Boise State has the most efficient passer in the country, quarterback Kellen Moore.

The Broncos have the No. 7 scoring offense in the republic at 38.2 points per game.

But if you had to cite a bottom line for what makes the Broncos what they are at this point in the season, which is No. 6 in The Associated Press poll, it would be the defense.

We're accustomed to thinking in terms of Boise State's offensive credentials. We remember the offensive stars, such as running back Ian Johnson (and, yes, he's finally moved on after what seemed like earning tenure on campus). We recall the trick plays and special teams prowess.

But as the Broncos arrive at Aloha Stadium for today's 5:05 p.m. game, coaches will tell you tribute should be paid to the defense for Boise State's 6-0 (1-0 Western Athletic Conference) run.

"To me, the thing that stands out with Boise is their defense," said San Jose State coach Dick Tomey. "I think, to me, the biggest thing that has changed — and they have had a great program for a long time; they have been outstanding for a long time — but the thing that has changed the most in my mind with last year's team and this year's team, maybe since Chris (Petersen, the head coach) has been there, is the play of their defense."

In that, the defense, so far this season, has been noteworthy considering the Broncos returned but five starters from last year's accomplished defense. Yet, it has surrendered an average of just 15.5 points a game. The Broncos have, from the beginning, shut down Oregon and shutout Miami of Ohio. Many of the points they have yielded have come after the games have been foregone conclusions.

Perhaps the most revealing statistic is that the Broncos have permitted just eight drives into their red zone (best in the nation) and only six scores.

It is, in the Boise State tradition, for the most part, a swarming, workmanlike group with few standout individuals. Not a WAC defensive player of the week among them so far this season. But that may be more of a conference oversight than a statement about the talent on the unit.

"Last year's team was clearly the class of our league on defense and I think this year's team, if you look at their numbers on defense, is just very, very impressive so I think the biggest thing is the quality of their defense," Tomey said. "They've always had good offenses. But I think their defense has really made them one of the best in the country."

For Broncos' opponents the scariest thing is that they'll be seeing a lot more of these guys in the future: Boise State starts but one senior.