Louisiana Tech at Boise State: What Bettors Need to Know
Boise State looks to take another step forward in its quest for a national championship appearance when it hosts fast-paced Louisiana Tech Tuesday.
Line history
Oddsmakers opened BSU as a 37-point favorite which climbed a half point to its current standing with nearly 75 percent of action on the Broncos.
Boise State is 5-1 against the spread this season and has gone 9-3 ATS in its last 12 WAC games. Louisiana Tech is just 3-4 ATS on the year and a dismal 17-41-1 ATS in its last 59 road contests. The Broncos have are 4-2 ATS versus the Bulldogs in their past six but just 4-6 in their last 10 meetings going back to 1998.
These teams have combined for a 5-2 over/under record in their last seven head-to-head meetings. Boise State is 4-2 over/under this season while Louisiana Tech boast a 3-3-1 over/under mark.
Need for speed
The No. 2 Broncos fared well over the first half of the slate, which included impressive victories over Virginia Tech and Oregon State. But Boise State (6-0, 2-0) certainly can’t afford a slip-up against the Bulldogs in the Western Athletic Conference matchup.
First-year Louisiana Tech coach Skip Dykes is speeding things up on offense with a no-huddle attack designed to keep defenses off guard and unable to rely on their normal substitution patterns. The Bulldogs (3-4, 2-1) had things clicking in their most recent game when they rolled up 683 yards in a 48-35 victory over Idaho.
Bucking Broncos
Yards and points will be much harder to come by against a Boise State defense that ranks first in total defense (210.2 yards per game), first in rushing defense (59.3) and second in scoring defense (12.3 points). The Broncos haven’t allowed a single point in two WAC games, blanking New Mexico State and San Jose State.
Boise State is eighth against the pass (150.8) and that will make it challenging for Louisiana Tech quarterback Ross Jenkins to repeat the stellar performance he had against Idaho. Jenkins was the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for a career-best 422 yards and three touchdowns against Idaho.
Taulib Ikharo (31 receptions) and Richie Casey (28) have been Louisiana Tech’s top receivers. Lennon Creer leads the Bulldogs with 568 rushing yards.
Gimmie Moore
Even harder than scoring against Boise State is trying to stop the Broncos’ well-oiled offense led by Heisman Trophy candidate Kellen Moore. Boise State ranks fourth in both scoring offense (47.5) and total offense (523.8).
Moore is completing 69.5 percent of his passes and has 16 touchdowns against one interception. He has thrown for 1,567 yards.
Receiver Titus Young is having a fabulous season with 33 receptions for 581 yards. Young and Austin Pettis (25 receptions) each have caught four touchdown passes.
Doug Martin leads Boise State in rushing with 544 yards.
Louisiana Tech has allowed 35 or more points four points and is 113th in total defense (448.7). The passing defense is among the worst in the nation, allowing 296.7 yards per game. Only Texas Tech and Tulsa are giving up more yards through the air.
Defensive end Matt Broha has been a bright spot with nine tackles for loss, including six sacks.
Weather
The blue turf at Broncos Stadium in Boise will be slick with the forecast calling for rain Tuesday night. Showers and a game-time temperature in the low 40s could cool off the offenses. There will be a slight breeze to go along with the rain, which will continue throughout the night.
Tale Of The Tape: Louisiana Tech-Boise State Breakdown
If you’re suffering from a football hangover following this weekend, the best thing for you is the hair of the dog - meaning more football.
There is college football action from the WAC Tuesday, when the No. 2 Boise State Broncos host the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on the big blue turf. Here’s a quick rundown of both sides:
Offense
Everybody knows about Boise State’s offensive prowess. The Broncos rank fourth in the country in yards per game (523.8) and are averaging over 47 points an outing. The pass attack, led by Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore, goes for more than 300 yards a contests while the running game is a productive 12th in the land, putting up about 223 yards per game.
The Bulldogs rank fifth in total offense in the WAC, averaging 23.4 points on 397 yards per game. Louisiana Tech does a good job mixing it up with the football, getting 153 rushing yards and 244 passing yards an outing. Junior running back Lennon Creer is third in the conference in rushing, putting up an average of 81 yards and scoring four touchdowns on the ground this season.
Edge: Boise State
Defense
While the Broncos offense steals the headlines, their defense is just as potent. Boise State is the top ranked stop unit when it comes to yards allowed, giving up an average of only 210 yards per game. Those numbers should be taken with a grain of salt due to the fact that the Broncos have pitched shutouts to bottom feeders New Mexico State and San Jose State in the past three games. They do, however, make life tough on opposing passers and have proved they are legit against the air attacks of Virginia Tech and Oregon State.
The Bulldogs are third last in total defense in the WAC, giving up more than 448 yards a contest. Louisiana Tech gave up 533 yards to Idaho two Saturdays ago, but came out on top of the 48-35 shootout. The Bulldogs are dead last in passing defense in the conference but have been tough against the run. They average 152 rushing yards against, which is third in the WAC.
Edge: Boise State
Special teams
Boise State’s special teams are probably the one area that isn’t all that special. The Broncos are fourth in the WAC in kickoff returns, picking up just 22.33 yards per return while averaging just over 12 yards per punt return. They have yet to run a return back for a touchdown.
The kick coverage is even less impressive. Boise State ranks last in the WAC in punt coverage, allowing 19.20 yards per punt, and is fifth in kickoff coverage, giving up 21.26 yards per kickoff. The Broncos allowed a punt-return touchdown in their win over Oregon State in late September but have blocked two field goal/punts this season.
Louisiana Tech is picking up just six yards per punt return this season while averaging only 22.14 yards per kick return. On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs have given up an average of 8.91 per punt and one return touchdown, which is better than BSU's special teams. On kickoffs, opponents are picking up under 20 yards per return (19.26), which is second lowest in the WAC. Louisiana Tech also blocked a punt in its 13-12 loss to Southern Miss in Week 4.
Edge: Louisiana Tech
Word on the street
“They were in the shotgun and some spread stuff last year but it’s much different. This is all spread. A lot of big spits. No-huddle, going fast. They were going no-huddle in the past but they weren’t going really, really fast. It’s quite a bit different.” – BSU head coach Chris Peterson, talking about the Bulldogs’ fast-paced offense (Boise Arbiter).
"(The turf) is different and their crowd really gets into it. They always pull a great crowd; they're going to be loud. I didn't notice (the turf) after a few minutes. After a little while, you just start playing ball. It all blends in. I think a lot of guys will actually be excited to go play on it." – Louisiana Tech quarterback Ross Jenkins, talking about BSU’s home-field advantage (Shreveport Times).
Final score prediction: Boise State 48, Louisiana Tech 17
Boise St., Louisiana Tech start Week 9 betting
By: Michael Robinson
The Boise State Broncos and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs have a rare Tuesday night clash in WAC play.
Bookmaker.com has Boise State as huge 38-point home ‘chalk’ with the total not listed.
Boise State (6-0 straight-up, 5-1 against the spread) is ranked No. 2 in both the AP and Coaches Poll. However, the Auburn Tigers are top-ranked in the BCS as the computer rankings pushed them ahead of both Boise State and Oregon.
This is a worrisome development for Boise State. Its hardest games came early in the season versus then No. 10 Virginia Tech and No. 24 Oregon State. Va. Tech is currently No. 23 in the BCS and Oregon State unranked. No. 24 Nevada is the only ranked team out of Boise State’s remaining six contests.
The Broncos need to keep winning convincingly and hope there are no undefeated teams from major conferences. Even then, there’s a chance that a one-loss team like Alabama could rank ahead of them in the BCS.
Despite all the rankings drama, it’s hard to argue against the product the Broncos put on the field. They’re scoring 47 ½ PPG, fourth in the country, with quarterback Kellen Moore leading in passing efficiency (190.35).
The offense is extremely balanced with the 12th-ranked rushing attack (222.8 YPG) and 13th passing (301 YPG). The underrated defense is first in the nation in total yards allowed (210.2 YPG) and second in points (12.33 PPG).
The Broncos have been very impressive all year ATS (5-1). They’ve ranged from 38-43 ½-point favorites the last three games and have gone 3-0 ATS. The average margin of victory was 50 points.
The ‘over’ started 3-0 for Boise State, but the ‘under’ is 2-1 since. The ‘over’ is 4-1 in its last five home games.
Louisiana Tech (3-4 SU, 3-4 ATS) is riding a two-game winning streak over Utah State (24-6) and Idaho (48-35). The team is 2-1 SU in the WAC after opening 1-3 out of conference.
The Bulldogs run a fast paced, no-huddle offense that is averaging 31 PPG in conference. They like to snap the ball with 20 seconds left on the play clock, which causes chaos for the defense and limits substitutions.
It’s been a strange season for senior quarterback Ross Jenkins. He had 21 straights starts heading into the season, but was replaced by new head coach Sonny Dykes during the 20-6 opening win over Grambling State.
Jenkins then sat against Texas A&M, Navy and Southern Miss (all losses). He came in for relief during a blowout loss to Hawaii (41-21) and has now started the last two wins.
Jenkins is completed 70.5 percent of his passes on the year with six TDs and two picks. He threw for 422 yards, three TDs and no picks versus Idaho last week.
The running game has also picked it up the last two weeks with Lennon Creer amassing 309 total yards. The Tennessee transfer will need a big day to help keep the Broncos defense honest against the pass.
The defense has struggled this year at 113th in the nation in yards allowed (448.8 YPG). It let up 533 against Idaho after a season-low versus Utah State (195).
Louisiana Tech is 17-41-1 in its last 59 road games. The ‘over’ is 3-1-1 in its last five road contests.
Boise State has beaten Louisiana Tech eight straight times (4-4 ATS). The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings and Louisiana Tech is 1-4 ATS in its last five visits to Boise.
ESPN2 will have the 5 p.m. (PT) kickoff from Bronco Stadium and the hideous blue turf. Weather will be cold in the lower 40s with showers likely.
Boise State next hosts Hawaii on Nov. 6, while Louisiana Tech welcomes Fresno State that same day.
Tips and Trends
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Boise St. Broncos
BULLDOGS: Louisiana Tech has won their past 2 games, their 1st winning streak of the year. That streak is sure to be snapped tonight, as they face 3rd ranked Boise St. The Bulldogs aren't going to be intimidated because they play the Broncos year in and year out. The Bulldogs played the Broncos tough last year, losing 35-48 as a 20 point underdog. Louisiana Tech is 3-4 both SU and ATS overall this season. Senior QB Ross Jenkins threw for 422 YDS last week, and he has experience playing against Boise St. RB Lennon Creer is going to get the ball early and often today, as the Bulldogs are going to try to keep the high powered Boise St. offense on the sidelines. Creer has 299 YDS and 4 TD's in his past 2 games combined. The Bulldogs are allowing 26.6 PPG this season, 68th best in the country. For Louisiana Tech to have any chance for a victory tonight, their defense will have to play their best game of the season. The Bulldogs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 conference games. Louisiana Tech is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win. The Bulldogs are 15-35-1 ATS in their last 51 games as a road underdog. Louisiana Tech is 6-24 ATS in their last 30 games as a road underdog more than 10 points.
Bulldogs are 10-1 ATS against a team with a winning record.
Under is 7-3 last 10 games as a road underdog of more than 10 points.
Key Injuries - WR Tim Molton (knee) is out.
Projected Score: 17 (SIDE of the Day)
BRONCOS: (-37.5, O/U unknown) Boise St. is having to win games in dominating fashion, as they need as many style points as possible. Playing in the WAC actually hurts Boise St, as there simply isn't enough challenges for them. Despite being undefeated, the Broncos can't get past #3 in the BCS standings. Almost as impressive as their 6-0 SU record is the fact they are 5-1 ATS this year. Today will mark only the 3rd home game of the season for the Broncos. This 38 point spread that the Broncos are favored by is the shortest line they've faced in their past 4 games. QB Kellen Moore leads the 4th ranked scoring offense in the country at 47.5 PPG this year. Moore leads the nation with a QB rating of 190.3, thanks to 16 TD passes against only a single INT this year. The Broncos also have a physical defense, as they lead the nation in total defense and 2nd in scoring defense this season. The Broncos are only allowing 210 YPG and 12.3 PPG overall this season. The Broncos are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a bye week. Boise St. is 41-20-2 ATS against a team with a losing record.
Broncos are 9-3 ATS last 12 conference games.
Under is 9-3 last 12 games in October.
Key Injuries - WR Mitch Burroughs (ankle) is questionable.
Projected Score: 49
La. Tech at Boise St.
By Brian Edwards
Boise State (6-0 straight up, 5-1 against the spread) will hit the smurf turf in search of its 21st consecutive win tonight at Bronco Stadium. Most betting shops, as of early this morning, were listing Chris Petersen’s team as a 38-point favorite with a total of 64.
BSU has only played at home twice this season, beating Oregon St. 37-24 as an 18-point ‘chalk’ and trouncing Toledo 57-14 as a 38-point favorite. But the non-cover against the Beavers is the only time the Broncos haven’t cashed tickets this year. They destroyed San Jose St. by a 48-0 count as 40 ½-point road favorites in their last outing Oct. 16.
Since the ‘Boise Debate’ is going to be endless – unless Nevada can pull a shocker in Reno -- between now and Dec. 5, we’ll mention that several other players in the national-title race have also faced the Spartans, albeit on their home fields. Alabama beat San Jose St. 48-3 in Tuscaloosa, while the Spartans lost 27-14 at Wisconsin and 56-3 at Utah.
Kellen Moore led Boise St. to a 41-0 lead at San Jose St. by halftime. He completed 14-of-16 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Doug Martin had 68 rushing yards and one TD on just eight carries, as Petersen called the dogs off at intermission.
La. Tech (3-4 SU, 3-3 ATS) has won back-to-back games, including a 48-35 win over Idaho as a 1 1/2-point home underdog on Oct. 16. Ross Jenkins had a career game, connecting on 31-of-44 pass attempts for 422 yards and three touchdowns without being picked off. Jenkins also rushed for 34 yards and a score.
Lennon Creer erupted for 179 rushing yards and two TDs on 23 carries, while Richie Casey had nine receptions for 117 yards. Ahmad Paige pulled down five catches for 95 yards and a pair of TDs.
La. Tech has failed to cover the spread in both of its previous road games. The Bulldogs lost 48-16 at Texas A&M and 41-21 at Hawaii.
For the season, La. Tech is 3-1 in Jenkins four starts under center. The senior signal caller has completed 70.2 percent of his passes for 887 yards with a 6/2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Creer, a transfer from Tennessee, has rushed 95 times for 568 yards and four TDs, averaging 6.0 yards per carry.
BSU’s Moore is producing astounding numbers, just as he has throughout his three-year career. The junior southpaw has connected on 69.5 percent of his throws for 1,567 yards with a 16/1 TD-INT ratio.
Moore has one of the nation’s premier group of pass catchers, including senior WR Titus Young, who has a team-high 33 receptions for 581 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Austin Pettis has 25 catches for 387 yards and four TDs. Martin has rushed for a team-high 544 yards and seven TDs, averaging 7.4 YPC.
Boise St. has won eight in a row over La. Tech by an average of 24 points per game. However, the Bulldogs are 6-4 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings. The ‘over’ is 5-2 in the last seven encounters between these WAC rivals.
The ‘over’ is 4-2 overall for Boise St., 2-0 in its home games. Meanwhile, La. Tech has seen the ‘over’ go 3-2-1 overall, 1-0-1 in its road assignments.
ESPN2 will have the telecast at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
During Petersen’s five-year tenure, BSU owns a 15-9 ATS record as a home favorite.
La. Tech has lost 10 consecutive games against ranked opponents.
Boise St. will next play on Nov. 6 vs. Hawaii on the blue carpet. The Warriors, who knocked Nevada from the unbeaten ranks on Oct. 16, have won five in a row and covered the spread in each of their last four lined games. They play host to Idaho this Saturday.
La. Tech is coached by Sonny Dykes, who was previously the offensive coordinator for Mike Stoops at Arizona. He retained defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler from Derek Dooley staff. His offensive coordinator is Tony Franklin, who was at Middle Tennessee in ’09 after his mid-season firing at Auburn in ’08 that eventually ended with Tommy Tuberville also getting canned. Before taking the Auburn job, Franklin had an extremely successful run at Troy on Larry Blakeney’s staff.
With Florida losing three straight regular-season games for the first time since 1988, Georgia is a rare favorite against the Gators in Jacksonville this week. Most books are listing the Bulldogs as 2 1/2-point favorites. They haven't been favored against UF since the week of Ron Zook's dismissal in 2004 when UGA captured a 31-24 win as a seven-point favorite. Zook was canned on Monday prior to the game.
vegasinsider.com.