Nevada Wolf Pack (8-3) 6-4 ATS, 5-6 O/U at Boise State Broncos (11-0) 7-2 ATS, 6-4 O/U Friday November 27, 2009 8:00 p.m. EST Boise, Idaho Bronco Stadium
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Nevada +10.5/Boise State -10.5
Over/Under: Not available at time of print. We’ll try to update it later in week.
The Nevada Wolf Pack travel to Boise this weekend for a huge WAC showdown. Nevada is hoping to play the role of spoiler as they are the last team standing in the way of Boise States campaign for another undefeated season and a possible BCS bowl bid. Nevada is no slouch as they have hammered nearly every team theyve faced this season.
Boise State is once again at the top of the WAC but they know all too well how good the Wolf Pack is especially this time of year when both teams are playing for the best bowl opportunities.
The Broncos are coming off of another big win over the Utah State Aggies 52-21. The Aggies looked as if they would put up a fight early on in the game as they were tied at 14-14 in the middle of the second quarter. Boise States defense gave up a couple of big plays in the first half but they settled into their dominant ways when they realized that the Aggies were building momentum. The Broncos quickly squashed any dreams that Utah State may have had in lieu of an upset. Boise State scored 21 unanswered points with 14 coming in a 49 second span. The Aggies were knocked back down to earth as they headed into the locker room down 35-14.
The Broncos QB Kellen Moore consistently picked apart the Aggie defense on his way to another stellar performance. Moore was 15 of 29 for 233 yards and 1 touchdown. Bronco running back Doug Martin carried the ball 13 times for 121 yards and four touchdowns. Yes, four touchdowns. Martins backfield partner, RB Jeremy Avery also had a great game with 116 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Wide receiver Titus Young was over 100 yards as well. The Broncos will be looking to make yet, another statement by handing Nevada a beating on the blue turf but it wont be that easy.
The Wolf Pack has scored 60 or more points in four contests this season, and they went over the 70 mark in one game. Nevada is averaging 41.3 points per outing which is in the same neighborhood as Boise State. The Broncos are averaging 44 points per game.
The offshore casinos will update the lines daily. The line on this game opened at Boise -10.5 and the total is currently off. Most online sportsbooks have the Broncos at -10.5 to -11.5. The over is 7-3 in Nevadas last ten conference games. Boise State is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 conference games. Head to head, the favorite is 7-1 ATS their last 8 meetings.
The QB matchup once again favors Moore of Boise State as he has a 66 percent completion rate to go along with 2790 yards passing and 33 touchdowns through the air. Nevadas Colin Kaepernick has a 60 percent completion rate with 1727 yards passing and 16 TDs.
Boise State has won 9 consecutive matchups against the Wolf Pack. They beat Nevada last year 41-34 at Nevada. Nevada has outscored their opponents 177-41 in their last three games but will they be able to find the end zone as much versus the Broncos? I think these two teams will put on a show for the fans especially between the two high powered offenses. But it will be a rigorous task for the Wolf Pack to overcome the Broncos on their own blue turf. With BCS aspirations on the line you can bet Bronco head coach Chris Peterson will have some tricks up his sleeve. Nevada isn’t the same team on the road as they are at home either.
Wilsons Pick: Boise State 45, Nevada 21. Luck to ya.
