For the first time this season, the Broncos won’t be playing a top 10 offense in the nation (well, not an FBS top 10 at least).

Game Facts

  • Date: September 16th, 2023 @ 10 AM MST
  • Location: Albertsons Stadium
  • Weather at Kickoff: 69 degrees and sunny
  • Moon Phase: New moon in Leo
  • Odds: No Odds available
  • TV: FS1
  • Radio: 670 KBOI
  • Eric Collins and Devin Gardner, Pt. 2

Other Facts

1.) The Nation’s Best Offense

North Dakota is the best team in FCS in yards, yards per play, offensive touchdowns, and yards per play. Not ideal.

Tommy Schuster is leading the attack for the Fighting Hawks, throwing for 260.5 yards per game, with four touchdown and no interceptions. He’s only missed on 13 passes this year, while Gaven Ziebrath is averaging 90 yards a game.

The positive? The longest pass play they have this year is only 46 yards, and 6 of the 10 offensive touchdowns they have are on the ground. The Broncos SHOULD be okay on the defensive side of the ball, and it could be a great opportunity for the team to get some things figured out.

2.) The Broncos vs. FCS

In the last four seasons, the Broncos have played two FCS teams and won easily. They played UT Martin last year and won 30-10, and then beat Portland State in 2019, 45-10.

3.) Early Mornings On the Blue

The Broncos don’t get to play this early on the Blue often, but it will be a good experience for Bronco Nation, who have, in the past, expressed their displeasure at late night games.

4.) New Look Broncos

A fresh new helmet awaits Bronco Nation, with a the BSU Equipment Staff throwing the awesome retro logo on a white helmet. I can confirm, I want this in my office.

5.) Broncos in the Top 5

The Broncos do rank in the top 5 in a pretty important statistic this year, Strength of Schedule. It’s tough to start 0-2, but hats off to Jeramiah Dickey and crew for getting the Broncos on the big stage.

Streaks

Boise State- Lost 2

North Dakota- Won 2

Best Name On Their Roster

Paine Parks, what a name for a linebacker. The Redshirt Freshman from Grand Forks has two total tackles after not playing last year.

Best Picture On Their Roster

As someone who wakes up to less and less hair on their head every morning, I can tell you I am VERY jealous of this mans picture.

Players to Watch

Tommy Schuster- QB

A senior from Macomb, Michigan, Schuster is a classic pocket passer, coming in at 6 ft., 195 pounds. He has only ran for 27 yards this season, while racking up over 500 yards in two games through the air. He has started every game since his Redshirt year.

Gaven Ziebarth- RB

The Sophomore from Cambridge, Minnesota went for 112 yards and a touchdown in week one against Drake, and 69 yards and a touchdown against Northern Arizona last week. He is the only player with over 100 yards on the ground on the team, but three different players have two rushing touchdowns.

Wyatt Pedigo- LB

Pedigo leads the Fighting Hawks with 12 total tackles, and is tied for the lead with one sack this season. He is one of only two players with double digit tackles on the team this year.

Keys to Victory

Back to Basics

Taylen Green has been asked to paly very differently this year, and so far it’s been rough. We haven’t been able to see his incredible speed as much as many thought we would, and it’s hurt the overall performance of the team. Hopefully, the Broncos will be able to unleash the speed of their electric QB on the Fighting Hawks and take care of business.

Secondary Shape Up

The secondary has struggled at times to defend big pass plays. It’s time for them to step up and show that they are the real deal.

Score Prediction

Everyone is freaking out, but I think the Broncos take care of business. Taylen Green will show his speed and improve as a passer, and the Broncos win, 42-17.

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