Boise State Football: Breaking Down the Vegas Odds on Every Game

The last time Boise State visited Las Vegas, they came home with a big prize. It was, of course, at the expense of the Arizona State Sun Devils 56-24. This was the second year in a row that the Broncos claimed the same trophy. In 2010, they dominated Utah 26-3 in the same bowl game.

Las Vegas has been a good place for the Broncos. The Boise State fans are always willing to take the trip south to see their beloved team, and it seems to always be worth their while.

This year however, the BSU fans are probably hopeful that the team they love so much won't be returning to the desert oasis known as Sin City. It's not that they don't want their Broncos to win the Mountain West, they are just hoping for more.

It is the Maaco Bowl Las Vegas that gets first dibs on Mountain West Conference teams, and they almost always choose the champion. However, Boise State failed to win the MWC last season, and yet the bowl game still chose them, and for good reason. As previously stated, the Bronco fans travel well to Las Vegas.

Still, Bronco fans are hoping that the only interactions they have to have with Las Vegas this year are on "The Blue" in Boise, when they face UNLV and when they check the odds of every BSU game.

So, with that said, let's look at the "way-to-early" projected odds from Beyondthebets.com of every Boise State football game in 2012.

Game 1

Game: Boise State at Michigan State

Date: August 31, 2012

Time: 6:00 p.m. MST

Odds: Michigan State -7

This game is a real mystery. With the Broncos having to rebuild much of their defense and replace their amazing quarterback Kellen Moore and their premier running back Doug Martin, not many are giving the Broncos a chance.

The line is currently at Michigan State -7, and odds makers are projecting that the big opening game wins for the Broncos on the road stops in 2012.

Still, people probably shouldn't count out the Broncos. Coach Chris Petersen is a master at preparation, and you have to believe he will have his team ready.

Game 2

Game: Miami (Ohio) at Boise State

Date: September 15, 2012

Time: 2:00 p.m. MST

Odds: Boise State -27

This will be the first home game of the season for the Broncos, and the place will be rocking. Whether the Broncos lose the first game against Michigan State or not, Bronco fans will be eager to have their Broncos playing on "The Blue."

With the two week delay between the first and second games and the additional seats that are being added to Bronco stadium in the offseason, you know the crowd will be anxious and loud.

Boise State is a big projected favorite in this one, and even at 27 points, you can probably expect them to cover.

Game 3

Game: BYU at Boise State

Date: September 20, 2012 (Thursday)

Time: 7:00 p.m. MST

Odds: Boise State -7

This game will be a real challenge for the Broncos, but they should be ready for it. Both teams will only have five days to prepare, but under the lights on ESPN it should give every player the adrenaline to cover the difference.

BYU and Boise State are two teams with a lot in common, and the rivalry they have developed is probably one of the most polite around. However, that may change this year. Boise will be the place to be when these two collide.

BSU is favored by seven at this point, but those numbers will move according to the first couple weeks of the season and how they work out for each team.

Game 4

Game: Boise State at New Mexico

Date: September 29, 2012

Time: 4:00 p.m. MST

Odds: Boise State -29.5

The Broncos will be traveling to Alba... Albekirk... Albuc... New Mexico to take on the Lobos. The offense and defense New Mexico brings is easier to figure out than the spelling of Albuquerque, so it is usually not a difficult game for teams like the Broncos.

However, this will be the new look New Mexico team now coached by former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie. Will he be able to make it more competitive? Odds makers don't think so at this point.

The Broncos will be a heavy favorite when they make the trip to take on the Lobos. The projected line is currently at 29.5 points, but they may go up. Covering shouldn't be a problem for Boise State unless they decide to pull the starters way too early.

Game 5

Game: Boise State at Southern Miss

Date: October 6, 2012

Time: TBA

Odds: Boise State -6

This ine is a bit strange. This game is predicted by the experts at this time as being a closer game than BYU, Wyoming or Nevada. Southern Miss had a good team last year, but they lost nearly as many starters as the Broncos, but with less depth.

Still, Southern Miss is tough at home, and it will be a long trip for Boise State. It should be a good game, but it may not be as good as the experts think.

Game 6

Game: Fresno State at Boise State

Date: October 13, 2012

Time: 1:30 p.m. MST

Odds: Boise State -20.5

Fresno State comes back to "The Blue" in 2012 to take on the Broncos. This time it will be as a new member of the Mountain West Conference.

While it might be a new conference for the Bulldogs, it will probably be the same result. Look for Boise State to dominate. However, Fresno State will have a new coach this year, so it may look a bit different.

It will be the first time in a long time that the Broncos will face Fresno without Pat Hill leading the way. Tim DeRuyter is the new head coach, and he will be looking pull off a miracle. Odds makers don't think that he will.

Game 7

Game: UNLV at Boise State

Date: October 20, 2012

Time: 1:30 p.m. MST

Odds: Boise State -36

When a line is 36, you are almost always tempted to go against it. However, when it is Boise State facing UNLV at home, you probably don't.

The Broncos are looking for some revenge after starting poorly against the Rebels last season, and you know they are going to be ready to play. Look for this game to get out of control and out of reach for UNLV early.

In the end, 36 may not look like such a daunting task for Boise State.

Game 8

Game: Boise State at Wyoming

Date: October 27, 2012

Time: 1:30 p.m. MST

Odds: Boise State -15

This game may be much tougher than some think. Wyoming has a significant number of starters coming back on both sides of the ball. This is from a team that went to a bowl game last season, and is looking to exact revenge on a Bronco team that embarrassed them on "The Blue."

Boise State can certainly handle the challenge, but they will have their hands full. Look for the Broncos to have to earn every bit of those 15 points. In the end, Boise State will probably take the game, but they may not beat the odds.

Either way, it should be a great game in a cold and uncomfortable Laramie, Wyoming in late October.

Game 9

Game: San Diego State at Boise State

Date: November 3, 2012

Time: 8:30 p.m. MST

Odds: Boise State -23

San Diego State is the new travel partner for the Broncos in the Big East for 2013. However, don't expect that fact to cause the Broncos to let up in 2012.

The projected line is 23 points in favor of the Broncos. Last season, Boise State handled SDSU, but both teams will look much different this year. However, the results should be similar.

Look for the Broncos to welcome the Aztecs to a cold Bronco Stadium in early November, and to send them home to sunny San Diego with a convincing loss.

Game 10

Game: Boise State at Hawaii

Date: November 10, 2012

Time: 5:00 p.m. MST

Odds: Boise State -19.5

The Warriors are fierce competitors at home, and Boise State hasn't always played to their potential in the island paradise.

Still, this season should be a dominating victory for Chris Petersen and his Broncos. Hawaii has a new head coach in Norm Chow, but he will have a massive rebuilding job. The Warriors lost most of their defense from last season and several key offensive starters.

This should be a big win for the Broncos and 19.5 points is more than reasonable.

Game 11

Game: Colorado State @ Boise State

Date: November 17, 2012

Time: 1:30 p.m. MST

Odds: Boise State -29.5

The Rams will be looking to repay the Broncos after a humiliating drubbing at the hands of Boise State last season in Fort Collins.

Last season the Broncos won by 50 points, but don't expect that this year. However, 29.5 is probably a reasonable number.

Game 12

Game: Boise State at Nevada

Date: December 1, 2012

Time: TBA

Odds: Boise State -9.5

This should be an incredible conclusion to the 2012 Mountain West Conference season. If it works out like many think it will, this game pitting Boise State versus Nevada will be for the championship.

The projected line is 9.5, but look for that to move around a bit before the two teams collide in December.

It will be interesting because both teams will have two weeks to prepare for the showdown. However, the edge has to go to Boise State. Chris Petersen is a master at preparing his team, especially when he has two full weeks.

The game has the makings of a good one, and 9.5 is probably too wide of a spread.