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WEEK 11: Boise State Broncos (4-5, 3-2 MW) vs New Mexico Lobos (3-6, 1-4 MW)
WHEN: Saturday, November 11th – 7:00pm PT/ 8:00pm MT
WHERE: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
TV: FS1
STREAM: Get a free trial with FuboTV
RADIO: Boise State on KBOI 93.1FM/ KTIK 670AM
SERIES RECORD: Boise State leads the series 12-1, with New Mexico’s lone win coming in 2015. Boise State won last year’s matchup 31-14 in Albuquerque
LAST WEEK: Boise State lost at Fresno State 30-37, while New Mexico Lost to UNVL 14-56
SPREAD: Boise -26.5
Boise State comes into this week’s game looking to rebound from a frustrating loss last week to Fresno State, where the Broncos were never more than ten points behind and never closer than three points throughout the game. That was the 4th loss by one score or less this season. New Mexico is on a two-game losing streak, falling to Nevada 24-34 and UNLV 14-56 in their last two weeks.
Keys To Victory
Stop Turning The Ball Over, PLEASE!
On the season, the Broncos have turned the ball over 16 times (9 INT, 7 FUM), which has left them -6 on the year. Most of these turnovers have come in the first half, which hasn’t helped the Broncos struggle to gain a rhythm offensively.
The only Mountain West opponent the Broncos have been able to win the turnover battle against was San Diego State, a game they won by just three points. Even in the 32-7 win over Wyoming, Boise State had more turnovers, one of which set up Wyoming’s only touchdown. With only six takeaways on the season, New Mexico should be an excellent opportunity to run a clean game plan and establish a rhythm.
Keep The Youth Movement Rolling
With Ashton Jeanty still uncertain to play and Eric McAlister leaving the team, the newest Broncos have an opportunity to make their mark on the season. Running back Jambres Dubar and wide receiver Prince Strachan have the chance to get onfield experience over the last three games of the regular season.
Dubar is currently fourth on the team in carries and has shown explosiveness when he has relived Jeanty or George Holani this season. If he can get more carries, it should help keep Holani and Jeanty healthy upon his return. With only four catches this year, Prince Strachan will likely see the field more and has shown the ability to produce with his touchdown catch against Wyoming and a 22-yard catch against Fresno State.
Go 1-0
With being 4-5, the QB situation, many calling for the coaching staff to get fired, McAlister’s surprise departure for the portal, and another season of top players struggling to stay healthy, there is a lot of noise around the program. Winning the next three games would help calm some of that down, starting with going 1-0 this week.
Prediction:
These keys are basic in football, yet they are the areas this team has struggled with this season. There is still the opportunity for the Broncos to “right the ship,” finish the season with a winning record, and be bowl-eligible. This weekend, Boise State will take advantage of the Lobo defense that hasn’t allowed fewer than 21 points to an FBS opponent and force their offense into mistakes to come away with a lopsided victory.
Boise State 46, New Mexico 13
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