Prater & The Ballgame

On Thursday's show, Johnny and Greg (in for Prater) caught up with Thomas Harding, Rockies beat writer for MLB.com to discuss Idaho product Gabriel Hughes getting the ball in Colorado's first game out of the All-Star break on Friday. Is Hughes going to stay in the rotation for the rest of the season for the Rockies? As the sports calendar dries up, what kinds of sports documentaries do you enjoy with a new season of "Quarterback" available on Netflix. Johnny and Greg also have had some home repairs this week. Are you the kind of person that likes to be home when the repair work is being done to monitor the situation? Plus, the duo took a look at Boise State's pass rush. How much better does it need to be in 2026 compared to last year. Lastly, with no PAC 12 media days going on, what are some of the conference's hottest talking points entering the first year of the reconfigured league.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob continues checking in on the strengths of some previous Boise State Football teams that have played in the Fiesta Bowl. On Thursday, he looked at how the rushing attacks have been for the teams that played on one of College Football's biggest stages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob starts a four-part series by looking at some of the QB play Boise State has gotten in its four seasons that have ended with appearances in Fiesta Bowls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Mountain West and Sun Belt having their media days on Wednesday and Thursday, Johnny and Greg (in for Prater) took a look at some of the top projected teams in each league and if the conference champions from either conference could challenge Boise State for the G6 College Football Playoff berth. What are some of the most intriguing storylines in the NFL with training camps set to open next week? Also, there were a lot of big movies released on this day as Johnny and Greg take a look back on some notable titles in pop culture. Plus, as Maddux Madsen enters his final season as Boise State's starting quarterback, is there more pressure on Madsen or Zak Hill. Who are some other assistants on BSU's staff that have a lot of pressure on themselves?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny and Greg (in for Prater) were joined by Englishman and AC Boise player Charlie Adams as England prepares for a big semifinal against Argentina and Charlie continues to play soccer in the Treasure Valley. Bob hops in for an All-Star game edition of Baseball with Bob. Plus, is the ACC the forgotten power four league? How would Boise State perform in the weakest of the four power conferences? What are things going to look like in the defensive backfield for Boise State in 2026 with Jaden Mickey being the only returning starter? Lastly, with College of Idaho's Ryan O'Brien in the MLB All-Star Game tonight, Johnny and Greg discussed some other Idaho ties to the midsummer classic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rocky Mountain High School graduate and current Colorado Rockies pitcher joined Johnny and Greg to talk about what the last few weeks have been like for him. Hughes made his Major League debut on July 3 on the mound at Coors Field and got his first start on July 8 at Dodger Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob runs through how likely it might be that both Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines rush for over 1,000 yards in 2026 and provides some historical context on Boise State's rushing attacks of years past.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny and Greg (in for Prater) get the week started with the usual weekend winners and losers segment. It's the middle of July which means it's All-Star time in Major League Baseball and there are two former Boise Hawks in the HR Derby. Johnny and Greg looked back on the history of Boise Hawks who participated in the event. More baseball talk later on in the show as the Rocky Mountain High School graduate Gabriel Hughes joins to discuss getting to the major leagues with the Colorado Rockies earlier this month and what his first start was like at Dodger Stadium. Lastly, who do you think is going to be Boise State's best receiver in 2026 and could that player top the numbers LaTrell Caples posted last season as the leading receiver for the Broncos?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which team finishes last this Pac-12 football season - we target Oregon State and Colorado State, B.J. (BNN Report) joins the show to talk about which community (Corvallis or Fort Collins?) is best equipped to help build those two programs, temperature check on Boise State defensive coordinator Erik Chinander (what kind of job is he doing?), AC Boise soccer owner Brad Stith on the success of his club and the impact of a World Cup, the KTIK crew joins TikTok and we need lots of advice!!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, is on vacation this week as Prater and Ballgame take over his segment to talk about the Pac-12 football season. Earlier in the week, we talked about top contenders? New conversation: Which team finishes last?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Boise State basketball assistant coach/offensive coordinator Will Voigt joins the show - what's his story and what's his plan to improve the Broncos' offense, temperature check on football offensive coordinator Nate Potter (and expectations to get better in 2026), Rocky Mountain High graduate Gabriel Hughes "elite'' in his first major-league pitching start for the Rockies, Boise State football players who could stick around for another season thanks to the new NCAA 5-for-5 rule, best quarterback heading into a new NFL season, who's your foursome if you're playing celebrity golf in Lake TahoeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Boise State assistant basketball coach Will Voigt, previously at BYU, joins Prater and Ballgame for a conversation about his new role in Boise. Why? His two children live here and he's built a relationship with head coach Leon Rice. The goal? A more aggressive, attacking, consistent offense. One additional role? International recruiting. GRAPHIC courtesy of Boise State AthleticsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, is on vacation this week as Prater and Ballgame take over his segment to talk about how the new rule (five years to play five seasons) impacts four senior starters on the Broncos' football roster: EDGE rusher Max Stege, LT Tyler Ethridge, WR Akeem Wright and P Oscar Doyle. All four could take advantage of the new rule and return for a fifth season in 2027.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should Boise State football continue to schedule the Oregon Ducks - especially after what Broncos' coach Spencer Danielson said in a recent publication: "You know what, you don’t have to beat them 10 times; you have to find a way to beat them once, right?,'' we have our thoughts - what are yours, Rocky Mountain High graduate Gabriel Hughes (Rockies) makes his debut as a MLB starting pitcher Wednesday night against the Dodgers - what does his high school pitching coach Chris Frith have to say about that, Garth Brooks going on national "arena'' tour - ExtraMile Arena on the schedule?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, is on vacation this week as Prater and Ballgame take over his segment to talk about football coach Spencer Danielson and what he recently told a publication regarding the Sept. 5. game at Oregon: "You’re always going to have one of those games that is outside your weight class, but you know what, you don’t have to beat them 10 times; you have to find a way to beat them once, right?'' We have our thoughts. How do you feel about the comment?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pac-12 football isn't sponsoring media days this summer - we'll take over the story-telling starting with the top offensive/defensive players in the league this season (are Maddux Madsen and Jayden Virgin-Morgan players of the year candidates?), Memphis beat writer on why Boise State is the biggest game on the Tigers' schedule, who are the top G6/CFP contenders going into a new season, more from Boise sculptor Ben Victor on the Kellen Moore statue, what's the FIFTH sport in America (Soccer? Golf? MMA? NASCAR? Something else?)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Memphis beat writer Jonah Dylan (The Commercial Appeal) joins Prater and Greg for a segment on the Tigers' and their 2026 football season. Dylan recently wrote a story suggesting that the Boise State game is the biggest, most difficult game on the Tigers' schedule. What's their story as we approach a new college football season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, is on vacation this week as Prater and Greg take over his segment. We replay highlights from a previous interview with Ben Victor, the nationally known sculptor who is working on a new 9-foot bronze statue of Kellen Moore. What is the process? The timeline? How much does a statue cost?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise sculptor Ben Victor joins Prater and Frank to talk about his anticipated project - a 9-foot Kellen Moore statue that will be unveiled this football season, the nationally-known Victor talks about the process and the details, we preview Tyson Degenhart's appearance with Toronto in NBA Summer League, curiosities for a Boise State football camp that begins in a month, World Cup correspondent Jim Thomas (Boise State women's soccer coach) and Ballgame (from Seattle) on USA-Belgium, Weekend Winners & LosersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, is on vacation this week as Prater and Greg take over his segment. The focus turns to Tyson Degenhart, Boise State basketball's all-time leading scorer who returns to Vegas this week for the Toronto Raptor's appearance in NBA Summer League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that Kellen Moore is getting a statue at Boise State, who's next: Chris Petersen or Ashton Jeanty (and why?), former Boise State RB Alexander Mattison on the unique football camp he's bringing to Boise (with an update on his NFL career), the story of Nate and Debbie Sparks - two former Boise State athletes who live in Meridian and raised two children with elite athletic futures (NHL Draft, LSU gymnastics), Bob (Bronco Focus) on what he's learning about Boise State football during this summer magazine season, Friday Five - our week in review, with a twistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Boise State running back Alexander Mattison, now a veteran in the NFL, joins the show to talk about his Life Skills Football Camp coming to Boise later this month. It's a three-day camp - and it's free. Mattison said the camp will combine life skills, mental health workshops and plenty of competitive football. INFO: horseshoecamps.com/iamgiftedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nate Sparks is a former Boise State quarterback (1997-98) and Debbie (Thompson) Sparks is a former Big West gymnastics champion for the Broncos - they eventually married and raised a family in Meridian. Son Tyus is the first Treasure Valley athlete selected in the NHL Draft (last weekend, fourth round, Washington Capitals) and daughter Kiari is a senior at Mountain View High and a five-star recruit who has committed to LSU for the Class of 2027. Nate and Debbie join the show to share their journey. PHOTO courtesy of the Sparks familySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to share what he's learned after diving into a new batch of college football magazines. No. 1: Boise State EDGE rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan is getting preseason All-American love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We celebrate Boise State's first official day in the Pac-12 with the one interview that makes the most sense - Kellen Moore, former Boise State QB and Hall of Famer joins the show to talk about his new statue coming to campus (and a new season in the NFL with the Saints), we explain all changes that happened in college athletics Wednesday, Pac-12 has made new decisions regarding postseason basketball tournament, Boise State soccer coach Jim Thomas, our World Cup correspondent, on USA's knockout game Wednesday night See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State quarterback and Hall of Famer Kellen Moore joins Prater and Mallory for an exclusive interview - one day after the Broncos unveiled plans for an 11-foot bronze statue near the entrance of the football complex. Moore talks about how the idea came about, his involvement in the process and what it means to his former teammates and family. Moore also talks about the upcoming new season as head coach the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. PHOTO courtesy of Boise State AthleticsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to go back in the record book and share Kellen Moore's history against Pac-12 opponents. The former Boise State QB, who's receiving a statue on campus this fall, played four P12 teams between 2008-2011. He won all four, of course.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teresa Gould joins Prater and Johnny for an exclusive interview at the Pac-12 Launch Party on the North End Zone concourse at Albertsons Stadium. What value does Boise State football add to the Pac-12? Bowl game and basketball postseason updates. Marriage to a former Boise State football coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crew hits the new North End Zone concourse at Albertsons Stadium for Boise State's official Pac-12 Launch Party, featuring interviews with Boise State AD Jeramiah Dickey, football coach Spencer Danielson and Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould. Oh, and that big reveal that was promised: Kellen Moore is getting an 11-foot bronze statueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey joins Prater and Johnny for an exclusive interview at the Pac-12 Launch Party on the North End Zone concourse at Albertsons Stadium. Also: Don't expect a P4 team on the Boise State schedule in 2027.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State football coach Spencer Danielson joins Prater and Johnny for an exclusive interview at the Pac-12 Launch Party on the North End Zone concourse at Albertsons Stadium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny for the Pac-12 Launch Party on the North End Zone concourse at Albertsons Stadium. In the new league, Bob expects Boise State to compete for football titles, basketball parity and preaches patience for Washington State and Oregon State.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countdown gets serious - Boise State joins the Pac-12 on Wednesday and we celebrate a big week (including the Fourth of July) by talking about the conference transition, why it's different than conference moves of the past, and what to expect during our live broadcast from the official Launch Party on Tuesday (major announcement coming!!), Boise State basketball has a new assistant coach and Bob (Bronco Focus) talks to junior forward Pearson Carmichael about the Broncos' new roster, flashback to Chris Johnson against Boise State, Bills are moving on from O.J. Simpson football history (right or wrong?), our Weekend Winners & LosersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRONCO FOCUS EVERY MONDAY-THURSDAY AT 3:45 P.M.: Bob Behler, the voice of Boise State athletics, joins Prater and Johnny to share thoughts and conversations with Pearson Carmichael. The junior forward talks about first impressions of the Broncos' new basketball roster, which spent the past month going through summer workouts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did the Team USA soccer loss at the buzzer on Thursday night still hurt you even though the game didn't impact their future? Johnny and Greg discussed that. They were joined by Steelheads veteran Charlie Dodero in the Lithia Ford of Boise studio as Dodero gave them the perspective on living in Boise year-round while the Steelheads right in the middle of their offseason. Bob gave the audience an update on where things stand in Major League Baseball at the halfway point of the 2026 season. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt were spotted at the USA soccer game on Thursday night. Johnny and Greg discussed their love for Fight Club and some other popular movie duos. BJ Rains joined for his weekly BNN Report on Fridays. Later on, Johnny and Greg discussed an important next few weeks for Tyson Degenhart as the NBA Summer League is getting closer and the Friday Five returned to the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pearson Carmichael is one of Boise State's more experienced basketball players all of a sudden. Bob shared Carmichael's thoughts on becoming one of the veteran leaders on Boise State's roster heading into 2026-27.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new proposal is out to make some more changes to College Football and Johnny and Greg reacted to possibly shrinking the transfer portal window in January to open the show. Boise State soccer coach Jim Thomas joined for his weekly hit discussing the final games of the group stage in the world's biggest soccer tournament. Zig Fracassi of SiriusXM NFL Radio also hopped on the show to break down the national perspective on Kellen Moore's second season as an NFL head coach and Ashton Jeanty heading into year two in the Raiders backfield. Have you heard of Merlin the duck? Later on, Greg and Johnny reacted to additional elements of the proposed changes to college football that involve some practice adjustments in the offseason. Plus, lots of recruiting services are liking Texas State's 2027 football class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having previously served as an assistant at Boise State, Andrew Rich thrived in his first head coaching gig at Idaho State and now returns to the Treasure Valley to take the head job at BSU. Bob gives Boise State fans all the info on their new softball coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State is officially one week out from joining the Pac 12! Don't forget to join Johnny, Prater and Greg on Tuesday, June 30 at Albertsons Stadium in the North End Zone concourse to celebrate the new league. John Bladholm joined the show to discuss the first annual Idaho Charity Championship. If the 2025 NFL head coaching hires had a horse race, where is Kellen Moore currently pacing? What are some things you do differently at work when you get a new boss? Johnny and Greg also discussed if Gonzaga Basketball can still be a strong brand atop the new Pac 12 with Gonzaga set to not have a player drafted into the NBA for the second consecutive year. Plus, they take a look back at how Boise State Football performed in its first season in the Big West, WAC and Mountain West with the Pac 12 getting closer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State has a new point guard and Johnny and Greg caught up with Damari Wheeler-Thomas in studio on Tuesday. What's life been like for the North Dakota State transfer since arriving in Boise? What does he know about his teammates so far? How about the coaching staff? What does he like to do in his free time?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After checking in with football yesterday, Bob catches up with some former Bronco basketball players who shared their favorite memories of the Mountain West era with Boise State officially in its final week as a member of the Mountain West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft held on Tuesday night, Johnny and Greg discuss if the Utah Jazz can revive some of their older fans in Idaho with the second overall pick. The two also react to some more news regarding Brendan Sorsby after the NFL denied his application for the Supplemental Draft. Bob checks in with some former Boise State Men's Basketball players and their favorite memories in the Mountain West as Boise State wraps up its final week as a Mountain West member. Johnny and Greg also reacted to the big news of Toy Story 5 grossing 312 million dollars worldwide in its opening weekend. Later on, new Boise State guard Damari Wheeler-Thomas joined the show in the studio to talk about picking BSU in the transfer portal and Johnny and Greg talked about their expectations for the basketball season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With NFL minicamps and OTAs in the rearview mirror and training camps right around the corner, Johnny and Greg caught up with Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland to see how former Boise State QB Taylen Green is doing since being drafted by the Browns in the sixth round of this year's NFL Draft. What kinds of chances does Green have to make the roster this fall in Northeast Ohio? Could he start a game or two for the Browns this season? Might he only be a gadget player?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Boise State prepares to install new blue turf at Albertsons Stadium, Bob shared with Johnny and Greg the four former Broncos he caught up with during the offseason that had some memories on the turf that is getting replaced and some other iterations of the blue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The news of the day on Monday in sports was Dusty May accepting the Dallas Mavericks head coaching position. Johnny and Greg (in for Prater) reacted to what it means for college basketball. They mixed in some soccer and golf talk in weekend winners and losers and got a check in on Taylen Green's status in Cleveland with Browns reporter Daryl Ruiter. Plus, Serena Williams is back at Wimbledon as news broke over the weekend that she will return to the lawns in London as a wild card in the women's singles draw next week. Later on, Johnny and Greg talked about the stability in the Pac 12 with its basketball coaches and evaluated the chances of Tyler Shough having a breakout season for the Saints in Kellen Moore's second year as the head coach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey told Prater and B.J. (BNN Live on Thursday morning) about new campus president finalist David Hahn - a mechanical engineer who's worked on the Arizona, Florida and LSU campuses, what's Dickey's first impression and is Hahn a sports fan (Kellen Moore!), Father's Day weekend stories and the importance of the U.S. Open golf tradition this weekend, Boise State soccer coach Jim Thomas with an American update on World Cup soccer, the story of a Treasure Valley businessman who drove four hours round trip Tuesday to present Camp Rainbow Gold with a check for $10,000 during our annual show/trip to Hidden Paradise outside FairfieldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boise State announced a finalist for university president this week - David Hahn, a mechanical engineer with a academic background on the campuses of Arizona, Florida and LSU. Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey has been talking/meeting with Hahn for a couple of weeks - he told Prater and B.J. (BNN Live show earlier Thursday morning) about his initial impression of Hahn. More important, is he a sports fan? And which team? The answer may surprise you ... NOTE: Bob returns to Bronco Focus with Johnny and Greg next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our fourth annual show from Hidden Paradise/Camp Rainbow Gold - inspirational stories behind the growth (and needs) of Idaho's only cancer camp for kids, families and siblings ... US soccer star/ESPN analyst Kasey Keller joins the show to talk about the World Cup, USA in Seattle and AC Boise, Seahawks reporter Gregg Bell (News Tribune, KJR) on DeMarcus Lawrence, George Holani and Super Bowl rings, Bobs talks to former player/current football coach Jabril Frazier in Bronco Focus, who has the best WR room in the new Pac-12. SHOW SPONSOR: TREASURE VALLEY SUBARUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former American goalie Kasey Keller, who played in four World Cups, joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about this week's World Cup stop in Seattle. Keller is a Seattle area native, covering the tournament for ESPN, and has plenty to say about Monday's Seattle Stadium debut (Belgium-Egypt) and Friday's long-anticipated game (USA-Australia). He also talks about the story behind his minority ownership in AC Boise's new soccer club.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seahawks reporter Gregg Bell (News Tribune, KJR) joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about the end of spring camp season for the defending Super Bowl champions. Former Boise State standouts DeMarcus Lawrence and George Holani remain significant parts of the roster, and they now have their Super Bowl rings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.