Hey folks, welcome to the just-in-time preview for BSU-UNR tonight!

Game Facts

  • Date: (Tonight) Friday, October 24th @ 8PM MST
  • Location: Mackay Stadium (Reno, NV)
  • Weather at kickoff: 63°
  • Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
  • Odds: Boise State by 21
  • TV: CBS Sports Network
  • Radio: 670 KBOI/Here or Stream
  • Commentators: Rich Waltz (Play-by-play), Robert Turbin (Analyst), Jordan Giorgio (Sideline)

Other facts

1. Gameday Poster

We don’t have a lot of rivalries, but this is kinda one.

2. Injury Report (And link to depth chart article)

Zion Washington is a tough loss for this week, but it’s Next Man Up around these parts. Derek Ganter Jr. has proven to be a dependable no. 2 in his stead. Obviously Ben Ford being out for the year was the real tough injury news of the week, but it stands to hope that the increased role of Bates and Marshall will continue.

3. THREADZ

Stromtrooper just feels so right for a team that often plays the villain in the Mountain West. Was a pretty sweet look last time we played in Reno with a snowstorm!

4. The JET

Normally I don’t condone self-nicknames, but The Jet is on a heater, so I’ll let it slide.

5. Bronco Legend

Rest in peace Doug Martin—the Douggernaught, the Muscle Hamster. You won’t be forgotten anytime soon. You brought a lot of joy to people in our little Treasure Valley, an all-time great when it’s all said and done!

6. A lil’ Doug Martin vs. Nevada Special!

Made sure the first clip was a vintage Dougie run, do enjoy!

Streaks

Boise State – Won 2

Nevada – Lost 5

Best Name On Their Roster

Logologo Va’a, DL

Source: nevadawolfpack.com

Call him Logologologo when he’s wearing his Nevada polo!

Best Picture On Their Roster

Snoop Leota-Amaama, OL

Source: nevadawolfpack.com

Snoop with a MEAN mug.

Players To Watch

Carter Jones, QB

Legendary former Boise State offer Brock Purdy’s brother, Chubba, had a rough start to the year, earning him a spot on the bench. Freshman Carter Jones has played the role nicely in the meantime. He’s Nevada’s best shot offensively to do some damage in Reno tonight.

Dylan LaBarbera, DL

LaBarbera has been a bright spot for Nevada so far this season, stringing together 59 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Given some recent struggles in sack avoidance and pass pro, he’s certainly one to watch out for.

Matchup(s) to Watch

Shoutout to CFBGraphs.com for the stat tables. For reference, the number in the highlighted box is that team’s rank in that stat. For example, this means the Broncos are 19th in the country in rushing efficiency and 18th in pass efficiency.

Offense

Well, it’s not exactly a secret that Nevada isn’t a good team. They’re not good at defending the run or the pass, give up a lot of quality drives and a lot on early downs. Among the worst in the country at all those categories. As a Jeff Choate game, all bets are off, but the game is extremely favorable on paper for the Good Guys.

Defense

Again, a truly atrocious set of numbers for Nevada. Chubby Purdy going 1TD to 8 INTs will do that to your EPA/DB, and that’s why we’re seeing Carter Jones now! So for that reason, I’d expect a bit more damage from the Nevada passing department, but they’ll have to fare with what is now the 23rd (?!!) ranked team in defensive EPA/DB, probably thanks to all the pick-sixes.

Keys to Victory

Complete Game

Lately the Broncos have been doing this fun (extremely annoying) thing were they play really good to start a game, check out for a bit, then return later to finish things off. For a weird vibes road rivalry game, the Broncos need to leave no doubt.

Passing Rhythm

One of the underlying challenges of the Broncos volatility comes from the commander on offense. Losing his safety valve for the season doesn’t bode well for that either. Getting Maddux in a rhythm early will keep things easy all the way to the finish line.

Score Prediction

After a stinker against the Wolfpack last year, I’d expect the Broncos to come out flying. Look for another big game from Riley and a new high from Chris Marshall.

Boise State 45, Nevada 20

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