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Gameday Essentials: Boise State vs. Wyoming
The Cowboys and Broncos open up conference play in Laramie
Contact/Follow @RajaBleedsBlue & @MWCwire
Disclaimer: While this article is a ‘neutral conference article’ on Mountain West Wire, I am a Boise State graduate.
The last time these two teams faced each other in Wyoming, it was the Cowboys that celebrated a huge victory en route to winning the division title.
That meeting will be on both school’s minds as the Cowboys seek to make it two in a row on their home turf versus Boise State while the Broncos would like nothing better than to get some revenge as they look to get back to their traditional winning ways.
Date: September 29, 2018
Where: Laramie, Wyoming; War Memorial Stadium
When: 5:00 PM Mountains Standard Time
Spread: Boise State – 17/Over Under 47(via Vegas Insiders)
Weather: 77 degrees, partly cloudy with no chance of rain (via weather.com)
How to Watch: CBS Sports Network
Stream: FuboTV (Free trial)
All Time Record: Boise State 11-1
Last Meeting: Boise State 24, Wyoming 14 on October 21, 2017 in Boise, Idaho
Boise State Update
Boise State started off with soaring high expectations and a ranking in the polls and opened up the year by smashing Troy and Connecticut. Boise State was ranked 17th when they had a showdown for the 24th ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys but were handed a crushing defeat. Boise State looks to bounce back after their bye week. Led by superstar senior quarterback Brett Rypien, the Broncos are a talented squad but will need to find answers after a disappointing loss.
Wyoming Update
The Wyoming Cowboys are also coming off a bye week and stand at 2-2. Wyoming opened up their season by thrashing New Mexico State 29-7 before losing handily to a pair of Power 5 teams, Washington State and Missouri.
The Cowboys rebounded to defeat FCS member Wofford. Despite giving up more than 40 points to both power 5 teams, Wyoming so far has shown that they have a talented defense to carry the load while their offense finds its footing.
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Players to Watch
Brett Rypien, Boise State Senior Quarterback
The three time All-Conference quarterback is having a stellar season with 1047 yards with 71.4% passing completion rate to go along with 10 touchdowns against 0 interceptions. This will be a tough matchup against a good defense on the road, the Senior Captain will have to lead his team to victory.
Alexander Mattison, Boise State Junior Running Back
Mattison has had somewhat of a slow start compared to the previous two seasons. Still, he is averaging 5.7 yards a carry and the offense will need Mattison to pace the offense and help ball control and time of possession to grind down the Cowboys defense.
Jabril Frazier, Boise State Senior Defensive End
Wyoming’s offense has not played well this season and is led by a young quarterback, it will be up to the Senior Captain Frazier to make sure the Cowboys do not get into a rhythm in this contest. Frazier had 2 sacks against Oklahoma State two weeks ago.
Tyler Vander Waal, Wyoming Freshman Quarterback
Taking over for first-round NFL pick, Josh Allen, Vander Waal has shown flashes of talent. With 558 yards on a 52.7% pass completion rate and 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, Vander Waal will need to play better against Boise. While the Freshman will not have to outduel Rypien, Vander Waal will have to make some critical throws and limit turnovers to give his Cowboys a shot in this contest.
Youhanna Ghaifan, Wyoming Junior Defensive Tackle
The returning All-Conference selection has a chance to be a huge impact player in this game. Boise State’s offensive line showed some weakness this season and Ghaifan can make his presence felt and harass Rypien in this one.
Andrew Wingard, Wyoming Senior Safety
Wingard is a reigning two-time All-Conference first team selection and will be the last line of defense against the Broncos explosive offense. It will be up to Wingard to set the defensive tone and keep the Broncos out of the end zone.
Injury Watch
Boise State: The Broncos had several players hurt entering the season but seemed to be rounding into form heading into the bye week. A notable player to miss this showdown will be Senior All-Conference cornerback Tyler Horton as he recovers from an undisclosed leg injury. The opposite corner, Avery Williams, was also battling a forearm and hamstring injury in the last contest.
Wyoming: While some of their reserves are banged up, the Cowboys do not appear to be missing any key pieces for this matchup. Nico Evans, Wyoming’s starting running back, is banged up but it appears that he will play.
Prediction
Raja: Wyoming has a talented defense and will be playing this contest in the high elevation of Laramie. Wyoming certainly has had this game circled on the calendar and their crowd will be fired up… but it will not be enough. Boise State is a heavy favorite for a reason.
The Broncos will be looking for revenge and will use this matchup as a chance to make a statement after licking their wounds for two weeks. While the Cowboys staunch defense will have a contested battle against the high powered Bronco offense, the Wyoming offense will struggle to put up points versus a solid Boise State defense. Broncos win and cover.
Boise State 41 Wyoming 13
All Statistics from ESPN and College Football Reference
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