No. 5 Boise State Broncos (8-0) 4-1 ATS, 2-4 O/U at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3-5) 3-4 ATS, 3-4 O/U Friday November 6, 2009 Ruston, Louisiana 6:00 p.m. EST TV: ESPN2
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Boise State -20/L. Tech +20
Over/Under: Off
The Boise State Broncos kept their BCS hopes alive last weekend when they dismantled San Jose State 45-7 to remain undefeated at 8-0. The Broncos are looking to keep their winning ways going when they travel south this Friday for another conference matchup with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
Boise State is currently ranked No. 5 in both polls. Their offense has been operating on full throttle the last couple of outings as they know the BCS Gods are watching. Unfortunately, for Boise State they dont have the luxury of an automatic BCS bid, and now find themselves in a whos more deserving category with TCU (8-0) who also must earn the vote from the BCS committee. Every week brings more suspense and more to prove for every team in the hunt but for Boise State and TCU theres even more pressure to impress.
Speaking of impressing people, Kellen Moore continues to marvel the football crowds with his stellar play. Moore was 21 of 33 for 278 yards and 3 touchdowns including a special first quarter strike to his brother, Kirby Moore. Kirby is a freshman wide receiver for the Broncos and it was his first collegiate TD. Kellen connected with Kirby on a 61-yard catch and run touchdown to open a 7-0 lead. Brother Kirby finished the game with 4 catches for 80 yards and a TD.
The Broncos put up 430 total yards on offense with 290 through the air and 140 on the ground. BSU only had 2 penalties for 20 yards. They were 7 of 14 on third down conversions.
Boise States defense was once again solid. The Broncos D forced two turnovers that led to two touchdowns. They also held the Spartans to a total of 221 yards of offense. The Broncos are 8-0 for the fourth time in school history. Boise State has won 21 of their last 22 games in the WAC.
Louisiana Tech is coming off of a bitter last second loss to the Idaho Vandals last week in Moscow, Idaho. The Bulldogs dominated the Vandals in the first half and had a halftime lead of 28-14, but they let it slip away when running back DeMaundray Woolridge ran for a 2-yard touchdown with just 52 seconds remaining in the game to give Idaho the victory.
Bulldogs QB Ross Jenkins was 17 of 30 for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns in the losing effort. The Bulldogs are 3-5 on the season and hoping to throw a wrench in the Broncos march towards a potential BCS run. It will take nothing short of a miracle for the Bulldogs to derail the Broncos at this point as they are playing at a much higher level.
The Broncos will continue to play well as they know whats on the line. Boise State is 3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS, and 2-1 O/U on the road this season. Louisiana Tech is 3-0 SU, 2-0 ATS, 1-1 O/U at home this season.
The Bulldogs beat LT last year 38-3 and 45-31 in 2007. The Broncos come into this game averaging 39.1 points per game while allowing 14.3 to their opponents. L. Tech is averaging 27 points per contest and giving up 23.8 per game.
Boise State will win this game on both sides of the ball. The Broncos are just too good, and their defense will suffocate the Bulldogs and cause Jenkins to hurry his passes. The Moore brothers may get another chance to hook up as little brother Kirby gets more involved in the offensive schemes.
Most sports gambling sites have opened the line at BSU -20.
Wilsons Pick: BSU 49, L. Tech 14.
