By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com

The Broncos’ starting four on the defensive front has developed into a dominant group — ends Ryan Winterswyk and Shea McClellin and tackles Billy Winn and Chase Baker.

They have combined for 23 tackles for loss, including 11.5 sacks, and six pass breakups.

The group is the main reason the Broncos have held seven of the eight opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards.

“They’ve all showed up at different points of the year with a big play here or there,” defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said.

It's still a young group. Winterswyk is the only junior among the starters. The other three are sophomores who got some experience last year.

"Everybody just kind of gets it now," Baker said. "We understand what we need to do. We understand our assignments."

The group will face its biggest test in the run game since Fresno State, which embarrassed the Broncos defense with 320 rushing yards. Like Fresno, Louisiana Tech is a downhill running team.

And like Fresno, the Bulldogs' have a terrific tailback who can bust tackles and produce long runs. Daniel Porter was an All-WAC first-teamer last year. On one play against the Broncos, he broke six tackles.

Porter is questionable this week after suffering a concussion last week at Idaho.

"It will definitely give us a second chance to show that we can stop a running team," Baker said. "Hopefully we still get Daniel Porter because he gives us the big challenge. ... We definitely want their best shot."

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Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley said Wednesday that Porter and wide receiver/returner Phillip Livas will be game-day decisions.

Livas and All-WAC safety Antonio Baker haven't practiced in about a month because of lingering injuries, Dooley said. They have rehabbed during the week and played on game day, but they haven't been as effective as usual.

Dooley expects Boise State to do what many teams don't — kick the ball to Livas, who has six return touchdowns in his career.

"I'm sure Boise will kick to him because they're as good on special teams as anybody in the country," Dooley said. "I'm sure they don't fear anybody."