BYU Football: Score prediction for Boise State vs BYU
By Adam Gibby
Misc. Categories
Weather/Climate: The Cougars and Broncos play at relatively the same climate. Unlike earlier this year with USF or Arizona State, the dry high elevation climate won’t be a factor in this game. The weather could be a big factor however as the high is only 50F and rainy. While it won’t affect how the players feel physically, BYU’s ability to run in the rain will be more as a plus versus Boise State’s tendency to throw.
Atmosphere: The ROC this year has been spectacular. This is a sell out game, however rain can dampen things a bit and kill the noise much quicker than normal. If BYU gets down a few scores or stalls out, it is very possible that Lavell Edwards Stadium will be the quietest it’s been all year. That being said, it will still be loud and there will be plenty of Bachmeier posters around to give the Cougars an edge.
Special Teams: In a game where the ball will likely be wet most of the game, having good special teams is an absolute must as field goals and punting suddenly become one of, if not the most difficult job on the team. Jake Oldoyd and Ryan Rhekow have been solid all season when playing, but Boise State also has a solid kicking game. The advantage here goes to whoever can make the least amount of mistakes.
Motivation: Boise State would love nothing more than to spoil BYU’s season, just as the Cougars did to them in 2019. They would also like to avenge the embarrassing loss they had up in Boise last year. At the same time the Broncos are 2-3 and have already likely lost any hope of a NY6 even if they go on to win the Mountain West Conference Championship. While their loss to Oklahoma State was undeserved, at the end of the day their record stands at 2-3. 2-4 would be the worst start since…who knows when. BYU is hyped up with energy right now, but one has to wonder if they don’t start looking a bit ahead to their trip to Waco, Texas next week as that seems to be the biggest hurdle left facing the Cougars. I’m not sure who gets the edge here, but it will be interesting.