BYU vs. Boise State: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

When the Brigham Young Cougars travel to Boise State to square off against the No. 24 Broncos, the battle on the field will make the Thursday night matchup can’t-miss television.

Despite going up against the NFL, this battle between these two one-loss squads has major implications in the chase for BCS glory.

BYU is trying to bounce back from their tough loss to Utah, and Boise State is riding the momentum from their big won over Miami (OH), making the game itself so much more important for each team.

With so much on the line, this matchup will be too good to miss!

When: Thursday, Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. ET

Where: Bronco Stadium, Boise, ID

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Radio: Free Football Radio

Betting Line (via Covers)

Over/Under: OFF, Spread: Boise State (-7.5)

As impressive as Boise State was in their second game of the season, the Broncos struggled against tough competition in Week 1. Even if the Broncos win outright, Boise State will not cover the 7.5-point spread.

Injury Report (via USA Today)

BYU

Zac Stout, LB, Questionable

Kevan Bills, LB, Out for season

Boise State

Taylor Loffler, S, Out for Season

Geraldo Boldewijn, WR, Out

BCS/Top-25 Implications

With BYU falling out of the Top 25 and Boise State climbing back to No. 24 in the nation, both teams are fighting for one of the last five spots in the AP poll. If Boise State wins, they could move up to around No. 20 overall.

If Brigham Young can upset the Broncos with their tough defense and timely scoring, they would catapult back into the Top 25 and drop Boise State out of the conversation.

That’s enough backstory to get even the most casual college football fan to tune in.

BYU Player to Watch: Riley Nelson, QB

There is no bigger piece to the BYU puzzle than senior quarterback Riley Nelson.

With two solid games leading to wins and one mediocre outing that resulted in a loss, the Cougars go as their QB takes them.

If they want a chance at the Top 25, they need Nelson’s best.

Not only does the senior QB need to protect the ball better (two INTs in the last two games), he needs to get his accuracy back up above 60 percent. If he achieves both Thursday, he will throw for over 250 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s surprise win.

Boise State Player to Watch: D.J. Harper, RB

Looking at the statistics for senior Boise State running back D. J. Harper from the first two games is deceiving. While Harper only had eight yards on 15 carries against Michigan State, the Spartans boast one of the toughest run defenses in the nation.

When Harper plays a team like Miami (OH), though, he gets 162 yards on the ground, three touchdowns and another TD through the air.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

The Broncos need much more from the star running back this week against the Cougars, but Boise State may be lucky. With injuries to the linebacker group at BYU, running Harper through the middle may pay off.

Prediction: BYU 24, Boise State 16

After what should be a tough defensive battle for the first half that features a few field goals, it will be the BYU Cougars that steal the show at the end and upset the favorite Boise State Broncos on their home turf.

Led by the team’s talented defensive unit, BYU will bring everything they have after losing to bitter rival Utah last week.

If the Cougars come out hitting hard and wait until the high-tempo Broncos’ offense slows down, they will have a chance to steal the show with a late touchdown and win the game.

Check back for more on the NCAA Football as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s College Football page to get your fill of college football.

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