Boise State announced its 2020 football schedule on February 27, 2020.[ 5] The 2020 schedule consisted of 7 home and 5 away games in the regular season. On August 10, 2020, the Mountain West Conference announced the suspension of the football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic .[ 6] [ 7] The new schedule was released by the Mountain West on October 1, 2020.[ 8]
Date Time Opponent Rank Site TV Result Attendance October 24 5:00 p.m. Utah State FS1 W 42–130[ a]
October 31 4:00 p.m. at Air Force No. 25 CBSSN W 49–30500
7:45 p.m. No. 9 BYU * No. 21 Albertsons Stadium Boise, ID FS1 L 17–511,100
6:00 p.m. Colorado State Albertsons Stadium Boise, ID FS1 W 52–21 1,100
November 21 9:00 p.m. at Hawaii CBSSN W 40–320[ b]
November 28 2:00 p.m. San Jose State Albertsons Stadium Boise, ID Fox No Contest _
December 4 7:30 p.m. at UNLV CBSSN No Contest _
December 12 4:00 p.m. at Wyoming CBSSN W 17–9 2,978
December 19 2:15 p.m. vs. No. 24 San Jose State Fox L 20–34 0
2020 Boise State Broncos football team roster
Players
Coaches
Offense
Pos.
#
Name
Class
WR
1
Octavius Evans
Sr
WR
2
Khalil Shakir
Jr
TE
3
Riley Smith
So
WR
6
C. T. Thomas
Sr
WR
7
Latrell Caples
Fr
QB
8
Cade Fennegan
Fr
QB
10
Chase Cord
Jr
QB
14
Andy Peters
Fr
WR
15
Maclaine Griffin
So
QB
16
Jack Sears
Jr
WR
18
Billy Bowens
So
QB
19
Hank Bachmeier
So
RB
21
Andrew Van Buren
Jr
WR
23
Khyheem Waleed
Fr
RB
24
George Holani
So
RB
25
Taequan Tyler
So
WR
27
Shea Whiting
Fr
RB
31
Obi Gee
Fr
WR
32
Trevor Cole
Fr
RB
33
Tyler Crowe
Fr
RB
37
Danny Smith
So
TE
40
Russell Corrigan
Fr
OL
50
Riden Leong
Fr
OL
51
Dalton Lins
So
OL
55
Kekaniokoa Holomalia-Gonzalez
So
OL
57
Nathan Cardona
Fr
OL
62
Kyle Juergens
Fr
OL
66
Ben Dooley
Fr
OL
68
Jake Stetz
Sr
OL
69
Garrett Curran
So
OL
70
John Ojukwu
Jr
OL
71
Donte Harrington
Sr
OL
72
Dallas Holliday
So
OL
73
Nick Crabtree
Sr
OL
74
Jacob Golden
Fr
OL
75
Brandon Hernandez
Fr
OL
77
Uzo Osuji
Sr
OL
78
Julian Simpson
Fr
TE
80
Mason Sikes
Sr
TE
81
Austin Bolt
Fr
WR
82
Stefan Cobbs
So
WR
83
Cole Wright
Fr
WR
84
Matt Greenwald
Fr
TE
85
John Bates
Sr
TE
86
Tyler Eiguren
Fr
TE
87
Kaden DeLuna
So
TE
88
Tyneil Hopper
So
WR
89
Connor Riddle
So
Defense
Pos.
#
Name
Class
S
0
JL Skinner
So
CB
2
Jalen Walker
Sr
OLB
3
Brandon Hawkins
Jr
S
4
Rodney Robinson
Fr
S
5
Evan Tyler
GS
MLB
7
Ezekiel Noa
Jr
CB
8
Markel Reed
So
OLB
9
Brock Miller
Sr
CB
13
Marques Evans
Jr
CB
14
Kaonohi Kaniho
Fr
CB
16
Jonathan Earl
Jr
CB
17
Donovan Clark
Fr
DE
19
Aisa Kelemete
Jr
CB
20
Roman Kafentzis
Jr
CB
21
Tyreque Jones
Jr
CB
22
Tyric LeBeauf
So
CB
24
Damon Cole
Jr
MLB
25
Benton Wickersham
Sr
CB
26
Avery Williams
Sr
CB
28
Kekaula Kaniho
Sr
CB
29
Chris Mitchell
So
DE
30
Isaiah Bagnah
Fr
S
34
Alexander Teubner
Fr
S
36
Semaj Verner
Fr
DE
38
Demitri Washington
So
CB
41
Jaylen Clark
Fr
S
43
Tyler Visser
Jr
OLB
44
Riley Whimpey
Sr
OLB
45
Nick Provenzano
Sr
MLB
48
Bruno DeRose
Sr
DE
49
Dylan Herberg
So
OLB
52
D. J. Schramm
So
DE
53
Sam Whitney
GS
DE
54
Gabe Hunter
Fr
DE
55
Shane Irwin
Jr
DE
56
Casey Kline
Fr
DT
58
Robert Cooper
Fr
DE
59
Jadyn Ewing
Fr
DE
60
Amari Williams
Fr
DT
90
Scale Igiehon
Jr
DT
92
Michael Callahan
Fr
DE
93
Andy Nwaoko
Fr
DT
94
Jackson Cravens
So
DT
95
Divine Obichere
Jr
DT
97
Keeghan Freeborn
So
DT
98
Herbert Gums
Fr
DT
99
Scott Matlock
So
Special teams
Pos.
#
Name
Class
K/P
35
Jonah Dalmas
Fr
LS
42
Daniel Cantrell
Jr
P
43
Gavin Wale
Fr
K/P
46
Joel Velazquez
Sr
P
49
Keola Downing
Fr
LS
65
Koby Tryggestad
Fr
K
96
Ryan Meyer
So
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
Kent Riddle – Associate head coach/Tight ends
Eric Kiesau – Offensive coordinator/Quarterbacks
Spencer Danielson – Co-defensive coordinator/Defensive linemen
Jeff Schmedding – Co-defensive coordinator/Inside linebackers
Zac Alley – Special teams coordinator/Outside linebackers
Matt Miller – Passing game coordinator/Wide receivers
Jalil Brown – Cornerbacks
Brad Bedell – Run game coordinator/Offensive linemen
Winston Venable – Co-special teams coordinator/Running backs
Gabe Franklin – Safeties/nickels
Jeff Pitman – Director, Strength and Conditioning
Brandon Crosby – Offensive analyst
Danny McDonald – Defensive analyst
Jake Casteel – Graduate assistant
Jabril Frazier – Graduate assistant
Jeff McDaniels – Graduate assistant
Jared Pulu – Graduate assistant
J. P. Sorensen – Graduate assistant
Tanner Tallan – Graduate assistant
Legend
(C) Team captain
(S) Suspended
(I) Ineligible
Roster Last update: 8/12/23
Utah State at Boise State
1
2 3 4 Total
Aggies
0
0 7 6
13
• Broncos
7
21 0 14
42
Date: October 24, 2020Location: Albertsons Stadium Boise, ID Game start: 5:15 p.m. MDT Elapsed time: 3:14Game attendance: 0Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C) • Weather: Partly Cloudy • Wind: 22 MPH NWReferee: Mike Cuttone • Umpire: Mark Warner • Linesman: Justin Gragg • Line judge: Carlos Owens • Back judge: M. Aaronian • Field judge: Michael Defee • Side judge: T. Castleberry • Center judge: Ian MalepeaiTV announcers (FS1 ): Kevin Fitzgerald and Robert Smith
Scoring summary 1 7:28 BSU George Holani 1 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 0–7
2 13:58 BSU Khalil Shakir 52 Yd pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 0–14
2 3:23 BSU Hank Bachmeier 6 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 0–21
2 0:25 BSU George Holani 17 Yd pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 0–28
3 2:05 USU Jaylen Warren 1 Yd Run (Nels Haltom Kick) BSU 7–28
4 11:57 USU Jaylen Warren 2 Yd Run (Nels Haltom PAT failed) BSU 13–28
4 8:29 BSU Khalil Shakir 18 Yd pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 13–35
4 1:37 BSU Andrew Van Buren 5 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 13–42
Uniform Combination
Helmet
Jersey
Pants
Passing leaders: Hank Bachmeier (BSU): 20–28, 268 YDS, 3 TD; Jason Shelley (USU): 14–27, 92 YDS, 1 INT.
Rushing leaders: George Holani (BSU): 14 CAR, 100 YDS, 1 TD; Jaylen Warren (USU): 23 CAR, 89 YDS, 2 TD.
Receiving leaders: Khalil Shakir (BSU): 7 REC, 123 YDS, 2 TD; Deven Thompkins (USU): 5 REC, 37 YDS.
Statistics
Utah State
Boise State
First downs
12
25
Plays–yards
70–203
67–450
Rushes–yards
43–111
35–171
Passing yards
92
279
Passing: comp –att –int
14–27–1
22–32–0
Time of possession
30:00
30:00
Boise State at Air Force
1
2 3 4 Total
• No. 25 Broncos
7
21 7 14
49
Falcons
14
3 0 13
30
Date: October 31, 2020Location: Falcon Stadium Colorado Springs, CO Game start: 5:00 p.m. MDT Elapsed time: 3:14Game attendance: 500Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: 17 MPH NReferee: Brandon Cruse • Umpire: Sheldon Davis • Linesman: George Gusman • Line judge: Jay Bilbo • Back judge: Donnie Aultman • Field judge: Scott Gaines • Side judge: Rick OckeyTV announcers (CBSSN ): Carter Blackburn , Aaron Taylor and Jenny Dell (sideline)
Scoring summary 1 14:50 BSU CT Thomas 75 Yd pass from Jack Sears (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 7–0
1 9:27 AFA Brandon Lewis 7 Yd Run (Tevye Schuettpelz-Rohl Kick) TIED 7–7
1 3:23 AFA Matthew Murla 1 Yd Run (Tevye Schuettpelz-Rohl Kick) AFA 7–14
2 13:14 BSU Andrew Van Buren 4 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) TIED 14–14
2 6:53 AFA Tevye Schuettpelz-Rohl 31 Yd Field Goal AFA 14–17
2 2:27 BSU Andrew Van Buren 1 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 21–17
2 0:47 BSU Octavius Evans 21 Yd pass from Jack Sears (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 28–17
3 0:54 BSU CT Thomas 26 Yd pass from Jack Sears (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 35–17
4 11:24 AFA Matthew Murla 7 Yd Run (Tevye Schuettpelz-Rohl Kick) BSU 35–24
4 11:13 BSU Avery Williams 88 Yd Kickoff Return (Jonah Dalmas Kick)BSU 42–24
4 7:24 AFA Jack Sears 1 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 49–24
4 2:04 BSU Bo Gross 5 Yd Run (Two-Point Run Conversion Failed) BSU 49–30
Uniform Combination
Helmet
Jersey
Pants
Passing leaders: Jack Sears (BSU): 17–20, 280 YDS, 3 TD; Warren Bryan (AF): 3–6, 38 YDS.
Rushing leaders: Andrew Van Buren (BSU): 12 CAR, 70 YDS, 2 TD; Brandon Lewis (AF): 10 CAR, 112 YDS, 1 TD.
Receiving leaders: CT Thomas (BSU): 2 REC, 101 YDS, 2 TD; Kyle Patterson (AF): 3 REC, 38 YDS.
Statistics
Boise State
Air Force
First downs
23
28
Plays–yards
49–459
73–484
Rushes–yards
29–179
66–415
Passing yards
280
69
Passing: comp –att –int
17–20–0
4–7–0
Time of possession
22:29
37:31
BYU at Boise State
1
2 3 4 Total
• No. 9 Cougars
7
9 22 13
51
No. 21 Broncos
3
0 0 14
17
Date: November 6, 2020Location: Albertsons Stadium Boise, ID Game start: 7:45 p.m. MST Elapsed time: 3:21Game attendance: 1,100Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C) • Weather: Fair • Wind: 11 MPH WNWReferee: David Alvarez • Umpire: Stuart Schake • Linesman: Rick Smith • Line judge: Mark Estermyer • Back judge: Terrance Jones • Field judge: Jason Ledet • Side judge: Corey Luxner • Center judge: Kenneth RayTV announcers (FS1 ): Aaron Goldsmith and Petros Papadakis
Scoring summary 1 11:24 BYU Tyler Allgeier 86 Yd Run (Jake Oldroyd Kick) BYU 7–0
1 3:27 BSU Jonah Dalmas 39 Yd Field Goal BYU 7–3
2 14:54 BYU Jake Oldroyd 47 Yd Field Goal BYU 10–3
2 1:00 BYU Zach Wilson 4 Yd Run (Jake Oldroyd PAT blocked)BYU 16–3
3 12:48 BYU Isaac Rex 5 Yd pass from Zach Wilson (Jake Oldroyd Kick)BYU 23–3
3 6:57 BYU Isaac Rex 20 Yd pass from Zach Wilson (Zach Wilson Pass to Neil Pau'u for Two-Point Conversion) BYU 31–3
3 1:26 BYU Lopini Katoa 20 Yd Run (Jake Oldroyd Kick) BYU 38–3
4 11:27 BYU Neil Pau'u 1 Yd Run (Jake Oldroyd Kick) BYU 45–3
4 9:27 BSU Khalil Shakir 52 Yd pass from Cade Fennegan (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BYU 45–10
4 9:07 BSU Khalil Shakir 46 Yd pass from Cade Fennegan (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BYU 45–17
4 7:59 BYU Tyler Allgeier 2 Yd Run (Jake Oldroyd PAT failed) BYU 51–17
Uniform Combination
Helmet
Jersey
Pants
Passing leaders: Cade Fennegan (BSU): 15–26, 182 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT; Zach Wilson (BYU): 21–27, 359 YDS, 2 TD.
Rushing leaders: Andrew Van Buren (BSU): 16 CAR, 45 YDS; Tyler Allgeier (BYU): 14 CAR, 123 YDS, 2 TD.
Receiving leaders: Khalil Shakir (BSU): 10 REC, 139 YDS, 2 TD; Gunner Romney (BYU): 6 REC, 133 YDS.
Statistics
BYU
Boise State
First downs
25
14
Plays–yards
68–573
65–310
Rushes–yards
38–214
27–61
Passing yards
359
249
Passing: comp –att –int
21–27–0
23–38–1
Time of possession
26:47
33:13
Colorado State at Boise State
1
2 3 4 Total
Rams
0
7 14 0
21
• Broncos
21
21 10 0
52
Date: November 12, 2020Location: Albertsons Stadium Boise, ID Game start: 6:00 p.m. MST Elapsed time: 3:27Game attendance: 1,100Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C) • Weather: Mostly Cloudy • Wind: 9 MPH EReferee: Timothy Davis • Umpire: Rico Orsot • Linesman: Eric Carmouche • Line judge: J Weatherford • Back judge: Robert Lewis • Field judge: Brian Wirfel • Side judge: Keith ClaiborneTV announcers (FS1 ): Alex Faust , Evan Moore
Scoring summary 1 14:08 BSU Punt blocked by Avery Williams, recovered by Avery Williams for a TD (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 0–7
1 6:06 BSU Riley Smith 5 Yd pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 0–14
1 1:14 BSU Field Goal blocked, Kekaula Kaniho return for 91 Yds (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 0–21
2 13:40 CSU Patrick O'Brien 1 Yd Run (Robert Liss Kick) BSU 7–21
2 9:12 BSU Andrew Van Buren 1 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 7–28
2 3:48 BSU Andrew Van Buren 1 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 7–35
2 1:23 BSU Punt blocked by Avery Williams, recovered by DJ Schramm for a 20 Yd return TD (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 7–42
3 11:01 CSU Trey McBride 21 Yd pass from Todd Centeio (Robert Liss Kick) BSU 14–42
3 10:44 CSU A'Jon Vivens 17 Yd run (Robert Liss Kick) BSU 21–42
3 8:52 BSU Jonah Dalmas 38 Yd Field Goal BSU 21–45
3 5:21 BSU Kahlil Shakir 16 Yd pass from Hank Bachmeier, fumbled at goaline, recoverd by Nick Crabtree in endzone (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 21–52
Uniform Combination
Helmet
Jersey
Pants
Passing leaders: Hank Bachmeier (BSU): 16–28, 202 YDS, 1 TD; Patrick O'Brien (CSU): 9–20, 140 YDS, 1 INT.
Rushing leaders: Andrew Van Buren (BSU): 13 CAR, 28 YDS, 2 TD; A'Jon Vivens (CSU): 12 CAR, 76 YDS, 1 TD.
Receiving leaders: CT Thomas (BSU): 6 REC, 103 YDS; Dante Wright (CSU): 5 REC, 109 YDS.
Statistics
Colorado State
Boise State
First downs
15
15
Plays–yards
70–315
67–291
Rushes–yards
139
89
Passing yards
176
202
Passing: comp –att –int
11–29–1
16–30–0
Time of possession
27:27
32:33
Boise State at Hawaii
1
2 3 4 Total
• Broncos
3
16 21 0
40
Rainbow Warriors
3
0 14 15
32
Date: November 21, 2020Location: Aloha Stadium Honolulu, HI Game start: 9:00 p.m. MST Elapsed time: 3:46Game attendance: 0Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C) • Weather: Sunny • Wind: 21 MPH EReferee: Mike Cuttone • Umpire: Mark Wagner • Linesman: Justin Gragg • Line judge: Carlos Owens • Back judge: M. Aaronian • Field judge: Michael Defee • Side judge: T. CastleberryTV announcers (CBSSN ): John Sadak , Randy Cross
Scoring summary 1 4:36 HAW Matthew Shipley 27 Yd Field Goal HAW 0–3
1 1:13 BSU Jonah Dalmas 32 Yd Field Goal TIE 3–3
2 10:09 BSU Jonah Dalmas 42 Yd Field Goal BSU 6–3
2 5:12 BSU Khalil Shakir 38 Yd pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jonah Dalmas PAT blocked) BSU 12–3
2 0:54 BSU Khalil Shakir 3 Yd pass from CT Thomas (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 19–3
3 11:09 HAW Calvin Turner 1 Yd Run (Two-Point Run Conversion Failed)BSU 19–9
3 10:54 BSU Avery Williams 99 Yd Kickoff Return (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 26–9
3 8:18 BSU Andrew Van Buren 11 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 33–9
3 5:36 HAW Calvin Turner 36 Yd pass from Chevan Cordeiro (Calvin Turner Run for Two-Point Conversion) BSU 33–17
3 3:38 BSU Andrew Van Buren 11 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 40–17
4 9:56 HAW Calvin Turner 15 Yd pass from Chevan Cordeiro (Matthew Shipley Kick) BSU 40–24
4 4:52 HAW Jared Smart 4 Yd pass from Chevan Cordeiro (Calvin Turner Run for Two-Point Conversion) BSU 40–32
Uniform Combination
Helmet
Jersey
Pants
Passing leaders: Hank Bachmeier (BSU): 21–31, 278 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT; Chevan Cordeiro (HAW): 25–48, 253 YDS, 3 TD.
Rushing leaders: Andrew Van Buren (BSU): 27 CAR, 113 YDS, 2 TD; Chevan Cordeiro (HAW): 18 CAR, 90 YDS.
Receiving leaders: Khalil Shakir (BSU): 11 REC, 130 YDS, 2 TD; Miles Reed (HAW): 6 REC, 69 YDS.
Statistics
Boise State
Hawaii
First downs
21
25
Plays–yards
68–408
83–394
Rushes–yards
36–127
35–141
Passing yards
281
253
Passing: comp –att –int
22–32–1
25–48–0
Time of possession
29:20
30:40
Boise State at Wyoming
1
2 3 4 Total
• Broncos
7
3 7 0
17
Cowboys
3
0 3 3
9
Date: December 12, 2020Location: War Memorial Stadium Laramie, WY Game start: 4:00 p.m. MST Elapsed time: 3:19Game attendance: 2,978Game weather: 20 °F (−7 °C) • Weather: SnowingReferee: Cal McNeill • Umpire: David Williams • Linesman: George Shoup • Line judge: Steve Hoslett • Back judge: Al Moore • Field judge: Albert Bryant • Side judge: Tom BessantTV announcers (CBSSN ): Rich Waltz , Aaron Murray , AJ Ross
Scoring summary 1 11:03 WYO John Hoyland 42 Yd Field Goal WYO 0–3
1 4:41 BSU George Holani 4 Yd pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 7–3
2 7:38 BSU Jonah Dalmas 34 Yd Field Goal BSU 10–3
3 6:19 WYO John Hoyland 36 Yd Field Goal BSU 10–6
3 0:57 BSU Andrew Van Buren 2 Yd Run (Jonah Dalmas Kick) BSU 17–6
4 4:30 WYO John Hoyland 36 Yd Field Goal BSU 17–9
Uniform Combination
Helmet
Jersey
Pants
Passing leaders: Hank Bachmeier (BSU): 19–28, 181 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT; Levi Williams (WYO): 3–13, 45 YDS.
Rushing leaders: Andrew Van Buren (BSU): 25 CAR, 79 YDS, 1 TD; Xazavian Valladay (WYO): 11 CAR, 59 YDS.
Receiving leaders: Khalil Shakir (BSU): 8 REC, 105 YDS; Xazavian Valladay (WYO): 1 REC, 29 YDS.
Statistics
Boise State
Wyoming
First downs
17
9
Plays–yards
70–292
59–146
Rushes–yards
41–111
38–82
Passing yards
181
64
Passing: comp –att –int
19–29–1
4–21–0
Time of possession
33:37
26–23
vs San Jose State (Mountain West Championship Game)
edit
Uniform Combination
Helmet
Jersey
Pants
Passing leaders: Hank Bachmeier (BSU): 20-40, 221 YDS; Nick Starkel (SJSU): 32-52, 453 YDS, 3 TD.
Rushing leaders: Andrew Van Buren (BSU): 11 CAR, 26 YDS; Kairee Robinson (SJSU): 12 CAR, 39 YDS.
Receiving leaders: Khalil Shakir (BSU): 6 REC, 85 YDS; Tre Walker (SJSU): 7 REC, 137 YDS, 1 TD.
Statistics
Boise State
San Jose State
First downs
14
26
Plays–yards
65–224
77–498
Rushes–yards
25–3
25–45
Passing yards
221
453
Passing: comp –att –int
20–40–0
32–52–0
Time of possession
25:27
34:32
Ranking movementsLegend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes Week Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Final AP RV RV* RV — — — — — 25 21 RV RV RV RV RV RV — — Coaches RV RV* RV — — RV RV RV RV 23 RV RV RV RV RV RV RV RV CFP Not released — — — — — Not released
Chaplain controversy
edit
Following a game against the Brigham Young University Cougars on November 6, 2020, most of the players of both teams knelt midfield at Boise's Albertsons Stadium.[ 9] Images of the unusual prayer circulated on social media and the story was covered by Deseret News who reported that the prayer was led by Boise State's team chaplain Pastor Mark Thornton. "We started with prayer, we're going to end with prayer, and we're going to give the glory to God," said Thornton. The chaplain had regularly lead prayer on the field after games and held chapel the night before.
The story of Boise State, a public university, having an official team chaplain organizing religious services drew the attention of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). The foundation sent a letter to Boise State President Marlene Tromp stating that employing a chaplain was a constitutional violation and that it could make some student athletes feel coerced into prayers against their wishes.[ 10] FFRF Staff Attorney Christopher Line explained, "Government chaplains may only exist as an accommodation of a public employee’s religious beliefs when the government makes it difficult or impossible to seek out private ministries...Boise State football players have no government-imposed burden on their religion, so there is no need — or legitimate legal reason — for Boise State to provide a chaplain for them."
Boise State responded by eliminating the official chaplain position and pledged to take measures to "resolve the issue and establish appropriate constitutional boundaries."[ 11] President Tromp emphasized the importance of students' rights to make their own choices about their spiritual lives, telling Deseret News, "Boise State will always support our students’ right to pray, should they wish to do so. As a public institution, we cannot sponsor or endorse a specific religious advisor."[ 12]
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty , a non-profit law firm promoting religious accommodationism, criticized the FFRF after Boise State's pledge to reform. Becket Fund vice president Luke Goodrich called the FFRF "bullies" and erroneously claimed that it had forced a Kansas middle school to end their Christmas toy drive.[ 13] [ 14] "Many public universities have team chaplains, and it’s not only constitutional but good to accommodate players’ voluntary religious practices in this way," said Goodrich.
Players drafted into the NFL
edit
^ "WE'RE BACK" . twitter.com/MountainWest . Retrieved September 24, 2020 .
^ "Boise State football team announces decision to forego bowl game this season" . KTVB . December 20, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020 .
^ Counts, Ron (December 20, 2020). "Boise State won't play in a bowl game, ending streak at 18 straight appearances" . Idaho Statesman . Retrieved December 20, 2020 .
^ "Auburn names Boise State's Harsin as new coach" . December 22, 2020.
^ "Broncos' 2020 Schedule Announced" . Boise State University. February 27, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020 .
^ "Boise State, local businesses will lose millions with cancellation of fall football" . KTVB.com . August 11, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020 .
^ "Mountain West postpones football, fall sports" . ESPN.com . August 10, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020 .
^ "Mountain West Announces Revised Football Schedule" . Boise State University Athletics . Retrieved October 14, 2020 .
^ Walch, Tad (November 11, 2020). "The story behind BYU and Boise State football players joining hands to pray after their game" . DeseretNews . Retrieved March 3, 2021 .
^ Line, Christopher. "Unconstitutional Chaplaincy and Open Records Request" (PDF) . Freedom From Religion Foundation .
^ "Boise State downgrades chaplaincy after FFRF protests" . Freedom From Religion Foundation . Retrieved March 3, 2021 .
^ Walch, Tad (December 17, 2020). "Boise State keeps team chaplain away from game after atheists protest postgame prayer with BYU" . Deseret News . Retrieved March 3, 2021 .
^ Line, Christopher. "Multiple Constitutional Violations" (PDF) . Freedom From Religion Foundation . Retrieved March 3, 2021 .
^ Helfrich, Tony. "Letter to FFRF" (PDF) . Freedom From Religion Foundation . Retrieved March 3, 2021 .