2019 Boise State Broncos Football Team Preview: Odds and Predictions

After starting the year in the top 25, the Broncos fell out of the rankings after a loss to their lone power conference opponent, Oklahoma State. A home defeat at the hands of San Diego State would follow two weeks later, before winning out the rest of the regular season. Coach Bryan Harsin and his team finished strong with wins over ranked opponents Fresno State and Utah State, before bowing out in the conference championship game against the Bulldogs.

The 10-3 Broncos were powered by a balanced attack that featured quarterback Brett Rypien and running back Alexander Mattison, with the Broncos ranking among the top 25 schools in points (35.4) and yards (459.5) per game.

Key Returning Players (2018 Stats)

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— Boise State Football (@BroncoSportsFB) June 17, 2019

• WR John Hightower (Senior) – 31 Receptions | 504 Rec Yards | 8 Total TD
• LT Ezra Cleveland (Redshirt Junior) – 13 Starts | First Team All-Mountain West
• DE Curtis Weaver (Redshirt Junior) – 43 Total Tackles | 15.0 TFL | 9.5 Sacks
• CB Avery Williams (Redshirt Junior) – 49 Total Tackles | 2 INT | 3 Forced Fumbles

Given the losses at the skill positions, the biggest strength of Boise’s offense will be in the trenches, as All-Mountain West picks Ezra Cleveland and John Molchon are back to anchor the left side of the line. Returning seniors Garrett Larson and Eric Quevedo are expected to man the center and right guard positions, respectively.

Although redshirt sophomore Chase Cord is the favourite to start at quarterback, the likes of Riley Smith and Hank Bachmeier should provide stiff competition. As far as the rushing attack is concerned, the Broncos will look to rotate between redshirt junior Robert Mahone and sophomore Andrew Van Buren.

The defense on the other hand, is well stocked with sack leader Curtis Weaver back to harass opposing quarterbacks. Leading tackler Kekoa Nawahine also returns to man the free safety spot, while Avery Williams will likely see double duty as a corner and punt returner.

Key Departures

• RB Alexander Mattison (NFL Draft)
• QB Brett Rypien (Graduation)
• DE Jabril Frazier (Graduation)
• WR Sean Modster (Graduation)

The Broncos lone NFL draft pick was a big loss in Mattison, who ran for over 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2018, while Rypien leaves Boise ranked second in school history in passing yards and touchdowns. Rypien’s top two receiving targets, Sean Modster and A.J. Richardson are also gone, while edge rusher Jabril Frazier leaves a void on the defensive line.

Notable Recruits (Star Ratings and Rankings According to Rivals.com)

Committed #B19BLUE pic.twitter.com/7MEIPfcfqX

— Hank Bachmeier (@qbhank19) May 10, 2018

• OLB Casey Kline – 4 Star | 6-5, 210lb | Brawley Union HS | Brawley, CA
• QB Hank Bachmeier – 4 Star | 6-2, 185lb | Murrieta Valley HS | Murrieta, CA
• OLB Lolani Langi – 3 Star | 6-3, 208lb | Bingham HS | South Jordan, UT
• RB George Holani – 3 Star | 5-11, 190lb | St. John Bosco HS | Bellflower, CA

The biggest recruiting haul by far for Boise State was Hank Bachmeier, who turned down offers from Georgia, Tennessee, and UCLA to play in Idaho. Bachmeier was not the only quarterback signing however, as he is joined by fellow California recruit Kaiden Bennett. Accompanying these passers is a trio of big receiving targets in DK Blaylock (6-5), Khyheem Waleed (6-3), and Shea Whiting (6-2).

Boise State Broncos 2019 Schedule

The Broncos open their 2019 season on a relatively big stage, as they take on a rebuilding Florida State program in Jacksonville. After that, they finish out September with three manageable matchups on the blue turf at Albertsons Stadium . With MWC contenders Fresno State and San Diego State not on the schedule, the November 23rd visit to Utah State should be the biggest test for Boise State. With that being said, the road trip to BYU could present a challenge, with LaVell Edwards Stadium being one of the toughest places to play in.

Where to Bet on Win Totals in New Jersey

New Jersey residents can log on to 888Sport to wager on Boise State’s win total. With an over/under of 10 wins, the Broncos should be in the running as a top contender for a New Years Six bowl among Group of Five schools.

Number of Games Won – Excluding Bowl Games & Play Offs

Regular season only. Conference championship games do not count.

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