No. 14 Boise State Broncos (0-0) vs. No. 16 Oregon Ducks (0-0) 10:00 p.m. EST, September 3, 2009 Bronco Stadium Boise, Idaho. TV: ESPN
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Oregon +4/Boise State -4
Over/Under: 63.5
Boise State has set the bar high this season after going to Oregon last year and beating them on their own turf. Now, its Oregon that will travel to the Idaho state capitol in search of revenge from last seasons loss to the Broncos.
Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli has all but promised a victory and said it was embarrassing to lose to Boise State at home last year. Masoli was injured last year and didnt have much of an impact in the Boise State game but he is ready to go this week and definitely voiced his feelings for all of the country to hear. I dont know if thats a good of an idea to add fuel to the Broncos already fired up squad especially on their own turf.
Ok, so this Thursday night is probably the biggest game in Boise State football history, and it will be the opening statement for another undefeated regular season for the Broncos. Broncos QB Kellen Moore burst onto the college scene last year as a true freshman and he never looked back. Moore has a year under his belt and is a winner in every aspect of the game- he competes and gives 110 percent on all plays. The big question will be the running game for Boise State as Ian Johnson has departed and left the duties to Jeremy Avery. Avery is a small but quick and powerful back who is expected to solidify the running game for the Broncos.
Moore will look to WR Titus Young as his go to receiver among others but it will be Young who should rise above the rest and help create the passing attack. Young is the fastest receiver in the WAC and it will interesting to see how he does against the traditionally quick Oregon defensive backs.
Oregon has been a dominant team in the last decade but they have come up short recently. The key to this season will be the health and consistent play of QB Jerimiah Masoli. Also, Oregons defense will be a major factor in their post season hopes.
For QB Masoli this game is more than revenge on a loss last season but it is also a personal quest perhaps after Masoli was late-hit which caused him to be injured against the Broncos last year. This game will be a brutal battle between two very good football programs. Oregon will need to figure out their wide receiver rotation quickly as they have struggled to pencil anyone in for certain. Head coach Chip Kelly has agreed that the Ducks are inexperienced in areas and receiving is a big one.
Oregon better figure out the receiving plan quickly as Boise States outstanding playmaker cornerback Kyle Wilson will certainly be patrolling the secondary waiting to create chaos for the Duck receiving crew.
The Ducks have that special ability to go into an opponents house and rattle their cage but can they do it to Boise State? Broncos Head Coach Chris Peterson is 34-5 on his own turf. Peterson has the knack to win games, especially big games at home. I dont know if there is a team on the Broncos schedule that can beat them. Oregon may be the only obstacle for Boise States chance to go undefeated this season.
There is definitely something special going on in Boise and its not the famous potatoes, its the blue turf! This game should be a great opener to another year of college football.
Wilsons Pick: Call me crazy but I dont see Oregon going into Bronco Stadium and winning. Masoli can make all the excuses he wants about last years game gone bad but he will see and smell the blue turf up close too many times Thursday night when the Bronco defense swarms in on him. Boise State Broncos 35, Oregon Ducks 21. Luck to ya.