Of the ugly losses the Boise State football team has taken in recent years, Friday’s was likely the most hideous.
The Broncos didn’t turn the ball over gratuitously, unlike some of the brutal setbacks under coach Bryan Harsin. But make no mistake, they were completely overmatched by a team that won two games last season and had lost 22 of its previous 23 road games.
Boise State’s offense looked pedestrian at best. The defense, so good the first three weeks, was beaten 42-23 by a Virginia team that resembled the Broncos of yore with a solid rushing attack and a varied array of passing options.