No. 6 Boise State Broncos (3-0) 3-0 ATS, 1-2 O/U at Bowling Green (1-2) 1-2 ATS, 0-3 O/U Saturday September 26, 2009 7:00 p.m. EST
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Boise State -17/Bowling Green +17
Over/Under: 53
The Boise State Broncos are currently one of the hottest teams and programs in all of college football. The Broncos have established themselves as a legitimate threat to all opponents. After opening the season with a win at home against the Oregon Ducks the Broncos have been perfect, at least in the win/loss column.
The concern for Broncos Head Coach Chris Petersen is his teams tackling skills. Petersen was not happy about his guys giving up 320 yards on the ground to Fresno State last week in their 51-34 win. Petersen vowed to focus more on the basics of tackling. Fresno State busted three runs of more than 60 yards versus the Broncos and all were right through the arms of would-be tacklers. Petersen will certainly address his team in preperation for this weeks game.
The Broncos have several weapons on offense including the catalyst Sophomore quarterback Kellen Moore. Moore may not be super athletic or fit the bill of a traditional QB as far as size and speed but he definitely has football savvy. Moores high school coach was his dad and you can tell he instilled plenty of knowledge into his son.
Moore started out slow but ended up with three touchdowns on 18 of 26 passing for 181 yards. The big playmakers in this game were running back Jeremy Avery who had three plays of over 60 yards and Titus Young whos heads up play saved a touchdown for the Broncos. Young showed why its important to never give up on a play even when your teammate is already in the end zone. Young jumped on a fumbled ball in the end zone for a TD when most of his team had slowed down thinking the play was over.
Boise States D.J. Harper leads the Broncos in rushing with 284 yards through the first three games. Bronco wide receiver Austin Pettis leads the team in receiving yards with 217. D.J. Harper is rumored to be out for the rest of the season with a blown knee.
The Boise State defense was considered one of the best in the nation as they previously held opponents to 12 points or less but now the critics have raised questions after the Broncos let Fresno State run all over the place on their way to over 300 yards rushing.
The under is 8-0 for Bowling Green in their last 8 games as a dog. They have been under in all three of their games so far this season. The Falcons are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games at home. The under is 10-4 in Boise States last 14 games in the month of September.
Kellen Moore of Boise State will have some solid competition as his counterpart Falcons QB Tyler Sheehan has a higher completion percentage, 68.4 to Moores 65.4. Sheehan also leads Moore in total passing yards with 928 to Moores 685, but Moore has Sheehan doubled up in the touchdown category 8 to Sheehans 4. Both QBs have one INT on the season.
Boise State has won the last two meetings between the two schools. Last year the Broncos beat the Falcons 20-7 when the line was Boise State -17.5 and the O/U was 55. Well, this year the line hasnt changed much but the location has as the Falcons are hosting on their field.
Chris Petersen is seeking huge things this season and his guys have played in enough games to know that nobody is safe in college football. The Broncos will be on their A game this weekend.
Wilsons Pick: Boise State 51, Bowling Green 14! The Falcons offensive line won’t be able to deal with the front four of Boise! Luck to ya.