Boise State vs. BYU: Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction
Boise State vs. BYU: Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction
Broncos looking to win the — likely — last rivalry game
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Boise looking to stick it to BYU
WEEK 3: Boise State Broncos (6-2) vs. BYU Cougars (4-5)
WHEN: Saturday, November 5th — 5:00 PM MT/4:00 PM PT
WHERE: Albertson Stadium, Boise, ID
WEATHER: High of 51, 90% chance of rain
TV: FS2
STREAMING: Fans can sign up to receive a free one-week trial of Fubo, which includes FS2
SERIES RECORD: Boise State leads the all-time series 8-4 and won their last season in Provo, UT, 26-17.
LAST WEEK: Boise State won against Colorado State, 49-10, while BYU lost 27-24 against Eastern Carolina.
WEBSITES: BroncoSports.com, the official Boise State athletics website | byucougars.com, the official BYU athletics website
ODDS: Boise State -8
In September, those looking ahead to this match-up between Boise State and BYU had a much different feeling about the outcome. BYU ended the month at 4-1, while Boise State was 3-2 but had just fired their offensive coordinator. Since then, the Broncos have rattled off four wins and tallied over 500 yards on offense last week. On the other hand, BYU has dropped four straight, including being blown out by Arkansas and Liberty. With this being the final game in an 11-game series before BYU joins the Big 12, this game will carry with it long-term bragging rights for the victor.
Keys to The Game:
Protect the secondary
Boise State currently has one of the best pass defenses in the country. It should be noted that they also have yet to play many teams known for passing the ball. The secondary has been susceptible to giving up deep pass plays, so going against BYU quarterback Jaren Hall (2,245 yards, 21-TD, 3-INT)is a more significant concern than it has been in previous weeks. The defensive line, who has 21 sacks so far this season, will have to continue getting pressure like they have been in previous games to make sure Hall doesn’t have time to sit in the pocket and pick apart the secondary.
Use Your Tools
Last week nine different receivers caught passes, seven had multiple catches, and four had four each. George Hoanli had a bulk of the carries with 21, Ashton Jeanty added nine, and Elelyon Noa had seven as well. The Broncos spread the ball all over the field and that made it difficult for Colorado State stop them. Boise State needs to continue the versatility and distribution with BYU being one of the more talented defenses that they are going against this season.
Keep Green Moving
Quarterback Taylen Green has been impressive since taking over. Against San Deigo State and Fresno State, the Broncos relied on his legs and the running game to win big in both games. His progress as a passer has been the feature of the past two games, with Green throwing for 227 yards against Air Force and 305 yards against Colorado State. Even with the progression of Green, he hasn’t been able to simply drop back and have clean lanes to throw, so moving the pocket with play action and bootlegs will help keep distance between Green and the defender as well as open up running lanes for him to create with his legs.
Prediction:
The last two installments in this series have been wild. In 2020 BYU, playing their 8th game of the season, dominated the Broncos, playing their 3rd, in Boise 51-17. Last season the Broncos upset the Cougars in Provo. The turmoil of both teams during this season makes it incredibly difficult to predict where this game is going to go this year as well. BYU is going to connect on a couple of big pass plays, but the gut feeling is that the Bronco defense is going to be able to hold them, and the offense will be able to control the ball. Boise State will win and just barely cover.
Boise State 28, BYU 19
