Good morning, Bronco Nation! What makes The BLUE stand out among sports attractions across the country? Meet a group of dedicated ambassadors with a passion for Boise State in the latest B:1 Feature Story.

What else is brewing in today’s edition, Bronco Nation?

⚽️ Soccer and Volleyball recaps
🤸 Bird inks a contract extension
🔷 And much, much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Home At Last. Boise State finally opens its six-game home slate on The Blue at Albertsons Stadium on Saturday as the Broncos welcome Portland State. Saturday’s matchup marks the third straight year the Broncos will face an opponent from the FCS ranks. Boise State is 21-2 (.913) all-time against FCS opponents since the program elevated to the Division I-A/FBS level in 1996. Entering this week’s game, Boise State ranks in the top 15 nationally in rushing offense (5th) by averaging 296 yards per game while also ranking 13th nationally in both scoring offense (45 ppg) and total offense (510 ypg).

📚️ Read more about the Broncos’ Week Three matchup

🔼 On To The Next. Boise State women's soccer lost to Montana 2-0, Thursday night. Montana took the early lead in the second minute off a penalty kick from a hand ball in the box. Jillian Anderson came close to scoring for the Broncos, taking a shot that hit the crossbar in the 25th minute. The Grizzlies extended the lead coming out of halftime after finding the back of the net again in the 48th minute, making the final score 2-0.

🗣️ "There's a lot of talent within this squad that has the potential to win a championship. Our job between now and that opportunity is to make sure we're more refined than we were this evening." - Jim Thomas, head coach

🔼 First One Done. Boise State volleyball opened the SFA Invitational, falling in three sets to the host Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks in the tournament opener. Paige Bartsch led the team, hitting .273 for 15 kills with two service aces, seven digs, one block and 17.5 points, and Kiki Remensperger recorded her fourth double-double of the season on 14 assists and 10 digs. Boise State will face the McNeese Cowgirls at 6 p.m. on Friday in Nacogdoches, Texas, on the second day of the SFA Invitational. 

🔼 Here To Stay. Boise State gymnastics head coach Tina Bird has signed a two-year contract extension, director of athletics Jeramiah Dickey announced. The extension adds to the one year that remained on Bird's contract, keeping her with Boise State through the 2027 season. A seven-time conference coach of the year, Bird is entering her 18th season as either head coach or co-head coach of Boise State Gymnastics. In her reign, she has led the squad to ten team conference championships, including the 2024 inaugural Mountain West Championships.

🗣️ "I am so excited to continue leading the gymnastics program. Being a former Bronco student-athlete turned coach is a very special path and I love that I get to help my team achieve their hearts' desires." - Tina Bird

🔼 Beyond The Baseline. The fifth and final episode of the Boise State women’s tennis docuseries is now out! In the long-awaited finale of the 2024 spring season, the Broncos head to Las Vegas to battle their way to a championship. Check out the full episode on the Boise State Broncos YouTube channel.

🔼 Sneak Peek. The Boise State men’s basketball 2024-25 season is approaching, so check out some behind-the-scenes footage from the team’s media day.

🤔 BLUE TURF TRIVIA

Down They Go. Today’s trivia question…who leads the Boise State football team in total tackles heading into the team’s matchup against Portland State?

Think you got it? Scroll to the bottom and find out!

📱 FROM THE AD’S DESK

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🗓 THE WEEK AHEAD

(All times are MT)

Friday, September 20
🎾 Men’s Tennis @ Chowderfest in Cambridge, Mass. | Watch | Live Scoring
🎾 Women’s Tennis @ Boise State Classic in Boise, Idaho | Live Stream
🏐 Volleyball vs. McNeese @ 6 p.m. in Nacogdoches, Texas | Live Stats

Saturday, September 21
🎾 Women’s Tennis @ Boise State Classic in Boise, Idaho | Live Stream
🎾 Men’s Tennis @ Chowderfest in Cambridge, Mass. | Watch | Live Scoring
🏐 Volleyball vs. UTSA @ 10 a.m. in Nacogdoches, Texas | Live Stats
🏈 Football vs. Portland State @ 7:45 p.m. in Boise, Idaho on FS1 | Tickets | Listen | Live Stats

Sunday, September 22
🎾 Women’s Tennis @ Boise State Classic in Boise, Idaho | Live Stream
🎾 Men’s Tennis @ Chowderfest in Cambridge, Mass. | Watch | Live Scoring
⚽️ Soccer vs. Eastern Washington @ 1 p.m. in Cheney, Wash. | ESPN+ | Live Stats

Monday, September 23
⛳️ Women’s Golf @ Golfweek Red Sky Classic in Wolcott, Colo. | Live Scoring

Tuesday, September 24
⛳️ Women’s Golf @ Golfweek Red Sky Classic in Wolcott, Colo. | Live Scoring

Wednesday, September 25
⛳️ Women’s Golf @ Golfweek Red Sky Classic in Wolcott, Colo. | Live Scoring
🎾 Women’s Tennis @ ITA All-American Championships in Cary, N.C.

Thursday, September 26
🎾 Women’s Tennis @ ITA All-American Championships in Cary, N.C.
🏐 Volleyball vs. Fresno State @ 7 p.m. in Fresno, Calif. | MWN | Live Stats
⚽️ Soccer vs. Fresno State @ 8 p.m. in Fresno, Calif. | MWN | Live Stats

🔷Click here to view the entire Boise State Athletics Calendar

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Zion Washington!

Washington has recorded 16 total tackles this season. Ty Benefield is one behind him with 15 on the season while Andrew Simpson leads the defense in sacks with two.

🔷 Have a great weekend, Bronco Nation!