The Western Michigan Broncos and the Boise State Broncos face off in the non-power conference game of the week in college football Week 4. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Boise State is listed as a 7.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 49.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for this Week 4 matchup.
Western Michigan vs. Boise State Prediction, Preview
Boise State Preview
Boise State is on the warpath to prove that they should get that Group of Six playoff spot again. They earned that spot in 2024-25 after a narrow loss to Oregon and then going on to win the Mountain West. This season, they had another narrow loss to Oregon and are the favorites to win the Pac-12. However, they are also looking to take out some of their competition for that spot. Last week, they beat Memphis, one of the favorites to win the American. This week, they take on the defending MAC champions, Western Michigan. Boise State could have a “signature loss” and two wins over potential conference champions before they even begin Pac-12 play.
Western Michigan Preview
Western Michigan has also had a strong start to the season. The Broncos were MAC champions last season and opened this season by nearly knocking off Michigan. They were one (possibly fictitious) second away from pulling off one of the biggest upsets in recent college football history. If Western Michigan can pull off this upset and then win the MAC, they will have a very strong case to be the Group of Six representative in the College Football Playoff. Broc Lowry and Jalen Buckley will need to control the game on the ground and use their home field as a true advantage. The defense will also need to limit explosive passes from Maddux Madsen.
Western Michigan vs. Boise State Pick, Best Bet
My best bet is on Western Michigan +7.5. There should be a great atmosphere in Kalamazoo, as this game is arguably even more important than the one against Michigan that they nearly won. While very early in the season, the win against Boise State would put them in the driver’s seat for the College Football Playoff. Boise State has had a grueling non-conference schedule so far, and this trip to Kalamazoo will not be an easy one. Boise State ranks 98th nationally in defensive EPA/play, and all three of their opponents have been able to move it against them. Western Michigan should control the clock by moving it on the ground and keep the Boise State offense in check. That should allow them to keep this game within one score.
