BYU Cougars vs. Boise State Broncos: Complete Game Preview
In the midst of a three-game losing skid, BYU heads to Idaho to take on Boise State. The two teams met last year in Provo, and the Cougars won 37-20.
The Broncos have won back-to-back games, including a shootout at Nevada, which beat BYU last week. They will look to keep their momentum going at home on Friday.
So what should be expected from the BYU-Boise State game? Here is a complete preview.
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 7 p.m. MDT
Place: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho
TV: ESPN
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM)
Spread: Boise State -6.5 (via Odds Shark)
BYU's Keys to Victory
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Get Pressure off Christian Stewart
Sure, BYU quarterback Christian Stewart is entering his third Cougars start—but at this point, he is nowhere close to a seasoned, veteran quarterback. He played a stellar first half against Nevada, but in the second half, offensive coordinator Robert Anae relied on him too much.
Let the running backs take some pressure off Stew; shake it up between run and pass. It's cliche, but you shouldn't make an inexperienced quarterback throw the ball 20 times in the fourth quarter.
If Stewart can get some help from the play-calling, BYU will have a much better chance to pull off the upset.
Win the Turnover Battle
BYU committed three turnovers and forced none against Nevada. Two of them proved to be crucial in the final outcome.
Granted, you have to give credit to Stewart—he threw four touchdowns and no picks last week. But his two fumbles hurt BYU, and limiting turnovers will be crucial for him and the BYU offense.
If the Cougars can be positive in the turnover margin, their opportunities to win the game will be increased.
Boise State's Keys to Victory
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Make Plays Through the Air
Boise State's passing offense ranks in the top 25 in yards per game while BYU's defense is ranked 117th. If Boise State can consistently attack through the air, it will be much more successful.
The Broncos average 291 passing yards per game while BYU allows 290. Several of the Cougars defensive backs are injured, and if they don't play, it could definitely benefit Boise State.
Get Pressure on BYU's Quarterback
Boise State averages 3.14 sacks per game, which ranks 18th in the nation, according to cfbstats.com. With BYU starting an inexperienced quarterback, getting pressure on him will be crucial.
Stewart had nearly all day in the pocket in the first half last week against Nevada. In the second half, the Wolfpack came out with a new defensive plan—they got more pressure on Stewart, made him throw bad passes and forced two fumbles.
If Boise State can do the same all game, it could limit BYU's passing game.
Cougars Players to Watch
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WR Mitch Mathews
Mathews had a huge game against Nevada, catching 16 passes for 182 yards and two scores. He is quickly becoming Stewart's favorite target.
At 6'6", he is a problem for most defensive backs. Boise State will have a tough time containing him.
DB Harvey Jackson
A transfer from Nebraska, Jackson is starting to see more and more playing time. With injuries in the secondary, he may become a consistent starter for the Cougs.
Jackson brings energy and athleticism to the Cougar defense and could pose problems for Boise State's passing offense. If BYU's secondary has a good game, Jackson will surely be one of the focal points.
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Broncos Players to Watch
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RB Jay Ajayi
Despite not having the best numbers, Ajayi very well may be the best running back in the West. He averages 123 rushing yards per game—which is 13th in the country—and already has 10 touchdowns on the year.
As arguably the best NFL prospect for either team, all eyes will be on Ajayi on Friday. A good game on ESPN will get him plenty of national recognition.
LB Tanner Vallejo
With 47 tackles on the season, Vallejo is the run-stopping, hard-hitting Broncos linebacker. With BYU hampered by injuries to its running backs, Vallejo will be the guy to scheme against.
Vallejo has already totaled 8.5 tackles for loss on the season and could definitely be a difference-maker for the Broncos defense on Friday. A big game from him could set up a big win at home.
Prediction
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BYU is stuck in the middle of its big losing streak, and Friday will be a tough night to break it. Boise State is a great team, and its depth—and talent—will be too much for the Cougars to handle.
With neither team boasting an elite defense, the game may very well become a shootout. The Cougs will stick around, but in the end, the Broncos will slip away for a big home win.
Prediction: Boise State wins, 45-35
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