College Football Week 1 Pick: Georgia Southern Eagles vs. Boise State Broncos
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, August 31st
- Time: 4:00 PM EST
- Location: Allen E. Paulson Stadium, Statesboro, Georgia
- TV: To be announced
- Betting Line: Boise State -10 (BetUS Sportsbook)
- Total: 57
Boise State Broncos: A Return to Form?
The Boise State Broncos are looking to rebound from a disappointing 8-6 season in 2023. After a rocky start, head coach Andy Avalos was replaced by defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson, who led the team to a stronger finish. With 11 returning starters on defense and a talented offense, the Broncos are poised for a resurgence in 2024.
Key Strengths:
- Experienced Defense: The Broncos’ defense is one of the most experienced in the Mountain West Conference, returning 11 starters.
- Offensive Potential: While they lost some key players on offense, the Broncos have talented skill position players who could break out in 2024.
- Coaching Change: The mid-season coaching change could provide a spark and a renewed focus for the team.
Georgia Southern Eagles: Building on Home Success
The Georgia Southern Eagles finished with a 6-7 record in 2023, highlighted by a notable win against Coastal Carolina. Head coach Clay Helton enters his third year, a critical point for program development. The Eagles boast a strong home record (5-1 in 2023) and will look to leverage that advantage against Boise State.
Key Strengths:
- Home Field Advantage: The Eagles have a passionate fan base and have traditionally played well at home.
- Experienced Defense: Georgia Southern returns eight starters on defense, providing a solid foundation for their team.
- Coaching Continuity: Clay Helton’s third year could see the team make significant strides in his system.
Prediction and Analysis
Our model predicts a 41-24 victory for Boise State, and we agree with this assessment. The Broncos’ experience, talent, and potential offensive firepower give them a significant edge over Georgia Southern. While the Eagles have the advantage of playing at home, it may not be enough to overcome the Broncos’ superior talent and coaching.
Betting Pick: Boise State -10
This spread seems generous considering the talent disparity between the two teams. Boise State has the potential to win this game by a comfortable margin, making the -10 spread an attractive option for bettors.
Conclusion
This Week 1 matchup presents a matchup between a Boise State team looking to return to national prominence and a Georgia Southern squad hoping to build on their home success. While the Eagles will undoubtedly put up a fight, the Broncos appear to be the stronger team on paper and are likely to come away with a victory in Statesboro.