The Boise State football team returns to Albertsons Stadium Saturday for the first time in three weeks when the Broncos host Colorado State at 5 p.m. on FOX Sports 1.
On paper it appears to be one of the biggest mismatches on the Broncos’ schedule, particularly when Colorado State has the ball. The Rams rank near the bottom of the conference (and the country) in several offensive categories, while Boise State has one of the top defenses in the country.
Colorado State (2-5, 2-1 MW) started out 0-4 but has won two of its past three games.
“What their record looks like means nothing,” Boise State defensive line coach Frank Maile said. “If you watch their last three games they’ve done a great job. … For us it’s not really about them. It’s about how we knock these guys out of our way.”
As for the Boise State defense vs. Colorado State offense matchup, here’s a look at the numbers…
Boise State’s defensive ranks:
-No. 1 nationally in pass defense (128.9 yards allowed per game)
-No. 3 in total defense (241.1 ypg)
-No. 16 in third down defense (30.2 percent)
-No. 19 in scoring defense (18.4 ppg)
-No. 22 in rushing defense (112.3 ypg).
Colorado State’s offensive ranks:
-No. 130 in scoring offense (12.9 ppg)
-No. 127 in total offense (267.1 ypg)
-No. 129 in sacks allowed (4.14 sacks per game)
-No. 131 in third down conversions (18 percent)
-No. 131 in red zone offense (53.8 percent)
-No. 121 in rushing offense (95.6 ypg)
-No. 116 in passing offense (171.6 ypg)
Throw in the history against Colorado State, and it only adds to the mismatch. Boise State is a perfect 11-0 all-time against Colorado State and most of the games haven’t been close. The Broncos are averaging 43.5 points per game against the Rams while giving up 23.4. Boise State has scored at least 50 points in each of the past two home games against Colorado State.
The Broncos have plenty to play for though, and should be motivated. First would be remaining alive in the Mountain Division race. The Broncos are the only undefeated team in conference play at 4-0, and a win would move them closer to winning the division and playing in the championship game for the fifth time in the past six seasons.
A win would also make the Broncos bowl eligible for the 25th consecutive season. The current mark of 24 straight is the third-longest active streak in the country behind only Ohio State (33) and Georgia (25). The Broncos haven’t played in a bowl game since 2019 but were still eligible in each of the past two seasons.
Boise State figures to benefit from a large crowd yet again. Opponents have been whistled for an average of 4.33 false starts per game in Albertsons Stadium in 2022, the most of any stadium in the country. During the past four seasons since 2018 (not counting 2020 due to COVID) the Broncos lead the nation for false starts by a visiting team with 74 (3.22 per game).
The Broncos will be without EDGE George Tarlas for the remainder of the season after he suffered a hip injury against Air Force. Running back Ashton Jeanty is questionable to play Saturday due to an injury he sustained in the Air Force game.
PREDICTION
The stats say this game shouldn’t be close – and it really shouldn’t be close. Boise State is rolling with the new combo of Dirk Koetter and Taylen Green – and this has the makings to be their best game together yet. Colorado State has a terrible offense – but not a very good defense either. The Rams rank No. 93 in scoring defense at 29.7 points allowed per game, and 72nd in total defense at 380.3 yards per game. A big home crowd should have plenty to cheer about. Give me Boise State 42, Colorado State 7.
