BOISE STATE OFFENSE (EDGE)

The Broncos are no longer illusionists trying to con defenses with multiple pre-snap motions. Now the movements are run-based, with tight ends switching sides to create mismatches with cluster blocks. The Broncos employ numerous three-tight-end sets, including one in which an H-back aligns in the backfield as lead blocker for Jeremy “McWeapon” McNichols (135.1 rushing yards per game, including two 200-plus-yard games). McNichols is a straight-away runner through the first tier of defenders, after which he uses jump cuts to dodge and then out-race linebackers and safeties. Alexander Mattison, who averages 6.4 yards on red-zone rushes, and Devan Demas, who can run 40 yards in 4.37 seconds, also will get some touches. Brett Rypien, nephew of former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien, leads the Mountain West in passing (286.4 yards per game) and touchdown throws (18). Rypien and inside receiver Thomas Sperbeck have formed a pass-and-catch bond. Sperbeck has caught 65.6 percent of the passes when he is the primary target (only four drops in 87 throws) with 77.1 percent of his receptions resulting in first downs. Sperbeck, who also aligns as the wildcat, has three TD passes in as many throws, including a 33-yarder to Rypien. Sperbeck has a pass-efficiency rating of 687.6. “Thomas can pick up a tennis racket or golf club or Hacky Sack, you name it, he’s probably good at it,” BSU coach Bryan Harsin has said.

BOISE STATE DEFENSE (EDGE)

The Broncos are allowing 22.7 points per game and leading the Mountain West in sacks (26) but producing only five takeaways — a fumble and four interceptions — in nine games. The Broncos start with a three-man front, then bring in Durrant Miles as a fourth hand-in-the-dirt lineman or advance Jabril Frazler and Tanner Vallejo as stand-up pass rushers. Nose tackle David Moa, nicknamed “Moa Constrictor,” relies on quickness and freakish athletic ability to average 0.72 sacks per game, second best among MWC defenders. He also has four pass breakups, and has blocked a kick. Sam McCaskill is listed as a D-end, but he slides in front of the offensive tackle or into the 3 technique when a linebacker covers the edge. Linebackers Ben Weaver, Darren Lee and Joe Martarano, a member of the Chicago Cubs’ minor league system, are downhill gap attackers. The secondary often is in a four-across zone, with corners Jonathan Moxey and Tyler Horton playing at least 5 yards off the line of scrimmage. Moxey, who defends the narrow side, is the top cover defender. He averages a a breakup a game.

BOISE STATE SPECIALISTS

Sean Wale is seventh nationally in net punting (42.0 average) and first in surprises, sprinting 29 yards up the middle on fourth-and-12 against San Jose State. Wale punts behind a three-player shield of tight end Alec Dhaenens, and linebackers Ben Weaver and Durrant Miles. Of Wale’s 35 punts, 12 landed inside the 20 with only one touchback. Tyler Rausa’ 34-yard field goal was the longest of the season and his only successful one in the past six games.

HAWAII OFFENSE

Wideout Marcus Kemp is a budding enigmatologist who can solve a scrambled Rubik’s Cube in minutes. Kemp also has worked to decode the defenses trying to deny his favorite deep routes. Of the 94 times he was targeted, 24 were on passes traveling at least 20 yards from the line of scrimmage. But last week, San Diego State used a cloud coverage involving two safeties and a corner to limit Kemp to one deep throw. Instead, Kemp, who usually aligns wide right, set up on the left side and in the slot for a few plays. He also dusted off former Warrior Greg Salas’ step-back move to catch bubble screens against soft underneath coverages. “I’m trying to get some extra yards, especially in a game like that where I’m not getting down the field as much,” Kemp said. The Warriors have turned to inside routes against zone defenses. Last week, Makoa Camanse-Stevens was targeted a season-high five times, and slotback John Ursua was the primary receiver 14 times. Slotback Dylan Collie also has faced single coverage on crossing routes. “When people ask what my favorite route is, I tend to say the slant,” said Collie, who is 5-10 and 175 pounds. “I like coming across the middle. It’s a 50-50 ball every time.” Collie’s helmet contains the same padded material used in a combat vest. His older brother, former NFL receiver Austin Collie, works for a development company that specializes in safeguarding against concussions.

HAWAII DEFENSE

In six Mountain West games, the run defense has followed a familiar sequence: porous start, solid recovery, and a second-half lapse. Opponents are averaging 7.95 yards per rush on the opening drive, but only 3.01 yards from the third possession to the intermission. And while the Warriors have held rushers to 3 or fewer yards an average of 22.3 times per game, they have been burned for second-half rushes of 73, 72, 41 and 32 yards. In 10 overall games, the Warriors have relinquished five touchdowns and two field goals in the opening drive. Defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said he has worked on different preparations, and “I’ll try something different” for the Boise game. Cornerback Jamal Mayo, who missed the past three games because of leg issues, is healthy and expected to contribute today. Freshman safety Keala Santiago, who played 32 of 58 defensive snaps last week, is key to several sub-packages. Trayvon Henderson has emerged as a versatile playmaker. Henderson can play both safety spots as well as line up in the tackle box as a blitzer and edge setter. “It’s nothing more than just doing my job,” said Henderson, who has 66 tackles, including 8.5 in the backfield, five breakups and two picks. “If the pass comes my way, I make a play. If the ballcarrier comes my way, I make the tackle. Nothing else to it.”

HAWAII SPECIALISTS (EDGE)

The Warriors have become more aggressive on kickoff returns, utilizing offensive linemen J.R. Hensley and Alabama transfer Chris Posa as rhino blockers positioned 25 yards ahead of returner Paul Harris. Dejaun Butler also creates space as the offset returner. Kicker /punter Rigo Sanchez has three tackles this season and four in two years. Dan “Iceman” Kelly had 18 tackles in four UH seasons, including six in 2007, and Justin Ayat had 15 during his career.