Bronco Preview: Boise State @ Utah State

Both teams had this game circled at the beginning of the season, and it is proving to be the most important game of the year for both teams. The Broncos will travel to Logan to take on the Utah State Aggies Saturday night. Boise State will be headed into a hostile environment, as the Aggies and their fans are sure to be hyped up for this critical game.

Time: 8:30 pm MT

Where: Logan, Utah (Maverik Stadium, Merlin Olsen Field)

How to watch: CBS Sports

Head-to-head: Boise State leads the series 18-5. Utah State’s last win came in 2015.

What impact does this game have on the Mountain West championship?

If Boise State wins this game, they clinch the division and will have home field advantage in the championship game. It would also give the Broncos an extra week to sell tickets for the game. If there is one thing we have learned in recent years, it is hard to fill the stadium for a championship game.

If Utah State wins, we will likely have a three way tie heading into the final weeks of the season (assuming Air Force beats New Mexico). If that is the case, the Broncos would likely have the advantage in the computers, but Air Force might be close.

What impact will injuries have?

After the New Mexico game, Harsin was very vague on the status of his quarterbacks going forward, but he sure gave Jaylon Henderson a ton of praise. If I was a betting man, I would put my money on Henderson starting. But, a bigger question is the status of Curtis Weaver. He was seen in a boot after the game and likely won’t play against the Aggies.

Also, Jordan Love missed the fourth quarter against Wyoming in what appeared to be a concussion. Gary Anderson was also vague about the status of Love moving forward, but he appeared to be pretty with it on the sideline. I would expect him to play. With that being said, this game will be missing some star power regardless of who plays quarterback for both teams.

Can the Bronco secondary slow down this potent passing attack?

Will Jordan Love be 100%? Is it worth playing him if he had a concussion? This is a difficult question to answer. But, if Love goes and he throws the ball like he has the last two weeks, it is hard to see a scenario where Boise State’s secondary can slow down the Aggies. I’m sure the Utah State coaching squad will watch the San Jose State film, where the Broncos showed how vulnerable they can be against a quick strike passing attack with an accurate quarterback.

How will Boise State fans view this season if Boise State loses?

This might be the most polarizing team in recent memory. The play of the offensive line has held the team back, and injuries have played a significant role. With that being said, this team is 9-1 and has a chance to clinch the division. How will you view this team if they lose this game and miss out on the Mountain West Championship game?

Vegas Line: Boise State -9 at the time of writing. The line started at -10 and I think it will continue to move in favor of the Aggies.

My Prediction: I have said this before, but this time I mean it. This is easily the hardest game I have ever predicted for the Broncos. I think Boise State has more talent, but injuries make this game a toss up. David Woodward and Curtis Weaver are the best defensive players for both teams and both will likely miss this game. My gut tells me that Henderson will start for Boise State, and Jordan Love will try to go for the Aggies. If Love can’t go, we could be in for a wild ride. With that being said, I think the Broncos find a way to leave Logan with a narrow victory. Boise State 31-Utah State 28

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