Washington State’s 31-28 loss to Boise State in 2016 proved a few things. For one, it showed that the Broncos can still ball…even against a tough PAC-12 opponent.
It also showed that WSU head coach Mike Leach still has a big fat mouth.
“That’s what we are, a JC softball team,” Leach said after the loss. “The team that wins is the one that has the most fun…all this stuff that has contaminated America where they give every little kid a trophy and don’t keep score in Little League anymore.”
If Leach ever flipped on ESPN in August, he would learn that they do still keep score in Little League. But bluster aside, the skipper has put his talent to work in building the Cougars into a contender.
Boise State opened its season with an unremarkable 24-13 win over Troy.
Who: Boise State Broncos at Washington State Cougars
When: Saturday, September 9th, 10:30 PM EST
Where: Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA
Lines: Boise State (+10) at Washington State (-10) / O/U Total: (58)
WSU opened with (-7) point spread odds and has become a much more solid favorite as bettors are going with the home team. Is the confidence justified?
There was nothing in the Cougars’ season-opening win over Montana State to suggest otherwise. Leach’s team shut out the Bobcats 31-0, and experienced signal-caller Kyle Falk set a school record with his 92nd touchdown pass. RB Jamal Morrow rushed for almost 9 yards per carry.
The Boise State offense is not in any kind of rhythm, with QB Brett Rypien getting criticized from within and outside of the program. It’s a quarterback controversy in Boise, though not an exciting one, as nobody knows for sure what the Broncos have underneath Rypien – yes, he’s former Super Bowl QB Mark Rypien’s offspring, but not currently playing like it.
BSU will be relying on a stout defense that caused fits for the Troy Trojans. But the Washington State offense at home might be too much to handle.
The Blue Broncs have a way of stepping up for big games. But so does WSU wide receiver James Williams, who had the best day of any Cougar last week with 163 yards receiving and 2 touchdown catches.
Visiting teams with struggling offenses, even if they’re legendary programs, won’t be able to keep up with the aerial spread attack in Pullman.
Look for WSU to start slow, then win by a couple of touchdowns. BetFirm’s pick is Washington State to cover.