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The Broncos may have left Reno with a victory, but they enter Friday’s showdown against the Rams with plenty of questions that need answered. Let’s dive into the major questions that the Broncos face this Friday night:
Is early season Rypien back?
Rypien played an awful first half against the Wolf Pack. He was forcing passes and missing on throws down the field. Rypien looked like a completely different quarterback in the second half. He had time in the pocket and was able to go through his progressions. If second half Rypien shows up in Boise, it should be a big day for #4.
Were the changes to the offensive line permanent? Will they make a difference?
Isiah Moore and John Ojukwu replaced struggling starters Andres Preciado and Eric Quevado in the second half against Nevada. While the running game wasn’t perfect, there were significant improvements, and Rypien had time in the pocket. Were the coaches sending a message to the starters? Or were these changes permanent? It is worth keeping an eye on come Friday night.
Can special teams continue to stay out of their own way?
The Broncos have lost two games; in both games there were significant special team mistakes. Against the Wolf Pack, there weren’t any major mistakes. They just need to stay out of their own way.
Will the defense be able to overcome injuries?
The Broncos continue to deal with significant injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Deandre Pierce and David Moa are out for the season. It also looks like Riley Whimpey and Sontane Lui were injured against Nevada. The depth of the defense will be tested against a capable Rams offense.
Can the Broncos establish the run game?
It has been a major question all season long, and, outside of the Connecticut game, it has been a struggle. Last year, the Colorado State game was a breakout performance for Alexander Mattison. Can he have a similar performance this year? Boise State has played a lot of great defenses up to this point; this might be their opportunity for a breakout performance.
Vegas Line:
Boise State -24
My Prediction:
Broncos 35, Colorado State 24. It is hard to be confident in the offense or defense after Friday’s game. However, I think the gap in talent is significant between these two teams, and the Broncos have enough talent to overcome injuries and defeat the Rams.