Boise State Football: Highlighting Must-See Matchups for Broncos Fans in 2012

The Boise State Broncos football program will play a challenging 2012 schedule, but only a handful of games are good enough to be considered must-see matchups for Broncos fans this fall.

Whether it's a rivalry matchup, a nationally televised showdown or just sure to be an exciting clash, these games are worthy of our attention.

Let's take a look at the trio of matchups that made the cut. 

August 31: At Michigan State

Michigan State will come into their season-opening matchup with Boise State ranked No. 13 in the nation, and looking to build on the success they experienced in 2011. The Broncos will have to bring their A game into their Week 1 showdown on ESPN. Not only will yards and points be tough to come by on the road, but the Spartans ranked 10th in the country last season in scoring defense. 

Michigan State went undefeated at home in 2011, finishing up 7-0 in East Lansing. For Boise State to get a win on the road against one of the Big Ten's best programs would be an incredible boost to the Broncos' BCS National Championship hopes. On the other hand, a close defeat at the hands of a top 15 team on the road to start the season wouldn't crush all hopes of a strong 2012 campaign for Boise State.

September 20: Brigham Young

The last time Boise State and BYU faced off on the gridiron, the Broncos won a 28-27 thriller at home in 2004. Now, eight years later, the two programs will again face off in Idaho, only this time the matchup will be nationally televised by ESPN on a Thursday night in September. 

The Cougars went 10-3 last season and will look to bring the Broncos a rare home loss in 2012. With college football passing legend Kellen Moore gone to the NFL, Boise State will have to rely on DJ Harper and the ground attack more so against BYU. Harper rushed for 553 yards and eight touchdowns last season as a junior. With the quarterback situation in Boise still a concern, Harper will be the best offensive threat against BYU, who allowed less than 21 points per game in 2011.

December 1: At Nevada

Two years ago it was the Nevada Wolf Pack knocking off Boise State on the road to all but kill the Broncos hopes of earning a berth in the BCS National Championship Game. Nevada squeaked out a 34-31 win in overtime, and the Broncos are likely still bitter and looking to make it two in a row over the Wolf Pack. Nevada's eighth-ranked rushing attack from a year ago will make this clash anything but a guarantee for the Broncos however. 

What makes this matchup even more of a must-see is the fact that it will be both teams' season finale before a potential postseason bowl game. With that said, the Broncos will have to make their case for why they deserve a solid bowl bid against Nevada. Obviously, a loss here would certainly sting, while a win could provide the icing on the cake of what has the potential to be another great season. 

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