Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (2-1) 1-1 ATS +22.5 at #19 Boise State Broncos (3-0) 1-1 ATS -22.5 Wednesday October 1, Boise, Idaho – Bronco Stadium (30,000) 8 p.m. EST, ESPN TV.
by Wilson of Predictem.com
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will do their best impression of the Boise State Broncos come Wednesday night in Boise. The Bulldogs will try to upset an AP top 25 team in Boise State, just like the Broncos did a little over a week ago in Eugene, Oregon as they knocked off then #17 Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium.
Louisiana Tech is not ranked in either the coaches or the AP polls but they will bring a similar game plan as their opponent, which has an emphasis on the passing game. In the Bulldogs last win against SE Louisiana on September 20th they managed to accumulate 440 yards of total offense in which 377 yards came through the air while gaining just 63 yards on the ground.
The Boise State Broncos are very similar as they too, in their last contest, put up 424 yards of total offense with 386 yards passing and a meager 38 yards rushing. Both teams like to pass, but who will finally establish a running game, or do they even need one? Both teams are young at the QB position: with sophomores for LA. Tech, and Boise State with their sensational true-freshman Kellen Moore.
Both of these teams are coming off of victories although Boise States last win was quite notable as they beat the Oregon Ducks on their own turf and bumped them from the AP top 25 poll. In any event, Boise State is incredibly tough to beat at home, especially with the momentum this team has gained and earned by playing great football. The Broncos have won convincingly in all three of their games this season. Sure, the Oregon score looked close, but it really was a blowout most of the game, and the Broncos did allow OU to get some easy TDs, but no matter- they got it done!
Speaking of Moore Kellen Moore is one special athlete. I keep writing about this kid every week, and for good reason; hes the real deal! If Moore even does three-quarters of what he did in the Oregon game the Bulldogs could be in trouble. Moore put up 386 yards and 4 TDs against Oregon and he looked calm and comfortable all night doing his job- you dont see that out of a freshman very often. His dad coached him in high school and I think he did the world of college football a great service as he is fundamentally disciplined, and seems to have a great sense for the game.
Louisiana Tech will have their hands full on Wednesday night. No one comes into Bronco Stadium and puts the beat-down on the Broncos! Boise State has led the nation in team scoring since 2000 by averaging 41.6 points per game. The Broncos also lead the nation in most conference wins since 2000 with a record of 46-2 while the USC Trojans are second with a 44-6 record.
Boise State leads the series versus LA Tech 6-4. The Broncos won last years contest 45-31. Wednesdays game will be the first of four nationally broadcast games for BSU by ESPN.
Wilsons Pick: Boise State is the Gonzaga of college football; they have great talent, and beat storied programs year after year. The way Kellen Moore and company are playing I dont know if theyll lose another game until they meet up with Fresno Sate in late November. Boise State wins on the blue carpet 42-21, but L. Tech covers.