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Boise State vs Oklahoma State: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction
Broncos are a home favorite over a Big 12 team
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Oklahoma State makes first trip to the Blue
Oklahoma State (2-0) makes their first trip to Boise to take on Boise State on Saturday evening, hoping for their first convincing win of the season. The Cowboys have had narrow, 23-16 and 28-23 victories against Missouri State and Tulsa, respectively. This game will also mark the first time the Big 12 will make their way to the blue turf. Boise State hopes to get their second win of the season after throttling UTEP 54-13 in a game where Hank Bachmeier threw for over 300 yards for the first time since his first collegiate game against Florida State. Boise State is also looking to return the favor by beating Oklahoma State at home to even the home and home series, along with improving their record to 5-4 against the Big 12.
WEEK 3: Oklahoma State (2-0) at Boise State (1-1)
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 18th, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. MST | 9:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: Albertson’s Stadium; Boise, Idaho
TV: FS1
STREAMING: You can get a free seven-day trial of FuboTV by clicking here.
RADIO: Boise State feed | Oklahoma State feed
SERIES RECORD: Oklahoma State wins 1-0
LAST MATCHUP: Oklahoma State 44, Boise State 21 (2018)
ODDS: Boise State -4.5
3 Keys to Victory
Who can run the ball?
Neither team, to be honest. Between the two, Oklahoma State leads the way with a dismal 2.7 yards per carry against Boise State’s 2.2 yards. The Cowboy’s leading rusher is quarterback Spencer Sanders with 62 yards and has only played one of their two games. Boise State is led by Sophomore running back Tyler Crowe with 45 yards on only seven carries. Whichever team can get the ball moving here will have a significant advantage in this game, especially in the 4th quarter. Boise State will have the better chance to turn this stat around due to running back George Holani no longer being on a limited play count, according to reports.
Winning the Turnover Battle
Boise State’s defense has consistently had big-play abilities in recent years. After only forcing five turnovers last year, Boise State was able to force two turnovers against UCF and an incredible six against UTEP. They have also done a great job of protecting the ball, only turning the ball over twice. Being plus 6 is a massive improvement under first-year head coach Andy Avalos and the Broncos have been able to turn those turnovers into points. Oklahoma State, with only two interceptions, has not been able to make the big plays. With the inability to force turnovers the defense hasn’t been able to shorten drives and have been on the field much more than their offense.
Control the Big Plays on Offense
All of these keys seem pretty predictable, but sometimes football is just going to be football. For the Broncos, this means keeping Spencer Sanders in check. Sanders is a mobile quarterback with experience. As mentioned, he leads the Cowboys in rushing this season and is capable of getting the ball downfield in a hurry. The Cowboys will have the task of trying to stop Khalil Shakir that has the ability to get into the endzone from anywhere on the field. Shakir is currently tenth in the nation in receiving with 257 yards on 12 catches. Against UTEP, Shakir made some acrobatic, one-handed catches on his way to racking up 166 yards.
Prediction
Both defenses have been the strength of their teams to this point of the season. Boise State has had a far better offense than Oklahoma State, and if Holani can return to 2019 Holani, this offense will get into the “Scary” category. With Oklahoma State’s inability to cause turnovers and an offense that has only been able to score a total of 51 points against an FCS school and Tulsa, there isn’t much hope for them if this turns into a shoot-out.
Boise State over Oklahoma State, 34-16
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