two coordinators) explain what happened in the USF loss - and how to prevent more of the same moving forward, Bob talks to DT standout Braxton Fely in Bronco Focus, Boise ad director on the new Ashton Jeanty/Kendall Auto commercials, Saints insider on what to expect from Kellen Moore's season opener this weekend (11 a.m. Sunday, vs. Arizona), what did we learn about the Mountain West this weekend, Weekend Winners & LosersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran Saints reporter Ross Jackson (Locked on Saints Podcast, 104.5 ESPN, WWL-TV) joins Prater and Mallory for a deep dive into rookie head coach Kellen Moore and the impact he's had on the organization going into a new season. The Saints open their 2025 schedule at 11 a.m. Sunday at home against Arizona.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelly Knopp, the Boise-based director of the longtime Kendall Auto ad campaign featuring Boise State football icons Kellen Moore, Leighton Vander Esch and Chris Petersen, joins Prater and Mallory for a behind-the-scenes look at the new commercial featuring Ashton Jeanty. The ad was filmed over a two-day span in Boise in June, Knopp said. Future Kendall commercials, starting this weekend and airing throughout the football season, include NFL quarterbacks Justin Herbert, Bo Nixon and Marcus Mariota.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory to share Tuesday's interview with defensive tackle Braxton Fely. The senior led the Broncos' defense in the 34-7 season-opening loss in Tampa, Florida.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from Banbury Golf Course, Prater, Johnny, Bob (Bronco Focus), B.J. (Bronco Nation News) and listeners on the phone share a variety of reactions to the Broncos' 34-7 loss in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, former Boise State offensive lineman and current radio analyst Pete Cavender with his new weekly post-game report, we preview the six biggest games of the college football weekend, we give away another pair of Boise State season tickets in our Touchdowns for Tickets contestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory to share the four biggest downfalls that led to a 34-7 at South Florida on Thursday night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State reporter B.J. Rains (BroncoNationNews.com) joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about the Broncos' 34-7 loss at USF on Thursday night in Tampa. What went wrong, according to B.J.? And how can it be fixed?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BOISE STATE FOOTBALL POST-GAME CALL-IN SHOW: Boise State lost its season opener at South Florida 34-7 in Tampa on Thursday night. The Broncos opened with a 7-0 lead then gave up 34 consecutive points after a series of mistakes and poor execution. What did fans and callers have to say about the loss?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State football plays at South Florida in a season-opening game in Tampa - we cover all the game-day storylines, Bob talks four keys to a victory in Bronco Focus, our exclusive interview with head coach Spencer Danielson (season expectations and Jeanty or Jesus?), Broncos are 9-5 all-time in NFL stadiums, KTIK Best Bets with national handicapper Lee SterlingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory from Tampa, Florida, to preview the Broncos' season opener at USF in Raymond James Stadium. Bob's No. 1 key to a victory: Boise State's run game, featuring Sire Gaines and Malik Sherrod.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NOTE: SPECIAL PREGAME EDITION OF PRATER & THE BALLGAME - NOON-3 P.M. ON THURSDAY ... Touchdowns for Tickets - three more qualifying chances to win Boise State football season tickets (contest runs through Friday), meet five true freshmen who made the Broncos' depth chart and traveled to Tampa for Thursday's season opener in Tampa, Bob (Bronco Focus) previews four players who could impact the outcome at USF, Lions reporter on the future of injured DE Ahmed Hassanein, new Pac-12 signs five-year media rights package with The CW (good or bad?), WR Khalil Shakir back at Bills practice and QB Brett Rypien lands on Bengals' practice squad, fantasy draft preview with Howard BenderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Detroit beat writer Nolan Bianchi (The Detroit News) joins Prater and Mallory to share a update on former Boise State defensive end Ahmed Hassanein, who suffered a pec injury in the Lions' training camp earlier this month. Hassanein, a sixth-round draft pick, was waived this week and given a injury settlement. What are the rookie's chances of rejoining the Lions later in the season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory from the Raymond James Stadium press box to share a list of four players he's thinking about going into the BSU-USF opener in Tampa on Thursday afternoon: Running back Sire Gaines, emerging wide receiver Chris Marshall, EDGE rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan and new kicker Colton Boomer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue another week of Touchdowns for Tickets - 15 qualifiers (three per day) and one will win a pair of Boise State season tickets Friday, Aug. 29, we get you ready for Thursday's USF opener (comments from Boise State coach Spencer Danielson about the Broncos' run game, including QB Maddux Madsen and his role), 11 former Broncos make 53-man rosters in the NFL but DE Ahmed Hassanein is released on an injury waiver - what does that mean for his future, Bob sits down with EDGE rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan in Bronco Focus - how many sacks this season, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory to share an interview with team captain Jayden Virgin-Morgan. The redshirt sophomore from San Diego had 10 sacks last season - can that number go up in 2025? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We launch another week of Touchdowns for Tickets - 15 qualifiers (three per day) and one will win a pair of Boise State season tickets Friday, Aug. 29, we get you ready for Thursday's USF opener (comments from Boise State coach Spencer Danielson and USF play-by-play announcer Jim Louk, both focused on Bulls' QB Byrum Brown), thoughts on the Broncos' new depth chart, meet QB2 Max Cutforth (Skyview High, Nampa), Bob talks to senior linebacker and team captain Marco Notarainni in Bronco Focus, former Broncos Brett Rypien (Vikings) and Ben Dooley (Rams) looking for work - who else could lose their job before Tuesday's NFL cut deadline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Louk, the only play-by-play announcer in the history of USF football, joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about the Bulls, who host Boise State in potentially tricky weather Thursday in Tampa. The conversation starts with USF dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown, who set several school records in 2023 before suffering a leg injury in the first month of the 2024 season. Brown will start a game Thursday for the first time in 11 months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory to share an interview with senior linebacker and team captain Marco Notarainni. He'll play a key role in Thursday's opener at USF, where dual-threat QB Byrum Brown is expected create chaos against the Broncos' defense.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State ends fall camp and begins full prep for USF opener on Aug. 28, college football season starts Saturday with five Zero Week games - including three involving Mountain West teams, Bronco Nation News Report with B.J., a look at Fresno State's season, deep dive in Notre Dame's schedule, Baseball with Bob and MLB realignment possibilitiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prater and Mallory dive into undecided position battles on the Boise State football team - interior defensive line, offensive line, kicker, QB2, Bob talks to wide receiver Latrell Caples in Bronco Focus, new Pac-12 and The CW agree on a 5-year media rights contract (per Oregon-based reporter John Canzano), former Boise State QB Malachi Nelson wins the starting job at UTEP (opens at Utah State), we kick off our season-long College Football Six Pack of games to watch this weekend, national handicapper Lee Sterling with his picks for this weekend (and a Boise State preview)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory to share an interview with senior wide receiver Latrell Caples, who could lead the squad in catches in 2025. Caples breaks down the WR group - and touches on where he wants to be better this season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We announce a new round of Touchdowns for Tickets starting next week (one pair of free season tickets for Boise State in 2025), voice of the Raiders JT The Brick joins Prater and Mallory for an in-depth conversation about Ashton Jeanty - and his role on the Raiders' this season, BSU practices lightning/rain delay in preparation for next week's opener at South Florida, coach Jabril Frazer on his EDGE rushers in Bronco Focus, Idaho State coach Cody Hawkins on his 2025 season and Saturday's opener at UNLV, Boise State basketball non-conference schedule is "compelling,'' when will Kellen Moore make a QB decisionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Las Vegas media personality JT The Brick joins Prater and Mallory for an extended conversation about running back Ashton Jeanty. JT was in Boise last season for the Mountain West Championship Game - and has covered Jeanty since he joined the Raiders after the NFL Draft. JT dives into the anticipation and expectations for Jeanty this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Third-year Idaho State coach Cody Hawkins joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about his 2025 season, which starts Saturday afternoon at UNLV. Hawkins said his roster features 60 new players, less elite talent than last year, and a significant improvement in depth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory to share an interview with EDGE coach Jabril Frazier, who previews what kind of production to expect from starters Jayden Virgin-Morgan and Max Stege.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Ashton Jeanty the most marketable rookie in the NFL - or is it Travis Hunter or Shedeur Sanders, the crazy tale of Boise State left tackle Kage Casey and his 1-of-1 Boise State trading card (who got the card and how?), Bob talks to Boise State offensive line Tim Keane in Bronco Focus, BYU (Bear Bachmeier) and Notre Dame (CJ Carr) name new starting QBs - neither one has thrown a pass in college footballSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory to share an interview with offensive line coach Tim Keane. The Broncos used nine different starters in five positions last season - how deep is the new offensive line and what's the plan for 2025?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We analyze the weekend for former Boise State players in the NFL - Ashton Jeanty scores first NFL TD (and delivers a monster hit), Kellen Moore's offense struggles (again), Ahmed Hassanein injury could threaten his 2025 season, what will BSU's running back production look like in the USF opener, BSU cornerbacks coach Demario Warren on 2025 expectations (Bronco Focus with Bob), our annual visit with Oregon/Skyline HS tight end Kenyon SadiqSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq joins Prater and Mallory after leaving the Ducks' practice field Monday morning - he is one of the top tight ends in all of college football this season. Sadiq talks about his monster offseason, his Idaho connections and how Oregon/NIL have changed his life which now includes a potential future in the NFL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Mallory to share an interview with cornerbacks coach Demario Warren. With returning starters A'Marion McCoy and Jeremiah Earby, the coach expects improved results this season - with a deeper room and returning experience from the 2024 campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State reporter B.J. Rains (Bronco News Nation) joins Johnny and Greg to discuss the Mountain West's injury report policy, how ready Boise State is to play a football game in less than two weeks and the men's basketball non-conference schedule being complete.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny and Greg discuss some stars that appeared in Boise before they became stars in light of this weekend's Boise Open, rate how hot the seat is for certain SEC coaches, BJ Rains of Bronco Nation News stops by for his weekly hit, and Johnny and Greg circle a few games outside of Notre Dame that Boise State could lose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prater and Greg, sitting in for Johnny, engage in an interesting debate - could Boise State's QB situation be better than Notre Dame's, Broncos open season in exactly two weeks in Tampa, Florida, Bob sits down with DL transfer David Latu in Bronco Focus, BSU storylines in NFL camps (Jeanty and McCaffrey on the same practice field), PGA golfers shred Hillcrest CC on first day of the Albertsons Boise OpenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Greg to share the story of new defensive tackle David Latu. The BYU transfer is one of five linemen who are expected to be in heavy rotation when the season starts Aug. 28 at South Florida in Tampa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prater and Greg, sitting in for Johnny, dive into Spencer Danielson's press conference as Boise State football approaches a critical Thursday scrimmage - exactly two weeks before the season opener at South Florida, BSU features DL Braxton Fely in the new stadium banner series - how do fans feel about that, Bob previews the OL in Bronco Focus, what is Khalil Shakir's role in the Hard Knocks TV show, Blazers are sold - what does that mean? NEW LISTENER POLL AT KTIK.COM: Yes or No on BSU-Idaho resuming their football series?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Greg to preview the Broncos' offensive line after two-plus weeks of fall camp. Bob talks to coach Spencer Danielson and right guard Tyler Keinath about the problems and potential facing the OL room this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.