No. 13 Boise State Broncos -7.5 (6-0) 3-2 ATS, 1-4 O/U at San Jose State Spartans +7.5 (5-2) 5-1 ATS, 1-5 O/U Spartans Stadium (30,456) San Jose, California Friday, October 24 9:00 p.m. EST
by Wilson of Predictem.com
The San Jose State Spartans are 3-0 in the WAC. They will host the No. 13 ranked Boise State Broncos in a WAC showdown this Friday night. The Broncos are also undefeated in the WAC and on the season as well.
The Spartans beat New Mexico State last week 31-14. QB Kyle Reed was less than stellar with just 50 yards passing on 8-of-18 and a disappointing 3 interceptions. Thank goodness for the Spartans two running backs, Brandon Rutley and Yonus Davis who combined for 157 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Davis accounted for 107of those yards. The Spartans offense is averaging 21.6 points per game while allowing 16.6 to their opponents.
Defensively, the Spartans will need to address Boise States passing attack. The Broncos freshman quarterback, Kellen Moore has been picking apart defenses all season.
Boise State is averaging 32.5 points per game and only giving up 10.5. Last week the Broncos beat the Hawaii Warriors 27-7, a sweet revenge since they lost to Hawaii in last year’s WAC Championship game. Much of Boise States success came from their defense which intercepted 5 times. Brandon Thompson had three interceptions. Thompson was thrown at a ton in last years loss to Hawaii, so this years game was a sort of payback for him-and he did just that with the three picks.
Boise State QB Kellen Moore had another usual day at the office by completing 25-of-33 passes for 256 yards and 3 TDs. Its scary to admit that Moore is just a freshman as he plays like a seasoned senior who has been at the college level for multiple years.
Last weeks win in Boise continued a 17 game home winning streak for the Broncos who are second to the Oklahoma Sooner, who have a 21 home game winning streak of their own. The BYU Cougars are currently riding a 16 game home winning streak as well. Good company for the Broncos!
The difference in this matchup may be between the two passing games as Moore is much more productive than San Joses Reed. Moore is also a natural leader who makes the big plays. Reed will need to use all of his targets, and he certainly will not be able to count on the running game to bail him out as the Broncos are tough against the run.
I like how Boise State is playing. The Broncos are on a mission especially after knocking off Hawaii. Bronco head coach, Chris Peterson is still trying to fine-tune his team as he recently said We are a work in progress and we will get better.
Wilsons Pick: I will put my money on the Boise State Broncos. Kellen Moore will continue to do his job, and the Bronco defense will shut down the Spartans. The Broncos win, and they cover the 7.5 points.