Idaho State Bengals (1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS) vs. Boise State Broncos (1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS)
College Football Week 3
Date/Time: Friday, September 18, 2015. 9:00 EST
Where: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho.
TV: CBSSN
by Wilson, NCAA Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: ISU +29/BSU -29
Over/Under Total: 67
Boise State will be looking to get back in the win column this Friday at home in Albertsons Stadium. The Broncos opened their season by beating the Pac 12s Washington Huskies 16-13 but it was a different story in week two as they were downed 35-24 at BYU in Provo, Utah. The Broncos led by 10 points going into the 4th quarter before the game slipped away from them. Meanwhile, Idaho State is coming off of a loss to Portland State 34-14. Boise State will no doubt be the heavy favorite at home on the blue turf.
Broncos QB Ryan Finley had a rough go last week in Provo. Finley had one TD and 3 INTs. Two of Finleys picks came in the 4th quarter as part of a BYU 21-unanswered-point run. Broncos RB Jeremy McNichols rushed for 95 total yards and two TDs. Boise States defensive front weakened in the 2nd half and allowed BYU to rush for 93 yards and a TD. Traditionally a powerhouse, Boise State was tamed after an ugly first half by both teams. The Broncos gave up the lead and an important road win. BYU is a decent program and proved a lot by fighting their way back in this game. BSU will need to bring their full attention in the Idaho State game in order to make adjustments and play the entire game not just part of it.
Despite Finleys 3 INTs he did complete 25 of 38 passing for 297 yards which are numbers BSU expects from their QB. He will need to read the defense better and make the decision to toss the ball out of bounds rather than force it which partially accounted for the 3 picks. Boise State will be just fine, they are excellent at fixing what is broken and Idaho State will be a good team to work out the bugs on.
Idaho State enters this contest after a loss at home to a red hot Portland State team who are now 2-0 after beating Washington State on the road and the Bengals on the road as well. The Bengals started the season with a 55-0 trouncing of Black Hills Stateya, Ive never heard that team either. ISUs Junior QB Michael Sanders can be effective as he has 7 TD passes in just two games although 5 of those came against the Black Hills State squad. Regardless of quality opponents, Sanders can be a legitimate threat if not pressured in the pocket. Adding to the Bengals woes is the potential to turn the ball over. They turned the pigskin over 4 times last week against Portland State. This cannot happen versus Boise State if they want an inkling of a chance to steal a W from their in-state rivals.
Boise State is not the dominant program they have been in recent years but they are still a solid football team with depth. There is something magical about playing on the blue turf and the Broncos usually come out on top. BSU is extremely tough at home; in fact they have only lost a handful of times over the past few years on the blue turf. The Broncos were 90 percent in scoring when they entered the red zone last season and 70 percent of those were TDs. This season looks to be a bit more difficult at times especially in the opener against Washington as the Broncos only put 16 points on the board. Not to worry folks, Idaho State may have some good athletes but Boise State has better ones.
If you like to watch a good Friday night college football game this one will be decent for at least a half then look for Boise State to roll. I know I wrote a similar phrase for the Washington vs. BSU game and though the Broncos did not cover that game at least they got the W. I like Boise State to cover and run away with this game. Luck to ya.
Wilsons Pick to Cover the Point Spread: BSU Covers the spread.
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