Bronco Preview: Boise State @ Colorado State

It is Thanksgiving week, a time for family, food, and football. What better way to spend your Thanksgiving weekend than watching some Mountain West football! The Mountain division champion, Boise State Broncos, will travel to Fort Collins, Colorado to take on the Colorado State University Rams. Boise State will look to finish the regular season strong as a tune up for their championship battle against Hawaii. Here is everything you need to know and what you need to watch out for Friday afternoon.

Time: 1:30 MT

Location: Fort Collins, Colorado (Canvas Stadium)

How to watch: CBS Sports

Head-to-head: The Broncos and Rams have faced off eight times with the Broncos winning all eight.

How healthy are the Broncos heading into the championship game?

This is the golden question, especially at the quarterback position. The Broncos have been in good hands with Jaylon Henderson, but it appears that Hank Bachmeier is starting to do more throwing. I doubt he plays this week, but the championship game might be a possibility. We don’t know much about the injury to Chase Cord, but it might be time to start questioning whether or not he has been passed by Henderson on the depth chart.

Can Boise State avoid a letdown?

This seems to be the year where the Broncos play to the level of their competition. Look no further than their performances against UNLV, San Jose State, and Marshall. The Broncos looked like they were hitting their stride last week; it is critical that they keep that momentum going heading into the championship game.

Will George Holani be the next Bronco to break the 1,000 yard barrier?

It was looking like the Broncos’ nation-leading streak of a decade straight with 1,000 yard rushers was in jeopardy. A dominating performance last week by George Holani has given this streak some hope. Holani will only need 130 yards in the last three games to break the 1,000 yard barrier.

Who will be this week’s unsung hero?

Last week, it was the offensive line and the secondary. The offensive line has been criticized throughout the season for their failure to protect the quarterback and establish the run game. They did both of those things in a big way this past Saturday. Will they be able to continue that trend? The secondary also put in one of their best performances against Utah State’s potent passing attack. Jalen Walker got the first interception by a cornerback this season and he returned it for a touchdown. Walker and company will have their hands full with one of the best wide receivers in the conference in Warren Jackson.

Will there be any 28-3 leads (or 35-10 for that matter)?

I couldn’t resist. The Broncos last trip resulted in one of the greatest comebacks in college football history. I have a feeling that won’t be needed this year.

Vegas Line: Boise State -13

My Prediction: I was a little surprised when I first saw the spread for this game, but, after further review, I think it might be about right. It is fair to speculate what the motivation level of the Rams will be when they don’t really have anything to play for. Boise State is also at risk of getting a little bit too comfortable with their spot in the Mountain West Championship game already secure. It is also possible that weather may play a factor in this one. With that being said, I expect the Broncos to come out a little bit sluggish, but they will grind away and dominate the time of possession on the way to a comfortable victory. Boise State 38-Colorado State 17