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Boise State vs. Troy Gameday essentials
The Broncos will open up the season with a tough contest against the co-Sun Belt Champions, the Troy Trojans
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Boise State will travel to Troy to open their 2018 college football campaign. Troy finished the 2017 season at 11-2 with a victory at LSU and capped off the season with a 20 point win against North Texas at the Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
For their efforts, Troy received votes in both the AP and Coaches poll at years end and once again are receiving votes to begin their 2018 campaign. This is not a team that should be taken lightly. Neither is the No. 22 Boise State Broncos.
Boise State brings back a huge host of returning starters and are expecting a big year in 2018. Troy, on the other hand, loses a handful of starters including their starting quarterback and starting running back.
Make sure to check out our full pregame analysis by Collin Clovis.
Where: Troy, Alabama
When: 4 p.m., MT
Spread: Boise State -10 (via Vegas Insiders)
Weather: partly cloudy at 72° with a 10% chance of rain. Wind at 4 mph (via weather.com)
How to Watch: ESPN News & Watch ESPN
Stream: FuboTV & SlingTV (free trials)
Radio: TuneIn
Players to Watch
Boise State, Brett Rypien, QB
The senior quarterback is back for his final season. Rypien was an all-conference second team in 2017 and has made the conference first or second-team all three of his season in Boise. As the unquestioned leader of the offense, Rypien will have to lead an offense filled with talent but somewhat unproven.
Boise State, AJ Richardson, WR
Richardson hauled in a solid contribution of 33 receptions for 494 yards and 2 touchdowns last season but more will be needed from him and Sean Modster (senior, wide receiver) as the young talent at wide receiver sort themselves out. Richardson is a senior and a talented athlete and could see a breakout season without all-world wide receiver Cedric Wilson, who is now playing for the Dallas Cowboys.
Boise State, Jabril Frazier, DE
The talented senior has shown maturity and growth of and off the field as he enters his final season for the Broncos. With four other all-conference playmakers around him, the defensive line has all the makings of a special unit. With David Moa (senior, defensive tackle)’s status up in the air for the opener, Frazier will have to lead this unit to pressure the new Trojans quarterback and control the trenches.
Troy, Kaleb Barker, QB
The junior signal-caller will have to take over the starting duties from the departed Brandon Silvers. Barker is more of a dual-threat quarterback than Silvers was and can do damage with both his arm and legs. Barker has experience in backing up Silvers the last two years and will have to find a way to lead his team against a powerful Bronco defense to pull off the upset.
Staff Predictions
Collin: The Broncos offensive line performs well, keeps Rypien clean, and allows Mattison to run effectively. Boise State’s defensive holds strong and comes away with 2 turnovers for the day. Troy improves on special teams, but not enough to sway the final score.
Boise State 34, Troy 13
Erik:With both teams fielding solid defenses, this game comes down to offensive experience. Boise State has Rypien, Mattison, and three offensive line which should lead to them to finding their rhythm early. Troy, who is replacing their starters at quarterback and running back, will likely struggle in their first live game action. Boise State will capitalize on an early lead and close out the game.
Boise State 37, Troy 10
Raja: Boise State defeated Troy last season 24 to 13. That was on the Blue Turf in Boise, this year will be in the humid south of Alabama. Still expect a deep and experienced Broncos team to roll to victory as a young Trojans quarterback and offense struggle to move the ball. Rypien who struggled a bit last year will no have those issues and will lead Boise State to a comfortable 2 touchdown victory.
Boise State 34, Troy 20
All Statistics from ESPN
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