2015
Boise State
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Boise State may not be considered a Top 25 team in the nation according to the odds, but it does have the best odds to win its conference. The Broncos are listed at -260 to win the Mountain West (at betonline), have an over/under of 9.5 wins and are favored in every Game this year. That’s what happens for a team returning 18 starters from a 12-2 season. Basically, anything less than a Conference title and good bowl Game (they beat Arizona last year) would be a disappointment.
However, the biggest problems for this team are at the most important positions. Grant Hedrick and Jay Ajayi are gone and new faces need to step up at quarterback and running back. Ryan Finley is the only QB with prior experience on the roster and he went just 12-of-27 in action last year. Not to mention, he was arrested at the end of April so his status could be a question. Running back is a similar issue with Jeremy McNichols expected to start, although he missed most of spring practices due to injury.
The good news for this team is at every other position. They return their entire offensive line, which carved holes for Ajayi last season. They Broncos also return their top three wide receivers and most of their tight ends. Thomas Sperback (877 yards), Shane Williams-Rhodes (68 receptions) and Chaz Anderson (21.7 yards per reception) are all proven at receiver as is tight end Jake Roh (35 receptions). The only question at these positions is depth, so if injuries come about, they probably won’t reach last year’s levels.
BSU’s defense is also in good shape, although they weren’t dominant by any means last year giving up close to 27 points per Game. The line will probably be the best in the Conference with sack master Kamalei Correa back along with run stuffers Armand Nance and Sam McCaskill. Linebacker is also set with tackling leaders Ben Weaver and Tanner Vallejo. The secondary may be the biggest question, but it’s not a huge issue. The Broncos roll with five DBs and return three starters.
Boise State’s Schedule is favorable enough that it’s hard to see them totaling less than nine wins this season, even with questions at important offensive positions. Instead of Ole Miss on the slate, they get to host Washington (former coach Chris Petersen), who they are favored by double-digits against. Non-Conference road Games at BYU and Virginia will be their toughest tests, but winnable. The main task for Boise in MWC play will be back-to-back road Games at Utah State and Colorado State, two of the better teams in the conference. Even if they lose those two Games, their next toughest Conference Game is probably at San Jose State.
The Broncos should be able to run through most teams they come up against this season and with a likely better defense, double-digit wins can be expected again. The questions at QB and RB may only decide if they can go undefeated or not.
2015 Boise State Football Schedule
Sept. 4 vs. Washington
Sept. 12 at BYU
Sept. 18 vs. Idaho State
Sept. 25 at Virginia
Oct. 3 vs. Hawaii
Oct. 10 at Colorado State
Oct. 16 at Utah State
Oct. 24 vs. Wyoming
Oct. 31 at UNLV
Nov. 14 vs. New Mexico
Nov. 20 vs. Air Force
Nov. 27 at San Jose State