No. 17 Boise State is set to face UNLV in a pivotal Mountain West matchup on Friday night in Las Vegas, broadcast on CBS Sports Network. This game is crucial for the College Football Playoff landscape, as the Broncos are positioned to secure one of the five automatic bids designated for conference champions in the upcoming 12-team playoff format.
After a bye week, Boise State defeated Hawaii 28-7 in their last game on October 12. The Broncos’ only defeat this season came against No. 1 Oregon in Week 2. They have only trailed for just under 22 minutes in total this season, ranking fourth in the FBS, behind Indiana, Army, and Ole Miss.
UNLV also heads into Week 9 with a single loss in nonconference play and poses a significant threat to Boise State’s aspirations for the MWC title. The Rebels are on a two-game winning streak, recently securing a 33-25 victory over Oregon State after a previous overtime loss to Syracuse.
Here are the key details for the Boise State versus UNLV game.
Viewing Information:
Date: Friday, October 25 | Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas
Network: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free)
Streaming available on Paramount+ with Showtime (Free Trial Offered)
Key Insights on Boise State vs. UNLV:
College Football Playoff stakes: The winner will gain a significant advantage in the Mountain West title race and could enhance their chances for the CFP. Boise State, UNLV, Colorado State, and San Diego State all start Week 9 undefeated in conference games. UNLV has claimed victories against Kansas, Fresno State, Houston, and Oregon State. As the highest-ranked Group of Five team in the latest AP poll, Boise State holds the No. 17 position.
Ashton Jeanty in focus: Jeanty has emerged as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, with betting odds set at +250 according to Caesars Sportsbook. He aims to break records, striving to become the first running back to win the award since Derrick Henry in 2015 and the first player from a non-power conference since Ty Detmer in 1990. Jeanty has amassed 1,248 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns this season, putting him on track to challenge single-season rushing records. UNLV’s game plan will undoubtedly prioritize containing Jeanty.
UNLV’s advantage with Hajj-Malik Williams: After starting quarterback Matthew Sluka left the program, UNLV found a spark in Williams, who has thrown for 838 yards and 10 touchdowns, along with contributing 390 rushing yards and four scores. His performance will be critical for UNLV against Boise State.
Prediction for Boise State vs. UNLV:
The outcome of this matchup hinges on UNLV’s ability to contain Jeanty, a task no team has notably achieved this season. With a top-ranked run defense allowing 104.4 yards per game, this may be the most formidable challenge Jeanty has faced. Given Jeanty’s immense talent and the competitive nature of this matchup, Boise State is favored to win and cover the spread, taking a significant step towards a potential College Football Playoff berth. Prediction: Boise State -3.5.
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