The college football season begins Thursday night with several televised games (Oregon State vs. Stanford; South Carolina vs. N.C. State) and really gets underway Saturday with a full slate of games, including Boise State hosting Idaho State at Bronco Stadium and Idaho visiting Arizona.

Here are the five biggest questions surrounding the Broncos:

1. Is the offensive line good enough?

Even Boise State coach Chris Petersen is pointing to the line, which features just one returning starter (Andrew Woodruff), as a key to the season. If the offensive line can be average or slightly better, the Broncos' offense should be explosive. They have so many playmakers at running back and wide receiver not to be.

But with inexperienced players at four of the five spots along the offensive line — including freshman center Thomas Byrd and sophomores Kevin Sapien and Matt Slater at the tackles — there is reason for worry.

Woodruff, however, said the line really came together during fall camp and he is not worried.

"We've found our identity as a unit," Woodruff said. "... What really matters is the confidence the coaches have in us and the confidence we have in each other. That's the most important thing."

2. Is Kellen Moore as good as advertised?

The freshman quarterback has the fate of Bronco Nation in his hands. And it seems like everyone — coaches, teammates, fans — expect him to perform at a very high level from the opener on.

I've got to think there will be some growing pains, even for the uncommonly knowledgeable quarterback.

3. Are the Broncos too young?

Boise State lists 33 freshmen and sophomores on its two-deep roster, including starters at quarterback, center, both offensive tackles, defensive end, strongside linebacker, both safeties and cornerback.

"In a way we feel young because you know that they're freshman. At the same time though all these guys are so advanced out here that it really doesn't feel like it," said sophomore D.J. Harper.

As safety Jason Robinson said, these things go in cycles — a few years ago the Broncos were a veteran unit and in a few years they will be again.

4. Are the linebackers ready?

A week before the season opener, Boise State flipped its starting linebackers around, elevating Aaron Tevis, moving Kyle Gingg and Tim Brady to different spots and demoting Derrell Acrey to second team.

The linebackers were one of the biggest disappointments for the Broncos last season. The Broncos have much more depth at the position this year, but will they be much better. It's the biggest worry about the defense.

5. How will life be without Marty?

Safety Marty Tadman always seemed to make the biggest plays at the biggest spots. His intelligence on the field is irreplaceable. I have a feeling he covered up a lot of mistakes by the other 11 players.

Now the Broncos have Robinson and Jeron Johnson at the safety spots. Both are more physical than Tadman, but will they develop his knack for making the big play? That's an almost impossible standard.

• A note for all of you Meridian High football fans. Idaho State coach John Zamberlin is very impressed with former Meridian quarterback A.J. Storms, who is playing safety for the Bengals. Storms is expected to redshirt this season.

"He was a steal for us. It was big mistake for the people that missed on him," Zamberlin said.

Said Idaho State linebacker Ryan Phipps, a transfer from Oregon: "He's a stud. ... He's a lot better than anybody would expect."

Boise State coach Chris Petersen said he was surprised that Storms did not go somewhere as a quarterback.

"I thought the guy was a good spread option quarterback. And that's what I thought he was going to do. That guy was so productive out
there in that offense they run. I thought that was the best fit," Petersen said.

• Links from the WAC:

— Hawaii will make a game-time decision on its starting quarterback. The Swamp is not a good place to break in a new QB.

— The Fresno Bee's WAC preview. Shocking, they pick the Bulldogs.

— Utah State eager to earn victories. Well, no duh.

— This is a pretty good story about San Jose State defensive end Jeff Schweiger, whose story is a bit like Marty Tadman's. Lost his way and then found it through faith. Interesting reason why he wears No. 17.

— Louisiana Tech to visit LSU next season. Well, Derek Dooley did say he wanted to play some regional opponents.