BOISE – The Boise State football team could keep hopes alive for a New Year’s Six bowl game bid with a win Saturday against BYU. The two will meet for the final scheduled time at 5 p.m. at Albertsons Stadium on FS2.
It would still seem somewhat unlikely the Broncos will end up as the top-ranked Group of 5 champion and play in the Cotton Bowl, but it’s still possible – and only will remain possible if the Broncos win the final four regular season games and the Mountain West championship.
At 11-2 and on a nine-game winning streak the Broncos would at least be in the conversation, but whether they’d have a better resume over the American Athletic Conference champion (Tulane, Cincinnati or UCF) or Coastal Carolina out of the Sun Belt remains to be seen.
Regardless the Broncos have to win Saturday to stay in the mix.
Rain and cool temperatures are expected, and the conditions could be a factor. Boise State’s rushing game, which has twice rushed for 300-plus yards in a game in the past four weeks, would seem to be an advantage for them should the weather be rough.
The teams had 11 more games scheduled between each other but those were canceled with BYU joining the Big 12 Conference next season. The two teams would like to try and play again at some point in the future, but this is the final meeting – and could be the last game between them for a long time.
BYU and Boise State to end storied series on Saturday: ‘It honestly hasn’t sunk in yet’
Stats are down, but Boise State safety JL Skinner believes he’s ‘having a great season’
Boise State’s No. 1 ranked pass defense will be challenged by BYU
We also have video from coach Andy Avalos and players meeting with the media this week to preview the game. Those can be accessed on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
Boise State has won four straight games, while BYU has lost four straight. But the Cougars have played one of the toughest schedules in the nation, and arrive as only a 7.5-point underdog.
The Broncos will need Taylen Green to continue his improvements. He’s gotten better in each of four starts, going from a 5 for 10 for 48-yard game against San Diego State to completing 24 of 30 passes for 305 yards last week against Colorado State. He’ll have to avoid any bad turnovers against BYU.
A near-sellout is expected at Albertsons Stadium.
Bronco Nation News will be live at The James Kitchen and Bar on Saturday at 3pm for the Lithia Ford of Boise Pregame Show, and we’ll be back about 45 minutes after the game for the Lithia Ford of Boise Postgame Show. All shows can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
Stop by The James and enter for your chance to win a Bud Light Seltzer Cruiser Bike, thanks to Stein Distributing.
This blog will be updated before, during and after the game on Saturday, so check back often for news, stats, scoring updates and more.
