Michigan State-Oregon and Tennessee-Oklahoma will get most of the attention this week, but Boise State-BYU is the best game you haven’t heard as much about. The Broncos and Cougars rank as the top two teams in the weekly Underdogs Poll, which ranks the best non-Power Five (or Notre Dame) teams in the country.
How to watch Boise State vs. BYU on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
It’s the battle of the best underdogs in the land.
Both teams are coming off big wins over Power Five teams. Boise State knocked off old coach Chris Petersen and Washington, while BYU won at Nebraska on a Hail Mary. But it wasn’t all good news for the Cougars this weekend, as star quarterback Taysom Hill went down with a foot injury and will miss the entire season once again.
BYU has a lot of talent, and it gets a number of suspended players back after last week, but the Cougars imploded after Hill’s injury last year. Will they be okay this time around? Proving it against Boise State would be a good way to start.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Radio: Boise State, BYU
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Three big things to know
1. Tanner Mangum was an Elite 11 quarterback, but what does he bring to the BYU offense? His progression will make or break the season after yet another season ending injury to Hill.
2. Boise State’s offense struggled against Washington, only going for 337 total yards against a defense replacing three stars. Can it be better against a better team?
3. The winner of this game will be considered the best “underdog” in the country and have the fast track to a good bowl game. Boise was able to capitalize last year by upsetting Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl, and a win over BYU would solidify its position as the team to beat for another major bowl appearance.
Further reading
Check out One Bronco Nation Under God and Mountain West Connection for more on Boise State and Vanquish The Foe for more on BYU.
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