Game Facts

  • Time: November 25th, 2022, 10 AM MST
  • Location: Albertsons Stadium
  • Weather at Kickoff: 34°
  • Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
  • Odds: Boise State by 16.5
  • TV: CBS (Yes, the big boy CBS)
  • Radio: 670 KBOI
  • Commentators: Rich Waltz and Aaron Taylor

Other Facts  

1.) Idaho South?

The Broncos are 34-12 against the state of Utah, making some wonder, are the Broncos playing Utah State this weekend, or are they playing South Idaho State?

2.) Aggies on a Roll

The Aggies have won five of the last six games they have played (they lost to the team from Provo, too), but don’t fret! Andy Avalos knows the formula for beating up on the Aggies! Coach Avalos has only ever lost once as a coordinator or coach against Utah State, going 6-1 all time vs. the Aggies. In those six wins (we don’t talk about 2015), the Broncos defense is giving up on average 16.5 points per game. Oh, and last time the Broncos faced the Aggies on national TV (last year)? Yeah, the Broncos gave up a total of three points. 

3.) Battle of the Backs

The ground game has been the best part of both the Broncos and the Aggies seasons so far, with both teams having running backs on the verge of breaking the 1,000 yard barrier. George Holani sits on 977 total yards for the season, on the verge of getting his second 1,000 yard season as a Bronco. The Aggies have their own high yardage back, with Calvin Tyler, Jr. rushing for 978 yards so far. It’s more than likely that both running backs will eclipse the 1,000 mark on Friday. It’s also worth noting that the Broncos have three rushers with 50+ attempts, and all of them are averaging over 5 yards a carry. The rusher with the fourth most attempts on the Broncos? Former Utah State running back Elelyon Noah, who has 123 yards on 31 attempts.

4.) Home Cookin’

The Aggies haven’t won in Boise for a while… as in this writer wasn’t even alive when the Aggies last won in Boise, and I’m 25. In fact, the last time Utah State rolled into Boise and won, Broncos were in their first year of FBS football in the Big West, led by Pokey Allen. Needless to say, it’s been a while.

5.) If a picture is worth a thousand words…

I could wax poetical about how good the Broncos were last year when they routed the Aggies in Logan, but I think the highlights say it best.

Streaks

Utah State: Won 3

Boise State: Won 2

Best name on the roster

There are some pretty long names on the Aggies roster, but the coolest name only has two letters in it: NyNy. Redshirt Freshman NyNy Davis has 113 all purpose yards for the Aggies this season.

Best picture on the roster

Maybe it’s just me, but when I think of best picture, my mind goes directly to best hair. Terrell Vaughn wins that award in my book, hands down. I’m not sure how well it fits in the football helmet, but boy does it look pretty awesome.

Players to watch

1.) CALVIN TYLER, JR. RB

Logan Bonner getting hurt early in the season means the Aggies have had to rely on the run game for production. Tyler, Jr. has led the rushing attack with just under 1,000 yards and six touchdowns.

2.) COOPER LEGAS (QB)

Another player forced into a role they didn’t expect early in the season, Cooper Legas has stepped into the starting role for the Aggies and played fairly well. Legas is 105-169, throwing for 2096 yards and 10 touchdowns.

3.) BRIAN COBBS (WR)

Cobbs has led the receivers room for the Aggies, with 63 catches, 769 yards and four touchdowns. He is the favorite target of Legas, with nearly 20 more receptions than the next guy on the roster.

4.) AJ VONGPHACHANH (ILB)

The Aggies leader in tackles, Vongphachanh has 85 total tackles 6.5 tackles for loss from his ILB position.

5.) HUNTER REYNOLDS (S)

Reynolds has three interceptions on the season to go along with seven pass breakups. He is second on the team with 78 tackles.

Keys to Victory

  • POUND THE ROCK Utah State is giving up just under 200 yards on the ground per game. The Broncos should look to hit that number by the third quarter. The three headed rushing attack of Taylen Green, George Holani and Ashton Jeanty should have no problem racking up big numbers against an Aggie defense that has been less than stellar at stoping the run
  • WRAP UP The Broncos have had some tackling issues in the last few weeks, and that won’t work well in this contest. Cooper Legas has shown he can get out of the pocket and run the rock if needed, and the Broncos can’t afford to give up a Jaron Hall-esque run early in the game to a team that is already playing with momentum.
  • CONTROL THE CLOCK The Broncos finished the game in Laramie with an impressive 36:29 time of possession. The more clock the Broncos can control in this one, the better.

Score Prediction

I don’t see this one being particularly close. The Bronco’s will look to jump out to a big lead early, then get some backups in (did someone say Elelyon Noah TD vs. his old team?) so everyone is fresh for Fresno.

Broncos: 41 Aggies: 17

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