Boise State vs. Colorado State: 3 Keys to the Game

The Boise State Broncos travel to Fort Collins today to take on the Colorado State Rams.  This is a historic day for the Broncos, as it is their first game against a Mountain West foe since joining the conference.

The game will be played at Hughes Stadium on the campus of Colorado State, and it should be a sellout with an electric atmosphere. 

The Broncos have begun the year 5-0 and have looked good in the process.  Colorado State is currently 3-2 and much improved over last year's squad. 

It should be a fun game to watch. 

I think the game itself comes down to three key areas.  I have no doubt that these three keys are going to determine the outcome of the game.

Let's take a look...

Key No. 1: Getting to Kellen Moore

Colorado State has a relentless pass rush.  Rams defensive end Nordly Capi leads the nation for sacks this year.  He has sacked the quarterback of opposing teams eight times this season, including recording at least one sack in the last five contests.  

Moore, on the other hand, has only been sacked once this year, against Nevada.  The offensive line of the Broncos and Moore's ability to make quick decisions make it difficult to bring down the remarkable senior quarterback.

One of the biggest keys to the game today will be to see if Colorado State can continue their success in rushing the passer.  If they can, they could disrupt the potent Bronco offense.  It will be fun to see if Boise State's O-Line can rise to the challenge. 

It is something to keep an eye on for sure.

Key No. 1: Getting to Kellen Moore

Key No. 2: Running the Ball

Both the Rams and the Broncos have struggled with running the ball this year. 

BSU is only averaging 151 yards per game, which ranks them at 58th among FBS schools. They do seem to be getting a handle on their running woes, however, after looking much better against Nevada.

But, as Chris Petersen keeps pointing out, it is an area where his team must improve.   

The Rams, on the other hand, still haven't had a breakthrough on the ground.  They are only averaging 119 yards per game and are ranked 91st in the country.

This area will be a key to the game simply because if Colorado State plans to stay in this game, they must run the ball to do so.  They are not going to be able to keep up with the Broncos, who average 41 points per game.

The only way the Rams have a chance is if they keep Kellen Moore and his slew of wide receivers on the sideline.

Key No. 2: The running game  

Key No. 3: Distractions

With all the rumors surrounding the Broncos' possible departure to the Big East, this week has been anything but routine.   

Will Chris Petersen have his team ready? 

He is a master at keeping his players and coaches focused on the task at hand.  However, I wonder how the past seven days have been for all of them, dealing with the speculation and possibilities. 

My feeling is that it won't get to them—but you never know. 

As the Broncos get ready to play their first league game as a Mountain West member, the talk has become all about the Big East.  The latest rumors say that Boise State will move to the Big East Conference, but you never know until it happens.

Let's just hope for Bronco fans that all of this has not been too big of a sideshow for their beloved blue and orange. 

Key No. 3 to the game: Can BSU deals with all the distractions?

In the end, I think they will handle it just fine. 

My prediction: Boise State wins big, 49-10, over Colorado State.