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By KEITH RIDLER Associated Press Writer
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Boise State could have just enough distractions to make things modestly difficult on Saturday when it plays at home against Utah State.
Otherwise, the Broncos (10-0, 6-0 Western Athletic Conference) aren't expected to have much trouble with the Aggies (1-9, 1-5) in Bronco Stadium, where Boise State has won 50 of its last 52 games.
"We get everybody's best shot week after week," Boise State coach Chris Petersen said in trying to downplay what could be another rout. "There's no hiding. Everybody brings their best against us."
But the Broncos, No. 13 in The Associated Press poll, could have some distractions.
They almost certainly won't have running back Ian Johnson, the nation's leader in touchdowns with 21. Johnson spent five days in a San Jose, Calif., hospital being treated for a partially collapsed left lung after Saturday's 23-20 win against San Jose State. He was discharged Thursday, according to the hospital.
And in the last week, Boise State climbed to No. 12 in the Bowl Championship Series standings, putting it in position to become only the second team from a non-BCS conference to automatically qualify for one of the big-money bowl games.
Saturday's contest also marks Senior Day and likely the final game on the distinctive blue turf for Broncos seniors who, for those who red-shirted, helped compile a 55-7 record during their careers that included an undefeated regular season in 2004.
"I think it's going to be a pretty emotional day," senior safety Gerald Alexander said.
The Broncos lead second-place Hawaii by a half-game in the WAC and can capture at least a share of the league title with a win.
Johnson carried 29 times for 149 yards and a touchdown against San Jose State before being taken to the hospital immediately after the game with back pain. He ranks fourth in the nation with 146.6 rushing yards per game.
But even if Johnson doesn't play, Utah State coach Brent Guy expects a Broncos team capable of scoring points.
"They have other guys who can run the football," said Guy, whose team is coming off a 42-0 loss at Nevada. "(Petersen) has big-play capability in his offense, as far as being able to throw the ball vertically and get it down the field. They just haven't had to do it a lot. They don't get in third-and-long very much."
Boise State, one of four undefeated Division 1-A football teams remaining, hasn't made any statements about Johnson's status for Saturday. But his teammates expect either Vinny Perretta, a 5-9, 194-pound sophomore, or Brett Denton, a 5-9, 191-pound senior, to be in the backfield.
"If Vinny has to carry the ball or B-Dent, hopefully they'll have a great game and we'll prove to everybody that it's not the running back that makes the O-line, it's the O-line that makes the running back," said offensive lineman Jeff Cavender.
Perretta has rushed 42 times for 258 yards and two touchdowns this season, while Denton has carried the ball 42 times for 190 yards and a touchdown. Johnson has rushed 222 times for 1,466 yards this year, and the school even started a Heisman campaign.
"I prepare for every game the same," Denton said. "Who knows what could happen in a game? It is football. I always want to play, and if I get a chance to play more, I'll be ready for it."
What he'll face is a Utah State defense that gives up 425 yards a game, 185 of them rushing. Boise State averages 412 yards a game on offense, 226.5 of them rushing when Johnson is in the game.
Petersen has said the Broncos' offensive line is the best Boise State has had in years. Without Johnson, it might have to be.
"We're going to try and establish the run and see what happens from there," said senior offensive lineman Jadon Dailey. "We know that teams really don't like us all that much. We prepare that way, and when we come out for the game we'll see what happens."
Linebacker Korey Hall is another senior being honored Saturday.
"It will be a little emotional before the game, but I think football is an emotional game anyway," Hall said. "And I think everybody is going to carry that right onto the field and we should be fine."
If the Broncos win, they will try to finish off a second undefeated regular season in three years on Nov. 25 when they travel to Nevada (7-3, 4-2).
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-11-16-06 2117MST
