2017
Boise State
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule
Boise State enters another season as one of the favorites in the MWC, although just like 2016, it’ll be far from easy for the Broncos. With a favorable non-Conference slate last year, they managed 10 wins with both losses coming in Conference play before losing to Baylor in the Cactus Bowl. With only nine starters returning, the Broncos will be in a battle for the Mountain division again.
The main reason Boise State is the favorite is solely on the shoulders of quarterback Brett Rypien. The third-year starter loses his top RB and WR, but has the experience needed to overcome any obstacles, throwing only 16 interceptions in his first two years. Still, the loss of Jeremy McNichols (1,709 rushing yards, 37 receptions) and Thomas Sperbeck (80 receptions, 1,272 yards) can’t be overlooked. Alexander Mattison (328 yards, 4 TDs) has the tools to become another stud at running back for Boise, but has only seen limited work as a freshman. As for the passing Game, someone else will have to step up outside of Cedrick Wilson (1,129 yards, 11 TDs). That could mean either tight end Jake Roh or Sean Modster at the other wide out spot. The offensive line has plenty of high-end recruits coming in, but with only two returning starters and the other three underclassmen, this group could struggle early.
The defense is coming off another solid season allowing 23.3 points per Game, yet only Four starters are back. That said, Boise State always has up-and-coming talent that will keep this group from dropping off. The line may be the best unit with David Moa in the middle and Jabril Frazier wrecking havoc along the edges. However, the linebackers have limited experience whether because of youth or injury. The secondary is considered a deep unit, but only one regular starter returns in Tyler Horton. The Broncos have a lot of new faces and to have a chance at the Conference title, those new guys will need to step up.
Things will be difficult for Boise State in non-Conference play as it has to travel to both Washington State and BYU this season, opposite of last year when BSU beat them by a combined Four points at home. Both of those could end in losses and then following a trip to BYU, the Broncos get SDSU and Wyoming in back-to-back weeks, both teams expected to be Boise’s biggest competition in the Mountain division. Given the Schedule, reaching 10 wins in the regular season seems unlikely, and a win against Wyoming is almost a must if they want to win the division.
Rypien will be relied on more this season and if the running Game isn’t as good as previous seasons, this team could finish closer to the eight-win mark. Both sides of the ball will be good, but with all of the talent gone, there may be more adversity than normal for Bryan Harsin’s team, similar to Rypien’s first season as quarterback when the team won nine Games including a bowl. The Broncos are still the favorites in the Mountain division and have +325 odds (at 5Dimes Sportsbook) to win the conference.
2017 Boise State Broncos Football Schedule
Sept. 2 vs. Troy
Sept. 9 at Washington State
Sept. 14 vs. New Mexico
Sept. 22 vs. Virginia
Oct. 6 at BYU
Oct. 14 at San Diego State
Oct. 21 vs. Wyoming
Oct. 28 at Utah State
Nov. 4 vs. Nevada
Nov. 11 at Colorado State
Nov. 18 vs. Air Force
Nov. 25 at Fresno State