Welcome, folks! Previewing BSU vs. ND today.
Game Facts
- Date: (Today) Saturday, October 4th @1:30 PM MST
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend, IN)
- Weather at kickoff: 86°
- Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
- Odds: Notre Dame by 21
- TV: NBC
- Radio: 670 KBOI/Here or Stream
- Commentators: Dan Hicks (Play-by-play), Jason Garrett (Analyst), Zora Stephenson (Sideline)
Other facts
1. Gameday Poster
This is why you play the game!
2. Injury Report
Last I checked, the Irish aren’t in the MW and therefore there’s no availability report this week. We do know that Jaden Mickey and Roger Carreon both practiced some and have a shot to play today. Particularly good news for Mickey after a tremendous scare last week.
3. THREADZ
Kinda surprised they didn’t go with the stormtrooper fit against ND in the green, but they just beat Air Force in these, so I’ll allow it.
4. Big Time Games
Perhaps the most thematically appropriate memory here. A win over ND in South Bend probably wouldn’t quite match this one for me, but it would be close.
Streaks
Boise State – Won 3
Notre Dame – Won 2
Best Name On Their Roster
Scrap Richardson, WR
Probably not as scrappy as Ben Ford, though.
Best Picture On Their Roster
Max Anderson, OL
Can you roll your tongue? Max Anderson can.
Players To Watch
Jeremiah Love, RB
Many are calling Love the greatest RB in the history of the college football since, well, last year. That said, he’s the best RB Boise State has actually played against since…also maybe last year? Okay probably not fair, (Love is ahead of Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton on draft boards) but the RB tandem situation at Notre Dame is certainly similar in gravitas.
All this to say, Coach Danielson said simply in his presser that he expects Love to “get his”, so it’s safe to say that stopping Jeremiah Love will be a case of damage control.
Leonard Moore, CB
Moore has been out for the past few weeks, but when healthy, he’s an All-American corner. He’s considered questionable to play today—meaning that if he’s Brock Bowers, he’s definitely playing, and if he’s Jaylen Warren playing a game overseas that I won’t wake up in time for, he’ll be out and cost me my fantasy matchup. What were we talking about again?
Matchup(s) to Watch
Shoutout to gameonpaper.com for the tables here.
Offense
The most obvious points to look at are the ND passing defense and their early down defense. Interestingly, ND struggles on early downs, but forces 3rd and longs. Well, if we get to choose, I say the Broncos should just get first downs every play, then 3rd down won’t matter much anyway!
As for pass defense, things hinge on the likely return of Leonard Moore at CB. The pass defense has been porous thusfar, giving Mad Dog an opportunity to make his mark.
Defense
On the flip side, the Bronco rush defense is a big question mark. Technically most of those rushing yards were to quarterbacks, but I’m not sure if that makes me feel better. Broncos will have to find a way to stop the run, and it will be a herculean task.
Keys to Victory
Turnover Margin
I remember the moment that I thought the Oregon game a year ago was lost. The Ducks were well on their way to taking a two-touchdown lead in the 4th. Then, an inexplicable Oregon fumble lead to a LONG Jeanty highlight run on the very next play. Another fumble on the next Oregon offensive play lead to a Bronco lead. (What happened after that is not important)
Point is, turnovers will be key (duh, probably). Realistically a +2 margin in favor of the Broncos is a need if they want to win (as I assume they do).
Star Power
Coach Danielson was quick to say “no one needs to be Superman” for the Broncos to win this one. I respectfully sorta disagree. No one should try to do too much per se, but like, Ashton Jeanty didn’t try to be be Superman, he just was.
So, I guess I’m saying we need a nonchalant Superman? In my mind, that guy is Chris Marshall. As a true freshman, Marshall nabbed 3 catches for 40 yards on the road against a #1 Nick Saban Alabama team. We’d need a lot more than 40 yards, but ND ain’t Dynasty Alabama and Marshall isn’t a freshman anymore. So, with some creative rounding, maybe we get something special?
Score Prediction
As you may know, picking against the Broncos violates the First Kick Was Good style guide, and I’m not a writer without style.
A win would require incredible defensive effort, a few key turnovers, and few special performances that will be talked about for a long time. I’ll say a late TD drive puts Madsen on the path to Bronco immortality and puts a hush on Notre Dame Stadium in the closing seconds.
Boise State 31, Notre Dame 27
Thanks, Hunter, for being the beacon of hope. I’m with you on the prediction. I don’t want a nail-biter. Too old for that stuff. I want a two-score lead, with two minutes remaining and the Broncos with the ball on the Notre Dame five, with a full set of downs.
I’m totally prepared for a loss. That said, this team can beat ND if they play smart without too many stupid penalties shooting themselves in the foot. The D must tackle and not just hit players, but wrap up and bring them down on first contact. Madsen needs to be Madsen his maddeningly self. Make his throws and no int’s. The O-line needs to hold blocks and open lanes so the RB stable can cut loose. If BSU does these things they can win. Coach Danielson has been doing a great job week to week preparing his team, I expect… Read more »