NCAAF Matchups: It was an impressive debut for the Colorado State Rams as they took apart intrastate rival Colorado last week which likely indicates that their 2013 breakout season as a bowl team was no fluke and a portent of things to come. The Boise State Broncos came up flat against Ole Miss last week and it looks like former coach Chris Petersen got out while the getting was good.
The Boise State Broncos (-10.5) will host the Colorado State Rams at Albertsons Stadium on Saturday night with coverage on ESPN2 starting at 10:15 PM ET.
Broncos Busted by Rebels
Boise State is coming off a 35-13 loss at Ole Miss as 9.5 point dogs as they were outgained 461-399 and struggled badly in the red zone as they were unable to cash in on numerous scoring opportunities against the more athletic Ole Miss defense. QB Grant Hedrick tossed four interceptions in the loss and the Broncos defense was lit up for 387 yards passing.
Ramming the Buffs
Colorado State scored a 31-17 win over Colorado as they rallied from a 17-7 3rd quarter deficit to get the money as 2.5 point dogs. The Rams outgained the Buffs 400 to 375 as they ran all over Colorado with 266 yards on the ground as Dee Hart and Treyous Jarrells both cleared the 100-yard mark. Though it was against an inept Colorado defense, Jim McElwain’s team looks like it can be a legitimate contender for the Mountain West crown.
Matchup and Pick
Colorado State has had the hot hand on the betting board in away games with seven payouts in their last eight games on the road with nine out of their last 12 away games going over the total. After making huge profits on their famed blue carpet the betting public has inflated the price of taking Boise State at home as the Broncos have covered just six out of their last 20 games at Albertsons Stadium with just five out of their last 14 home games going over the total. Although the Broncos have come away with the money in two out of their last three games with the Rams all three of the previous meetings were covered by the away team. Last year Boise State came away with the cash in a 42-30 win at Colorado State as seven point favorites. All three of the previous meetings between the Rams and Broncos have gone over the total. We like the look of Colorado State and will ride the Rams in this one.
