Boise State vs. Wyoming Prediction, Game Preview


Boise State vs. Wyoming prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night’s matchup between the Broncos and Cowboys.


When: Saturday, Oct. 29 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wyoming
TV Broadcast: CBSSN

Boise State (7-0) needed to get past BYU in order to keep its hopes for a perfect season alive, and it did just that. The Broncos took down the Cougars, 28-27, last Thursday. Boise State got out to a 14-3 lead on BYU, but they went into halftime with the Broncos leading 21-17. After it surrendered the lead halfway through the third quarter, head coach Bryan Harsin’s squad pulled back ahead with 10:37 left in the game and hung on for the win.

The Cowboys (5-2) are no longer a candidate for a flawless record, but they have been rolling as of late. After starting out 2-2 to begin the season, Wyoming has won three straight games with two those victories coming on the road against Colorado State and Nevada. Sandwiched in between those matchups was a home win versus Air Force. The most recent win against the Wolf Pack, though, ended with a 42-34 final this past weekend.

The all-time series between Boise State and Wyoming has been completely one-sided. The Broncos have come out on top in all 10 of their meetings. In last year’s matchup in Boise, Boise State won, 34-14.

What To Know About Boise State

Brett Rypien slipped up a couple of times against BYU with two interceptions, but he did have a solid game overall. The true sophomore completed 25-of-39 passes for 442 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas Sperbeck was on the receiving end of those scores. He finished with nine catches for 109 yards. Cedric Wilson reeled in four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. And Rypien also found halfback Jeremy McNichols for a touchdown. He ended up with five grabs for 109 yards.

McNichols, as usual, did it all, though. He was given 30 carries and took them for 140 rushing yards and a touchdown. Outside of McNichols, though, the Broncos failed to find any traction running the ball. Alexander Mattison got only one carry for four yards. So, it’s pretty much McNichols or bust in the running game.

What to Know About Wyoming

Josh Allen, to his credit, did protect the ball against Nevada. He completed 8-of-12 passes for 135 yards — no touchdowns, no picks. His leading receiver was Tanner Gentry, who looked in four passes for 109 yards. Five other Wyoming players caught exactly one pass.

The running game is where the Cowboys made their money. Brian Hill has been solid all season, but he really broke out with 289 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. His longest run of the day was a 56-yard rush to the end zone midway through the first quarter. Allen helped him out, too. The Wyoming quarterback took off 14 times and picked up 52 yards. Allen found his way into the end zone twice.

Advantages

Offense: Boise State – Rypien can sling it and has plenty of weapons. Plus, McNichols is an absolute monster with the rock.

Defense: Bosie State – The Broncos are 55 spots ahead of Wyoming in total defense at No. 40, allowing 364 yards per game.

Special Teams: Boise State – Wilson, Jonathan Moxey and McNichols are all dangerous in the kick return game.

Coaching: Boise State – No question, Harsin has the advantage here.

Matchup To Watch

Jeremy McNichols vs. Wyoming defense

This is the guy. He is the one Craig Bohl needs to point at in the film room and say, “Whatever you do, tackle No. 13.” McNichols can burn you in the running game, obviously. He’s a beast in the open field and can split through the second level in the blink of an eye. But he’s a threat in the passing game, too. Surely, the Cowboys have to keep track of Rypien and the other Boise State weapons, but McNichols is the momentum builder.

Betting Odds

Spread: Boise State -13.5
Over/Under: 62.5

Boise State vs. Wyoming Prediction

This will be all Boise State, all the time. The Broncos will jump out to an early lead on the back of McNichols, who will catch a couple of passes early and take a few handoffs en route to the goal line. McNichols will go over 100 rushing yards and fall just shy of 100 receiving yards, too. Rypien will take better care of the ball and will toss a few touchdowns. Wyoming will get on the board when Allen pulls it down and runs, but the Cowboys won’t keep pace. Boise State wins on the road.

Boise State vs. Wyoming Score Prediction: Boise State 38, Wyoming 21

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