A short week off after a tough loss to Utah can only be a good thing for this veteran team. Playing a team like Boise State on national television will be a quick opportunity to find redemption and this is not the same Boise State team of previous years. Overall this should be a close game throughout, but I donât think Boise is nearly as good. They lost a close game to Michigan State, but as we saw from Michigan State last week, they are not as good as advertised either losing big to Notre Dame at home. Michigan State did everything they could to give that game away too throwing 3 interceptions and losing a fumble. Boiseâs defense was accountable for 10 of their 13 points and BYU is just as strong defensively and have a more balanced and experienced offense than Michigan State.
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BYU is ranked 1st in yards allowed on the ground and yards per carry this year. Their front 7 is really nasty and should present similar problems for Boise State that Mich State did. On the flip side BYU has a strong offensive line and we saw LeVeaon Bell rush for 210 yards against the Boise front. BYU is led by Michael Alisa who is made from the same mold as Bell as heâs a big bruising back while Riley Nelson will also tuck it and run it. He presents a new challenge for this Boise State offense that has just 2 returning starters. Add in that BYU just does not turn the ball over and you are going to have a close game with BYU having a chance to pull the upset. Lastly, some key numbers to run through. BYUâs offense is converting 47.06% of their third downs and Boise is allowing 48.48% conversions. Boise hasnât really faced a balanced offense and while BYU is far from a juggernaut offensively they still can beat you both ways. BYUâs defense is only allowing 29% conversions on third down and should find success. Boise has quality receivers, but nobody to get them the ball. Iâm not sold on Joe Southwick he lacks the touch and leadership skills Kellen Moore has and we saw the running game get stuffed already this year.
