Boise State vs. Wyoming: Broncos Preview, How To Watch, Prediction, Odds
The Broncos win and they are in the title game
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Sort of a rivalry game
WEEK 12: Boise State Broncos (7-3) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (7-3
WHEN: Saturday, November 19th — 5:00 PM MT/4:00 PM PT
WHERE: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, WY
WEATHER: 37 Degrees, Mostly Clear and Light Wind
TV: CBS Sports Network
STREAMING: Fans can sign up to receive a free one-week trial of FuboTV, which includes CBSSN
SERIES RECORD: Boise State leads the all-time series 15-1 and has won the last five in a row, including last season in Boise, 32-13.
LAST WEEK: Boise State won at Nevada, 41-3, and Wyoming won, 14-13, at Colorado State.
WEBSITES: BroncoSports.com, the official Boise State athletics website | gowyo.com, the official Wyoming athletics website
ODDS: Boise State -14
It’s doubtful that Boise State circled this week’s matchup against Wyoming as the game to determine who controls their championship game birth at the beginning of the season. However, that is precisely what we have with the Cowboys sitting at 5-1 in conference and Boise State at 6-0.
If the Broncos win, we will be a lock for the Mountain West title game, while Wyoming would still have to beat Fresno State in Fresno next week to secure their birth. Injuries could have a significant effect on the game as Cowboy quarterback Andrew Peasley is still suffering the effects of a concussion that he sustained against Colorado State, so it may be Utah transfer, Jayden Clemons, getting the start this week. The Broncos are hoping to get Demitri Washington back on the field after it was recently rumored that he was done for the season.
Keys To Victory
Control Titus Swen:
Wyoming running back Titus Swen has 164 carries on the year, while the three other running backs combined for only 127. With Peasley, their second-leading rusher, likely out, there is no question that the Cowboys’ offense will flow through Swen. If they can keep him bottled up early and get out to a fast start on offense, the Broncos would be able to force Wyoming into leaning on the passing game to keep them in the game. The secondary has been susceptible to giving up big plays but has held most offenses in check through the air this year.
Keep the Balance:
Once Dirk Koetter took over, the Broncos relied heavily on running the ball to ease quarterback Taylen Green into his new starting role. In the blowout, Boise State had 261 passing yards and 267 rushing yards against Nevada last week. Boise State used the pass early to move the ball quickly down the field, getting out to a 21-3 lead at halftime and sealing the game in the second half by rushing on 25 of their 39 plays. Keeping the balance should keep the Wyoming defense guessing at what is coming at them.
Keep Green Clean-ish:
Wyoming’s pass rush has been outstanding this season. Through 10 games, the defense has racked up 31 sacks, led by defensive ends Devonne Harris (7.5) and Oluwaeyi Omotosho (5.5). Boise State is second in the conference in sacks allowed with 1.3 per game, with Green only being sacked five times, primarily due to a run-heavy game plan. Keeping Green clean involves more than just sacks, as the protection needs to keep pressure off of him to avoid forcing errors. Early in the game, the passing attack tends to feature more dropback passing than play action and otherwise moving the pocket, allowing the Cowboy rush to aim for a stationary target. This is where the “ish” comes in with Green’s mobility. If the rush isn’t able to keep containment Green will be able to pick up huge chunks of yardage and put Wyoming on their heels.
Prediction:
In Wyoming’s matchup against San Jose State, Spartan quarterback Chevan Cordeiro had a field day passing for over 300 yards and rushing for two touchdowns. Taylen Green has a similar skill set as Cordeiro, along with running backs George Holani and Ashton Jeanty, to create problems for an aggressive Cowboy defense. The Bronco defense is the best in the conference against the run, and while giving up some big plays, it is solid against the pass as well. Add in the potential of a sophomore transfer making his first start at quarterback, the Broncos could have a field day. Boise State will lock itself into the Mountain West title game by winning and more than covering the spread.
Boise State 38, Wyoming 10
