2013 Boise State
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
The Broncos returned just seven started in 2012 yet still compiled an 11-2 record along with a Top 25 finish. Surprisingly, they don’t return many starters this year either as seven All-Mountain West performers are gone. But like last year, Boise State is poised for another solid season and hopefully their eighth straight 10-plus win campaign led by coach Chris Petersen.
Their offense wasn’t the greatest last year, but they should improve even though starting RB D.J. Harper is gone. New running back Jay Ajayi has a chance to become a star in this offense if he capitalizes on his chances. At 222 pounds, he has workhorse written all over him. Quarterback Joe Southwick is in his final season and should be able to improve on last year’s 19 touchdowns. To help, six of his top seven receivers are back. While the offensive line loses three starters, they have enough quality to not lose a step.
Boise State’s defense allowed just 15.8 points per Game last year and should follow suit this year even with some big losses at linebacker and in the secondary. Gone is their top tackler and three of their top cornerbacks. The defensive line remains largely intact which will be a building block for this unit. As long as they get a few guys to come in on the back end, this defense will be near the top ranks once again.
2013 Boise State Football Schedule
Aug. 31 at Washington
Sept. 7 vs. Tennesee-Martin
Sept. 13 vs. Air Force
Sept. 20 at Fresno State
Sept. 28 vs. Southern Miss
Oct. 12 at Utah State
Oct. 19 vs. Nevada
Oct. 25 at BYU
Nov. 2 at Colorado State
Nov. 16 vs. Wyoming
Nov. 23 at San Diego State
Nov. 30 vs. New Mexico
The Broncos start another season with a difficult road test as they travel to Washington, the school they beat 28-26 in last year’s MAACO Bowl. The Huskies could easily be an opening-Game loss for BSU, much like last year when they lost at Michigan State. Also in non-Conference play, they’ll have to travel to BYU which won’t be easy. They beat the Cougars 7-6 at home last year.
The bigger problem in 2013 for Boise State is that their Conference Schedule is a bit more difficult. Their road Games will be against all of their toughest competition. Games at Fresno State, Utah State and San Diego State will eventually decide their season because all three of those teams will also be aiming for the MWC title.
On the other end of that, they shouldn’t have too many problems at home, but that’s never really been an issue anyway. The road Games will fall on the shoulders of Southwick and a running Game that can’t falter. If Southwick can be more than just a Game manager, watch out because their defense is already stout. Southwick finished the 2012 season with nine touchdowns and zero interceptions in his final Four Games. Expect eight or nine regular season wins from the Broncos at the minimum.