UNLV Rebels vs. Boise State Broncos Mountain West Championship Game prediction, preview (8:00pm ET)
One of my first college football wagers of the offseason was on Boise State to win the Mountain West, laying -130 and going back for more at -140. But the Broncos lost their season opener, and then didn’t look great during some conference games once the quarterback got injured. The Broncos were +850 to win the conference just a couple of weeks ago, so you certainly could’ve gotten a better price.
Boise was looking like it wouldn’t even get the chance to play in this game. However, due to a wild final week of the regular season, and some fortunate decisions by the Mountain West computer system, not only are the Broncos playing for the conference title, but they’re hosting the game.
The good fortune for Boise continues, as Maddux Madsen is expected to return under center to face UNLV on the Smurf Turf on Friday night. Oh yeah, and it also looks like we’ll be getting Boise weather on Friday night, with cold temps and some freezing rain. These are not the conditions UNLV wants to play in, against a program that’s simply had the Rebels’ number for years now.
Boise was actually nearly a two-touchdown favorite when these teams met on the Smurf Turf in mid-October, and the Broncos went for 56 points in that game. I’m not expecting quite those type of fireworks in this type of game, but it just goes to show what this offense is capable of. Meanwhile, UNLV will be in a house or horrors in this one, having never won on the Smurf Turf in the rivalry. Give me the experienced, polished team to get the job done. I’ll be rooting my futures home here, but if you’re looking for a play before kick, I’d lay the points with the Broncos,
