In one of the top games on the day Saturday, the Boise State Broncos will take on the Washington Huskies. This is the first game for both teams.
The Huskies come into the season ranked 10th in the first Associated Press poll. The Huskies are -14.5 favorites in this game, at home over the Broncos. The total for this game is listed at 58.5 points.
The Washington Huskies are coming off an 11-2 season a year ago, including 7-2 in conference play. The Huskies went to the Alamo Bowl and beat Texas 27-20.
This will be the second season for head coach Kalen DeBoer. The two losses a season ago were back-to-back, on the road at UCLA and Arizona State. The Huskies won their final seven games of the season, including three against ranked foes.
Boise State won 10 games a season ago and finished 10-4. The Broncos went 8-0 in Mountain West Conference play but fell in the conference title game to Fresno State. The Broncos bounced back and beat North Texas in the Frisco Bowl. This will be the third season as head coach for Andy Avalos at Boise. Boise State lost their season opener a season ago on the road at Oregon State.
Broncos Up for the Challenge
The Boise State Broncos feel like they are up for the challenge in this one. Boise State was one of the better defensive teams in College Football a season ago.
The Broncos allowed just 18.5 points per game. Offensively, they must be better, especially in the passing game. The Broncos were 111th in passing offense while 29th in rushing.
The passing game will go through quarterback Taylen Green. Green needs to be more effective this season and get the ball down the field. He finished with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions a season ago after taking over for Hank Bachmeier.
The Broncos also welcome back one of the top running backs in the nation, George Holani. Between Green and Holani, they combined for 20 rushing touchdowns in 2022.
Huskies with High Hopes
A season ago, the Huskies were the best passing offense in College Football. Boise State threw for nearly 370 yards while rushing for just shy of 150. All in all, the Huskies scored 39.7 points per game.
The offense a season ago ran through Michael Penix Jr., and it will again in 2023. The lone transfer projected starter on offense is running back Dillon Johnson. He will take over for the departed Wayne Taulapa and Cameron Davis.
Back to Penix Jr. under center. The man threw for nearly 4,700 yards last season and 31 touchdowns, with eight interceptions. He threw all but 21 of the passes for the Huskies offense. His top targets, Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillian, return this season.
That explains the Top 10 ranking in the country and likely the best passing offense in college football. Those two combined for more than 2,100 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2022.
Great Opening Game in Washington
We expect this to be a perfect football game. The Boise State Broncos are a well-coached, skilled, disciplined team. This game is not going to scare them from the state.
Boise State and the points seem like the right bet to make here. The Huskies can score, but Boise State will stay with them and defend enough. While Washington wins this game, the Broncos cover.
Bet Boise State +14.5 over Washington. Our final score prediction for this game is Washington 31-20 over Boise State.
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