[jwplayer uAXGkPyW-sNi3MVSU]
Boise State vs Nevada: Keys to a Bronco Victory
Broncos face their rival.
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Boise State looking to rebound from last week
Matchup Week 7: Boise State (3-2 overall,1-1 conference) at Nevada (3-3 overall, 1-1 conference)
Where: Reno, Nevada. MacKay Stadium (Cap: 27,000)
When: 8:30 PM MT
TV: CBS Sports Network
Streaming: FuboTV – Try it free for seven days.
Last Meeting: Nov. 4, 2017, Boise St 41-14. In Reno: Oct 4, 2014, Boise St 51-46
Line: Boise State -17, O/U 61
During Boise State’s bye week I wrote that Nevada had been inconsistent in their first 3 games and they have proven to still be inconsistent after 6 games.
At 3-3, Nevada has alternated wins and losses every week and coming off of a 21-3 loss to Fresno State, are hoping that trend continues for one more week. Boise State is coming into Reno with a 1-1 conference record after a tough 19-13 home upset to San Diego State last week.
To this point in the season, the Broncos have continued to struggle against versatile, fast, 3-3-5 defenses, and this will be the 3rd time in 4 games that Boise State will be facing it. Here is a look at how the Broncos can come away with a victory.
Slow Down the Front 6
An unforeseen bright spot for Nevada had been the performance of their front 6 on defense. Ranking 5th in the Mountain West in rush defense, 3rd in sacks, and 7th in the nation in tackles for a loss per game this defense spends ample amount of time in the opponent’s backfield. Boise State has struggled to get their run game going in almost every game this year so that doesn’t bode well.
However, even with their struggles in the run game, the Broncos have been able to pick apart opposing defenses with short passes and yards after the catch. This eventually slows the rush and opens up the middle of the field for deep passes.
Keep Pressure on the QB
Ty Gangi is still listed as questionable for the game. If he is able to go it’s not likely that he will be full speed and if he is unable to, Cristian Solano will be making his 2nd start of the year. If Gangi plays he likely won’t have the mobility to be as effective as he was against Air Force.
If Solano starts, expect the Broncos to focus on the run early and try to keep the Wolfpack in long 3rd downs. Solano showed that he can run well but his passing wasn’t sharp against Fresno State. With Gangi back at practice, Solano won’t be getting as many reps to prepare for the aggressive, fast Bronco defense.
Let it Ryp
With two games under their belt against the 3-3-5, the staff and Brett Rypien should have a better game plan on how this team can handle Nevada than what they have in the previous games. If they can keep Brett Rypien clean, as was covered in the first key, the Broncos should be able to light up a struggling Nevada secondary.
Coming into the game, Nevada has the 10th ranked pass defense in the conference so there is some success to be had. There will likely be some scheme adjustments to move the pocket more for Rypien allowing him to use his mobility as a weapon as well.
Prediction:
Boise State shouldn’t have any trouble in this game if we are talking for a talent standpoint. Unfortunately, with the struggles that the team has had against the 3-3-5 (and how overconfidence last week left me smelling like Cherry Poweraid for a day), it’s hard for me to think this is going to be a blowout.
I think Boise State does make the improvements and capitalizes on the weak Nevada secondary and their inexperienced and/or injured quarterback to win this game.
Boise State 24-10
