Washington State quarterback Owen Eshelman threw for 289 yards and ran for 136 in his first start, making an offense that had spent weeks sputtering suddenly worth following. The Cougars finished four touchdown drives of at least 75 yards at Oregon State. Boise State returns from its bye with a defense that has recently let opponents complete plenty of long marches themselves. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Washington State Cougars and the Boise State Broncos.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Wazzu vs. Boise State prediction, preview
Fresno State drove 75, 74, 59 and 73 yards for touchdowns against the Broncos, despite Boise controlling possession for almost 39 minutes. Boise has conceded 8.7 yards per pass attempt through six games. Eshelman found receiver Branden Ganashamoorthy 11 times for 147 yards last week, while wideout Daniel Blood caught six for 59. Eshelman can return to those receivers when Boise closes his running lanes.
Eshelman still averaged just 5.9 yards per throw, and he did much of his work after Oregon State established a large lead. Cougars coach Kirby Moore has one encouraging start to develop. Boise has allowed only 17 conversions on 62 third downs this season, and Moore’s backs offered little help last week: running back Kirby Vorhees gained 16 yards on six attempts, fellow back Leo Pulalasi seven on three. Eshelman will have to rescue some difficult passing downs himself.
Washington State also lists receiver Darrius Clemons doubtful and left tackle Ashton Tripp questionable. Tripp already missed Eshelman’s debut. Moore has seen the quarterback escape and complete throws with that replacement protection, but Boise gets a full week to prepare for his running. I expect more punts than Washington State managed against a defense protecting a substantial lead.
Broncos quarterback Maddux Madsen can score through a much fuller backfield. Running back Dylan Riley rushed for 150 yards at Fresno State, and fellow back Sire Gaines added 120. Riley also caught four passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. Washington State just allowed Oregon State to rush for 208 yards and throw for 347. Madsen can turn to Riley as a receiver when the Cougars finally contest a handoff.
Boise State vs. Wazzu pick, best bet
Boise ran that effectively with guard Jason Steele replacing injured left guard Carson Rasmussen, who remains out. Receiver Rasean Jones has come off the injury report, while wideout Ben Ford remains questionable. Tight end Matt Wagner caught five passes at Fresno State. Coach Spencer Danielson has passing alternatives even if Ford cannot contribute normally, and Madsen has yet to throw an interception this season. Boise also converted all four fourth-down attempts against the Bulldogs.
Washington State hosts Homecoming at Gesa Field with mild, dry weather forecast. Boise can prepare specifically for Eshelman, whose uncertain protection and receiving help make another huge afternoon less likely. Riley, Gaines and Madsen should score often enough against this defense to make Washington State chase again. Eshelman has shown enough running and receiving connections to help carry the game beyond 53.5.
Best bet: Over 53.5 (-108).
Projected score: Boise State 35, Washington State 24.
Best Bet: Washington State vs. Boise State o53.5 total points scored (-110)
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