Welcome back! We have a lot to talk about.
Game Facts
- Date: September 9th, 2023 @ 5:00 PM
- Location: Albertsons Stadium
- Weather at kickoff: 79°
- Moon Phase: Waning Crescent
- Odds: UCF by 3.5
- TV: FS1
- Radio: 670 KBOI/Here or Stream
- Commentators: Eric Collins and Devin Gardner
Other facts
1. Sky is Falling?
Last week’s loss has been a damper on Bronco spirits. Was it Washington being good? Boise State being bad? A bit of both? I strongly feel like tomorrow’s date with UCF will answer those questions in full.
2. Blue on Blue
The Broncos are 111-6 all time in blue on the Blue.
Now idk about you, but I like those numbers.
3. “P5” Home Openers Can be Fun
Streaks
Boise State – Lost 1
UCF – Won 1
Best Name On Their Roster
I’m intrigued by 5th year DB DeJordan Mask. Does this imply the existence of a DeJames Mask, a DeKobe Mask, perhaps even a DeAntetokounmpo Mask?
Best Picture On Their Roster
While it’s not quite on the level of our beloved James Ferguson-Reynolds, I have to respect the mullet of this southeast Australian punter.
Players To Watch
John Rhys Plumlee, QB
If there was only 1 option, it would be him. The kid did it all last week for UCF, racking up 280 yards and 3 TDs, although notably with 2 Ints and 1 lost fumble. On the ground he added to that with 90 for a TD on 8 carries. Getting him to make mistakes will be crucial, but there’s no doubt he will be aggressive.
RJ Harvey, RB
RJ is one of the two main backs in the UCF offense. This 52 yard touchdown headlined a nice day he had in the office last week against Kent State. Open field tackles will likely prove critical tomorrow.
Tre’Mon Morris-Brash, DE
A season ago, the RS Senior finished with 13 TFLs and 6 sacks. He’ll be going up against a Bronco O-line that played very well despite the woes around them against the Huskies. This matchup will likely prove critical tomorrow.
Keys to Victory
Simple Football
I got the sense that a lot of the big mistakes (drops, blown coverages) had a lot to do with “trying too hard”. Setting up simple, consistent offense will help out everyone.
Pound the Rock
I’m not here to critique the coaching decisions last week, but one thing is clear: Ashton Jeanty is very good. More Jeanty = more time of possession = more rest for the defense = more happiness for me.
Score Prediction
Maybe I shouldn’t be optimistic yet, but I saw some good things out of our team last week. This week will certainly alter that position, one way or another, but I believe. Give me a Bronco offensive explosion with a key defensive stop.
Boise State 35, UCF 27
The odds are interesting as listed above. Normally home team is spotted three for the advantage. So on an even field, we would lose by TD. Vegas is usually on point, but between UCF crushing of a way inferior team, and our loss to a top 10 team, how much can really be gleaned? I agree with the post though, this needs to be the Jeanty show. Hopefully our defense has licked their wounds, regrouped, and beyond.
*rebounded…not beyond. Autocorrect is a “Summa-itch”
Beyond sounded nice though. 🙂 It left it up to my imagination.
I hope our defense has been able to draw some confidence in practice this week. It would be easy to start getting negative. That stuff is like cancer in a locker room. We can beat anyone, one play at a time. The crowd will be helpful today. Gotta will this thing to happen.
It’s time to pull out the Green, Holani, Jeanty option plays. They could run so many variables of the option with those three. Option with a pitch, reverse option, option pass, etc etc.
BSU 42 – UCF 35
ESPN prediction meter has UCF @78% to BSU 22.
Defense really needs work.
The whole team needs work, was a horrible 4th