Projecting Boise State’s Record For 2018
Is this the year the Broncos has another undefeated season?
How many wins? 11, 12, 13 or more?
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Expectations from fans and players alike are high at Boise State for 2018. Many publications have predicted the Broncos to make it to their fourth New Year’s Six/BCS Bowl Game and quarterback Brett Rypien has been open about his desire to make and win one of these coveted games to cement his legacy. Let’s go game by game to analyze the likelihood that Rypien makes his goal a reality.
Week 1 Troy (Troy, AL Sep. 1 4 PM MT ESPN News)
Yes Troy is probably the best team in the Sun Belt, yes this is a road game, and yes don’t get me started about that 90-degree heat and 90 percent humidity…unfortunately for Troy they have lost their starting QB and RB from last season along with a host of other players. With Troy worse than last year and Boise State improved, the Broncos roll by a couple of scores.
Win, 1-0
Week 2 UConn (Boise, ID Sep 8 8:15 PM MT ESPN 2 or ESPNU)
Boise State once again does not have an FCS school on the schedule, but UConn is pretty dang close. UConn is a mess and will struggle with BSU’s depth and balance on the Blue Turf; expect to see some young Broncos get some action in the second half of this one.
Win, 2-0
Oklahoma State (Stillwater, OK Sep 15 1:30 PM MT ABC or ESPN)
This game will be a tough one, no other way to slice it. Oklahoma State loses starting QB Mason Rudolph and star WR James Washington among a few other key players but is still a solid Big 12 team with a host of talent for Coach Mike Gundy. Boise State is a loaded team and 2018 has a magical feel. Bryan Harsin reminds us he called the game when the Broncos beat the Sooners in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and this time delivers a close signature victory against the Cowboys.
Win, 3-0
Wyoming (Laramie, WYO Sep 29 5 PM MT CBS Sports Network)
Wyoming has no offense and that’s a problem. They do have a talented defense and this contest is in Laramie, but the Broncos are coming off a bye week and their 2016 loss to the Cowboys will be fresh in their minds. Expect a couple late first-half turnovers to make this one more comfortable for the Broncos. This won’t be a perfect performance, but Boise State will win this by 10 points or more.
Win, 4-0
San Diego State (Boise, ID Oct 6 TBA ESPN Network)
This might be a preview of the MWC Championship; the Aztecs are good on both sides of the ball and Rocky Long has gotten the Broncos on the Blue Turf before. But not this year; the Broncos are too deep and too loaded. Juwan Washington is also not the proven workhorse Rashaad Penny was for the Aztecs (although he may be by the end of the season). Defense coordinator Andy Avalos out-schemes Rocky’s run game again. Broncos win another close one and move into the top 15 of the rankings.
Win, 5-0
Nevada (Reno, NV Oct 13 830 PM MT CBS Sports Network)
There’s a lot of hype around this Nevada program, but not a lot of proof as of yet. QB Ty Gangi and the offense will put up points, but their atrocious defense will give all back. It’s debatable if Nevada could keep up in an offensive shootout against an even defense but the Broncos bring an experienced and talented secondary to town. Broncos win comfortably in Reno, despite the midget goal posts.
Win, 6-0
