No. 21 Boise State has not lost to Utah State since 1997, when Houston Nutt and John L. Smith patrolled the sidelines for the Broncos and Aggies, respectively. Still, this game has taken on extra importance in recent years, as the rise of the Aggies as a legitimate Mountain West contender has forced Boise to play at an even higher level.
How to watch Boise State vs. Utah State on TV, plus 3 things to know
The now-yearly battle for Mountain Division superiority continues.
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The 2013 game between these two teams was close, but Boise was able to thrash Utah State at home last season. Will things be different this year in Logan? Mountain West fans are predicting a close game, and the Aggies may have the tools to keep up with the Broncos.
The Broncos enter the game 5-1 (2-0 in MWC play) and back in the rankings after an early-season loss to BYU. Boise boasts victories over Washington and Virginia, among others. Utah State is 3-2 (2-0 in MWC play), with its most notable result probably a narrow 24-14 loss at Utah.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 9 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
Radio: Boise State; Utah State
Spread: Boise State by 9.5 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at OBNUG (for Boise State fans) and Mountain West Connection.
Three big things to know
1. Boise State’s quarterback. When starter Ryan Finley went down for the Broncos, a drop in Boise’s offensive output was expected. Instead, backup Brett Rypien (the nephew of former Washington State great and NFL quarterback Mark Rypien) has more than ably stepped in. Rypien has completed 70.2 percent of his passes for 10.2 yards per attempt, and has thrown seven touchdowns against one interception.
2. This is still Utah State, though. The Aggies have one of the best pass defenses in the conference and have picked off five passes so far this year. And just in case you think that’s the only good defense on the field, Boise State leads the nation with 13 picks.
3. One (or both) of these coaches will be in charge of a power program soon. Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin is one of the betting favorites for the USC job, while Utah State head coach Matt Wells makes the equivalent list for South Carolina. These are two of the brightest stars in the profession, taking over for established mentors who took bigger jobs (Chris Petersen at Boise State, Gary Andersen at Utah State).
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