Boise State vs. Colorado State: Keys For A Broncos Win
Down 28-3 in Fort Collins last year, Boise State rallied for an overtime victory, how can the Broncos win again on the Blue this year?
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Keys for Boise State to remain perfect vs. CSU
In 2017, many around college football saw the Rams as the trendy pick to win the Mountain West and represent the Group of 5 in the New Year’s Six bowl game. These same individuals (including our own Jeremy Mauss) predicted Colorado State to beat Boise State for the first time in six meetings.
The Rams really did their best to make that prediction come true, but again came out on the losing end in a comeback overtime thriller. Now a more junior Colorado State squad makes their way to The Blue for a Friday night contest this week.
Let’s take a look on the keys to a Boise State Victory.
Key #1: Complete Offensive Line
It has been no secret that Boise State’s offensive line has been suspect for much of 2018. If the Broncos want to make a perfect 8-0 against the Rams, they will have to improve their offensive line play, more specifically the right side of the line.
About the midway point in the game last week, Coach Harsin and offensive line coach Brad Bedell decided to make a change in personnel. This change was partly prompted by repeated poor performances and partly due to injury. Eric Quevedo and Andres Preciado were replaced late in the second quarter, Quevedo due to an undisclosed injury and Preciado simply due to poor performance.
They were replaced by Isiah Moore and John Ojukwu, who seemed to give the offense a bit of a spark that allowed the Broncos to both throw and run the ball more effectively. Let’s see if Coach Harsin wants to sticks with Moore and Ojukwu this week versus the Rams.
Key #2: Maintain Special Teams
Boise State special teams have struggled all season to play to the same level they achieved in 2017. Against the Wolf Pack last week the Broncos avoided any special teams’ woes by simply keeping those units off the field. Boise State went for it on 4th down 3 times, attempted only one field goal (the kick was good), and punted just twice. If the Broncos can maintain this model, or better yet make special teams special again in 2018, this will go a long ways towards a victory on Friday.
Key #3: Disrupt K.J. Carta-Samuels
Boise State’s defense is best when it is attacking and keeping opposing offenses on their heels. K.J. Carta-Samuels has proven himself a formidable quarterback this season and the Bronco defense will have to pressure him early and often to slow him down.
STUD Curtis Weaver has been quiet thus far this season and this week against Colorado State would be a great time for him to assert his dominance in 2018. Allowing the Bronco defense to stay aggressive and in attack mode would not only put extra pressure on the Rams, but it could help cover up some of the injuries that Boise State is currently experiencing while having at least 3 defensive starters sidelined.
Prediction
ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Broncos a 95.8% chance to beat the Rams on Friday. I have to agree with the FPI on this one. Boise State redeems themselves in front of their home crowd, putting pressure on Carta-Samuels on night, in route to a comfortable victory.
Boise State 34 Colorado State 10
