Connecticut @ BSU Preview

The Broncos opened the season with an emphatic 56-20 victory over Troy. Boise State will host their first home game of the season against the Connecticut Huskies. The Broncos hope to build on a dominant performance in Alabama. Here are some things to watch for:

Location: Albertsons Stadium

Kickoff Time: 8:17 MT

Channel: ESPNU

Can Rypien keep it up?

Rypien looked like the quarterback we all know he can be. He was confident and made some difficult throws. The Bronco wide receivers responded to the criticism they received during the off-season with a great performance against Troy. The Huskies have a young and inexperienced defense that struggled week one against UCF. I expect the Broncos to have similar success.

Can the Broncos establish the run game?

Outside of the garbage time touchdown by Chase Cord and a few solid runs by Mattison, the Broncos had a difficult time establishing the run game against the Trojans. Honestly, the Broncos had so much success passing the ball, that they never really worried about getting Mattison going. The Huskies gave up nearly 300 yards rushing to UCF. The Broncos should be able to run the ball early and often.

Can the Broncos contain Pindell?

David Pindell is a lethal, offensive weapon for the Huskies. The quarterback had over 400 yards of total offense including 157 yards on the ground. The Huskies were able to move the ball last week, but they couldn’t finish drives. The Broncos struggled to keep Barker in the pocket at times last week. Containing Pindell will be their primary focus next week.

Can special teams bounce back?

Special teams’ struggles were a theme for the Broncos week one against the Trojans. The Broncos struggled to field punts and missed their only field goal attempt. They might also be without their star kick returner and starting cornerback, Avery Williams, who was injured late against the Trojans.

Can the Broncos get healthy?

With a huge showdown against Oklahoma State looming, the Broncos would like to have everyone healthy heading into Stillwater. Three year starter, David Moa, and expected number one receiver, Octavius Evans, were both in uniform but did not play any snaps against the Trojans. Boise’s coaches would probably like to get these guys some snaps before heading to Stillwater.

Vegas Line:

Boise State -33

Prediction:

The Bronco offense will continue to click on all cylinders including a breakout game for running back, Alexander Mattison. Rypien will throw for 300 yards and sit out the fourth quarter again. Pindell will find minimal success against a Boise State defense that spends the week game planning to stop him.

Boise State 52, Connecticut 10