Broncos can’t wear all-blue uniforms for home games

Boise State's football program is known for its blue, but one of the conditions for joining the Mountain West Conference was that the Broncos wouldn't wear their all-blue uniforms during league home games.

Commissioner Craig Thompson said other Mountain West schools were concerned about a competitive advantage when Boise State's uniforms are in combination with its famous blue turf.

"Arguably, it started with, 'Don't play on a blue field,' " Thompson said. "And you know where that one went quite quickly. So then it got to be the uniform."

The rule seemed to baffle Boise State coach Chris Petersen.

"We've worn blue for a long, long time," Petersen said. "Since I've been at Boise State (2001), it's been all blue. It's unfortunate that they're saying we can't do that. That's kind of our identity."

Thompson was asked if it was unfair to single out one school. "They could've said no" to joining the MWC, he said.

■ MIKE AND MIKE -- UNLV receives a major boost to its passing game with the return of senior wide receiver Michael Johnson. He led the Rebels last season with 51 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns.

Johnson and senior safety Mike Clausen were suspended for spring practices because of academic reasons. Clausen also is expected to return.

"They've had the ball kind of put in their court, and they've worked their way back," UNLV coach Bobby Hauck said. "I'm excited for them because they've given the effort to earn their way back."

Hauck said center Andrew Mack and cornerback Cedric Coleman, both expected to be reserves, decided not to return. Mack's departure leaves the Rebels thin at center, where redshirt freshman Robert Waterman is listed as the starter.

UNLV, in fact, will not have any seniors on its offensive line.

"That's a little bit eye-opening," Hauck said. "We could potentially start four freshmen, which is going to be interesting, to say the least."

■ RISE AND SHINE -- Thompson delivers his annual state-of-the-league news conference at 8 a.m. today.

He is expected to comment on membership changes next year, possible expansion and the rebranding of the conference.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.