Over 64 Boise St./Fresno St.
This has the makings of a shootout on the blue carpet tonight. Boise St. has averaged 58 points in their last three games while allowing an average of 31 points. Their offense is very balanced as they average 266 ypg passing and 201 ypg rushing, 25th and 28th in the nation respectively. The Bulldogs defense ranks 89th overall, allowing 401 ypg and 5.3 ypp. They are giving up yards both on the ground and through the air, so they won’t be forcing the Broncos to become a one-dimensional team. Boise St. has QB Ryan Dinwiddie returning tonight after missing over four games with a leg injury. Dinwiddie will not start over B.J Rhode, who has done an excellent job in the starting role. Dinwiddie will see some action, but will be the backup in case anything happens to Rhode. WR Jay Swillie is suspended for this game, but the Broncos have five other players with at least 10 catches, including their top three receivers, so depth is not a problem. On the other side of the ball, Fresno St. is ranked 40th in passing offense, averaging 241 ypg. Fresno State is beginning to hit its stride with three consecutive 30-point games. They have had trouble running the ball, as they are 101st in rushing offense, averaging 109 ypg and 3.4 ypc. However, TB Rodney Davis ran for 201 yards last week, which could help the passing game that much more. Boise St. can’t defend the pass, as they are ranked 107th against the pass, allowing 274 ypg. They do defend the run well, allowing 110 ypg and 3.5 ypc, good for 24th in the country. Expect Fresno St. to go after the Achilles of the Broncos and pass the ball and use Davis to open that up. Boise St. has been starting games quick this year, forcing teams to play catch up. In six games, Boise State has outscored opponents by a combined 84-27 in the first quarter, including five opening-drive touchdowns. The ball will be flying.