The Broncos have a chance to stay in the conversation for a New Year’s Day bowl game with another win over a Power-5 Conference team. They’ll have to do it with a backup quarterback, though. Boise State blasted FCS Idaho State last week but lost starter Ryan Finley to a broken ankle.
After a heart-breaking loss to No. 8 Notre Dame two weeks ago, Virginia squeaked past FCS William and Mary as a 22-point favorite. The Cavs are now playing for coach Mike London’s job in the first meeting between the schools.
ODDS
Boise State opened as a 1.5-point favorite and the spread was quickly wagered to -3. The total hit the board at 51. There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding both teams entering this game, but the Broncos appear to be the smart play minus the points.
KEY MISMATCH
The Cavaliers’ offense will get a boost with the return of receiver T.J. Thorpe to the lineup. The North Carolina graduate transfer broke his clavicle in training camp and returned in a limited capacity last week. When healthy and at full speed, he provides a proven complement to Canaan Severin, the ACC’s second leading receiver. Boise State is limiting opponents to 1.7 yards per rush and 45.7 yards rushing per game, the latter second nationally. Watch for even more passing from quarterback Matt Johns and the Virginia offense. Johns is completing 66.7 percent of his passes and has thrown six touchdowns. BSU ranks 86th nationally in pass defense allowing 240.3 yards per game. So Johns and the Cavs will have their chances through the air.
KEY STAT
-4 – Virginia’s turnover margin. The Cavaliers have only four turnovers on the season but they are one of two FBS teams to not record a takeaway. Boise State has five giveaways on the year and is -1 in turnover margin.
BETTING ANGLE
Each of Virginia’s last three seasons has included a September victory over a big-name team – Penn state in 2012, BYU in 2013 and Louisville last season – giving the program reason for hope. The Cavs last and best chance to keep that streak alive comes Friday. Entering the game at 1-2, another sub-.500 finish almost certainly would end Mike London’s head coaching-tenure and a loss to BSU would leave the Cavs at 1-3 heading into ACC play. Virginia could go 5-3 in league play. The Cavs don’t play Clemson or Florida State and get Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech at home, so the ACC portion is manageable. But asking a 1-3 team with an embattled coach and little recent success to win five or more league games is a lot. While a victory over Boise State and a 2-2 record would guarantee nothing, at least the Cavs would have some optimism entering next week’s open date.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
We’re not really sure what to expect in this game. The Broncos will be auditioning two quarterbacks to replace the injured Finley, who broke his ankle last week and will be out two months. Thomas Stuart and Brett Rypien both played in the thrashing of Idaho State, but this is a much bigger stage. Stuart is a shifty dual threat who rushed for 46 yards last week while Rypien, the nephew of former Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien, is a 6-foot-2 pocket passer. Coach Bryan Harsin hasn’t named a starter but it’s likely both players get time under center. The Cavs are more of an enigma after narrowly escaping with a win over William and Mary last week. Two thirds of their offense came on six plays that gained between 21 and 80 yards. They have play makers, but also failed to consistently move the ball. Things will be more difficult against the Broncos.
Boise State 34, Virginia 23
The college football odds for this game were first available at BookMaker Sportsbook. The Broncos were pegged as 1.5-point chalk while the total opened at 51. Minute-by-minute spreads, totals and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The game between the Boise State Broncos and Virginia Cavaliers will start at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, September 25, 2015, at Scott Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
