[This article is actually authored by a new contributor of ours, Noah, that goes by the Twitter handle @BoiseStateNews_]
Game Facts
- Date: Friday, November 1st @ 6PM MST
- Location: Albertsons Stadium (Boise, ID)
- Weather at kickoff: 48°
- Moon Phase: New Moon
- Odds: Boise by 23.5
- TV: FS1
- Radio: 670 KBOI/Here or Stream
- Commentators: Trent Rush (play-by-play) and Petros Papadakis (analyst)
(This article is brought to you by our sponsor, Blue Goat Roofing. Contact them for all your roofing needs in McCall, Stanley, and the Boise area!)
Other facts
1. Ride to the Playoff!
Following the win against UNLV, Boise State now more than likely controls its own destiny. All they need to do is keep winning. If they do, not only will they more than likely reach the playoffs, but depending on where the Big 12 champ ends up finishing, they could be a Top-4 seed and receive a bye.
2. THREADZ
B l a c k – B l u e – B l a c k
Originally reported to be Blue-Black-Blue, but changed to the current Black-Blue-Black.
3. Tough Match-Up?
Within the Mountain West, no team has a closer series record with Boise State as San Diego State (Boise leads 5-4). San Diego State has managed to be a thorn in Boise State’s side since they joined the conference and are never an easy W.
4. Most Recent Matchup
The last time these two teams met, Ashton Jeanty rushed for a then career-high of 205 yards in an overall messy game that Boise State won, 34-31.
5. Hei2man
While Jeanty had his “worst” performance of the season last week, it’s all relative. Because, even if the yards per carry was lower, 128 yards and a TD is still a solid performance! He still remains the favorite for the Hei2man by most measures. And, with this game coming a day after Halloween, Michael Myers might be thirsty for the kill and go for a big stat line in this one, further cementing him as the favorite. Oh. And, of course, don’t forget to vote Jeanty for Hei2man daily at espn.com.
Streaks
Boise State – Won 5
San Diego State – Lost 1
Best Name On Their Roster
Ja’Shaun Poke, WR, Senior
If his name rhymed, it could’ve been Ja’Shaun Pokemon, but it’s still great nonetheless.
Best Picture On Their Roster
Kyle Crum, QB, Sophomore
Unmatched Stache and has the hair to go with it.
Players To Watch
Marquez Cooper, RB
We all know about Marquez Cooper from his infamous quote regarding Ashton Jeanty: “I don’t think he’s the type of back that I am. I think I’m the best back in this conference, and I want to make that known.” While he hasn’t quite matched the Jeanty comparison (let’s be real, nobody is close) he has been a key playmaker for the Aztecs, recording 8TD’s and 748 YDs on the ground.
Danny O’Neil, QB
The leading passer for the Aztecs, who got a bit banged up Vs. Washington State but is good to go for this game, currently has a 6/2 TD/INT ratio with 1,240 yards in the air. The freshman QB has done an impressive job with the rush-first offense.
Trey White, EDGE
Trey White, who has 11.5 sacks thus far, will pose a challenge to an offensive line that has allowed just 6 sacks on the season. White will also face a very hard challenge that is often failed: attempting to tackle The Boogeyman, Ashton Jeanty
Keys to Victory
Wrap-up on Tackles
This is something Boise State has struggled with. With San Diego State having a good rushing attack, if the Broncos aren’t wrapping up, they are more than likely going to allow some explosive plays in the run game.
Ashton Jeanty, Ashton Jeanty, and more Ashton Jeanty.
We all know it by now, Ashton Jeanty is on another level above everyone else. Give him 7,8, or even 9 man boxes and he is easily rushing for above 200, and he can win you just about any game put in front of him.
Get the Pass Game Going
While Ashton Jeanty is special, you have to keep them on their toes a bit. Take advantage of the defense in their 9 man box by letting Mad Dog hit open receivers when the defense least expects it.
Score Prediction
San Diego State has been better as of recently, following a close home loss Vs. Washington State and a 2-0 conference record. Despite this, I think Jeanty rushes for 250+ yards and 4TD’s and our will defense will do its job.
Boise State 45, San Diego State 10
But what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
GOT WIN?
To me, that sounds like a solid score prediction. I think the Broncos will shut Cooper down. What he said is like feeding the beast. Never say anything that heats up your opponent.
I’m guessing Jeanty has one of, if not, his best nights of football and runs roughshod over the Azes.
It could happen.
I have to say all the Jeanty talk by the Bronco media is leaving me anxious. I hope he gets it all done with two games to spare. Not to be a prophet of doom but the percentages are against him having an injury-free year.