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111.This is the moment that Utah State has been waiting for. They are off to one of their best starts in a long time and are currently 3-0. They have just taken down Air Force, one of the other top contenders for the mountain division, on the road. The Aggies get the preseason conference favorite Boise State at home at a time when they are rolling. These all point to good signs for Utah State as they prepare for their biggest game of the season.
Boise State at Utah State
Location: Logan, Utah
Line: Boise State (-9)
Date/Time: Saturday, September 25th at 12:00 P.M. EST
Television: CBS
Head-to-Head: Utah State is 5-20 all time against Boise State and the Aggies haven’t beaten the Broncos since a 52-26 game in 2015. Before the 2015 loss, Boise State hadn’t lost to the Aggies since 1997. The Aggies won two games over the Broncos during the 1996 and 1997 seasons.
Three Things to Watch Out For:
1. Can Utah State control the line of scrimmage?
This is going to determine who wins the game. Boise State hasn’t been very good in pass protection or running the ball so far this season. Utah State has been consistent on offense, especially in the run game while Boise State’s defensive front has struggled in the running game. If Utah State can stop the Boise State running game and create time for the quarterback and running back on the offensive side of things, Utah State will be in this game until the end
2. Can Utah State create explosive plays on offense?
One of the things that Utah State has been able to use over the past couple games is getting explosive plays, both through the pass and the run game. Boise State, as previously mentioned, has been struggling to stop the running game. Expect Utah State to do their best to take advantage of a struggling defensive line and creating opportunities for big plays through the air.
3. Which defense forces more turnovers?
Yes, Boise State’s defense has given up some points this year and has struggled in the running game. However, they are still a very good defense that has forced a considerable amount of turnovers. The Broncos had two important interceptions against UCF and had a field day with UTEP before forcing another turnover against Oklahoma State. The question isn’t whether that Boise State defense will be able to force turnovers, all likelihood points to a probable yes. The question is which defense can force more turnovers and create more opportunities for the offense.
Analysis
This game means a lot to both teams. Whoever manages to win this game is going to send the rest of the world impressed.
This is going to be a close game at first but Boise State is not a 1-2 team. They are maybe four plays away from being 3-0. The difference in this game is going to be the run game. A struggling Boise State offense will finally find answers and the Broncos will be able to solve the third quarter slump.
It won’t be easy, but Boise State has just enough fire power and will be coming into this contest completely. Broncos pull away from the Aggies late in an entertaining game. History just isn’t on the side of the Aggies, even after getting a 3-0 start. The Aggies have struggled against the Broncos recently and have not been able to take advantage of big situations like the lot from the block.
Prediction: Boise State: 42; Utah State: 21