NCAAF Pick – Colorado State Rams vs Boise State Broncos
BSU Injuries Could Hamper Broncos
This Colorado State vs Boise State pick for these two Mountain West Conference teams has the Broncos favored by 14.0 (-112). If you’re interested in betting on the Rams, the best spread you’ll find is +14.5 (-108). CSU comes to this game with a record of 1-1. On October 29, in their season opener, the Rams lost to Fresno State 38-17. In week two, on November 5, Colorado State beat Wyoming 34-24.
The Boise State Broncos are 2-0 in the MWC and 2-1 overall. They opened their season on October 24 versus the Utah State Aggies. The Broncos beat the Aggies 42-13. The next week, BSU played Air Force, beating the Falcons 49-30. Six days ago, Boise State met #9 BYU in a nonconference matchup. In that game, the Cougars mauled the Broncos 51-17.
This matchup between CSU and BSU is set for Thursday, November 12, 2020. The game will be played at Boise State’s blue-turfed Albertsons Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 pm ET. The weather at game time should be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-30s. Winds will be ESE at 11mph.
Colorado State vs Boise State Pick – Stats
The Rams are averaging 25.5 PPG on offense, while Boise State has been good for 36.0 PPG. In conference play, CSU is allowing opponents 31.0 PPG, while the Broncos are giving up 21.5. BSU dominates Colorado State with a total PF/PA differential of +20.0. On offense, both teams favor the pass attack, while the Broncos also possess a solid ground game. On defense, the Rams are allowing 334.5 passing yards per game, while the Broncos are holding opponents to just 173.7.
Rams vs Broncos Spread Pick – Key Players
Our Colorado State vs Boise State pick expects that senior quarterback Patrick O’Brien will get the start for the Rams. O’Brien has tossed 36 passes, completing 25 (69.4%). He’s thrown three TDs and no picks, while being sacked five times. Tight end Trey McBribe leads the team in receiving with 13 catches, 220 yards, 16.9 AVG, and three TDs. The rush attack, which has resulted in two scores, is anchored by senior Marcus McElroy Jr. McElroy has struggled, averaging just 2.0 YPA. He does have one score. The Ram D comes to this game with 10 sacks, one interception, and two forced and recovered fumbles. They can be pesky.
Transfer QB Jack Sears suffered a head injury versus BYU and is not expected to play tonight. However, it does appear that sophomore Hank Bachmeier is available. Each QB has three TD tosses this season and neither has thrown a pick. In comparison, Bachmeier has a completion percentage of 71.4, while Sears is at 85.2. Note, if neither starter is available, then true freshman Cade Fennegan would get the start. This season he’s thrown two TD passes and one pick while completing just under 58% of his passes.
BSU’s receiving corps is led by wideouts Khalil Shakir (23 REC, 4 TDs) and CT Thomas (7 REC, 2 TDs). In addition, TE John Bates comes to this game with 12 catches. Also, the Broncos possess a solid rushing duo in Andrew Van Buren and George Holani. It’s hoped that Holani, who’s been hampered by a leg injury, will be able to play tonight. On the other side of the ball, the defense has six sacks, one pick, and eight PD.
Colorado State vs Boise State Pick – Final Word
In our Colorado State vs Boise State pick, Bronco injuries are an issue. If either Bachmeier or Sears are at QB and Holani is back at running back, then we do expect BSU to dominate. Also, the Broncos are at home and coming off a horrific loss at home. Consequently, there’s a lot of motivation for the Broncos to blow out Colorado State. Also note, the Rams come into this game with a porous pass defense, which should certainly help the home team Broncos. Thus, we’re taking Boise State in this one at -14.0 (-112).
In addition to the spread pick for this contest, we also have the over/under. Check out our totals prediction for the Colorado State Rams and Boise State Broncos.
Colorado State Rams vs Boise State Broncos Summary
Boise State Broncos at -14.0 (-112)