Game Facts

  • Location: Logan, Utah
  • Time: 7 p.m. MST
  • TV: Mountain West Network (somehow?!?!?)
  • Line: Utah State -5

A Statement of Truth before we get this going.

Utah State is not 5 points better than Boise State. I do not understand how or why they have been given that advantage, but Vegas sure likes them. KenPom says that the Spectrum is a good home court advantage, sure, but it’s worth about 4 points. That means somehow Vegas likes Utah State on a neutral site as well, and to me that’s just insane. All of that to say, don’t pay attention to the spread. It’s just not going to be right.

Okay. Back to our regularly scheduled programing.

Exciting Facts

1.) DEFENSE *clap clap* DEFENSE *clap clap*

There are few defenses better than the Bronco’s and that has come in handy as of late. The Broncos held San Diego to just 60 points last time out, tied for the Aztec’s worst offensive showing of the year. The Bronco’s defense is so good, that last time these two teams squared off, they held Utah State to just 59 points. That’s the worst offensive performance of the Utah State season.

2.) Oklahoma fans STILL taking L’s from BSU

That’s right, Oklahoma fans (or more accurately, a certain Oklahoma fan), will be ready to once again take an L from the Broncos. The famous Big Game Boomer will be in attendance in Logan today, and he has made it pretty clear where his allegiance lies. Make of that what you will, but I really think it bodes will for the Broncos. For evidence of this, I will reference the Fresno State football game a few years back that BGB attended. I think all of Bronco Nation enjoyed that beatdown. Here’s hoping BGB provides yet another Big Game Bronco win!

3.) A quick refresher course…

You didn’t think I’d preview Utah State without reminding you of the last time we played them did you? Well you’re WRONG. No, this time I will be reminding you of the last time we played them in LOGAN. An added bonus? Utah State commentators. Take a look at the final Bronco possession.

I’ve started the video at the fun part, but feel free to watch the whole thing. If you’re interested in the last time they played, I’ve added that for you as well!

Current Streaks

Boise State – Won 1

Utah State – Won 4

Who to Watch

Steven Ashworth has been the guy for the Aggies this year. He’s only started 20 of their 30 games, but has played in all 30. He’s clocked 30+ minutes in all but 7 games this year, and it scoring 16.2 points per game. His production has come from deep, with 97 of his 141 made field goals coming from beyond the arc. The Broncos will need to lock him down if they want to sweep the Aggies this season.

Keys to the Game

This is fairly easy here. KenPom has Boise as a top 10 defensive team in the country, and Utah State as a top 15 offensive team. Honestly, it comes down to who can do what they are really good at, better. If the Broncos can defend like they are so good at and keep the scoring low, then Boise State will win this one. If it turns into a shootout, look out, because the Aggies will probably feel pretty good about their chances in a high-scoring game.

Score Prediction

It’s going to be a rock fight, not a ballet tonight in Logan. It’s going to be physical, and the Spectrum crowd is going to be out for blood after the beating their boys took in Boise. That being said, I think that is a positive for this Broncos team. Boise State wins, 68-62, crushing the Aggie’s NCAA Tournament hopes.

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