The Boise State Broncos meet the UCF Knights Thursday in the season opener for both teams at the Bounce House. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Below, we look at the Boise State vs. UCF odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
The Broncos and Knights each enter 2021 on the outside of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports Top 25. However, this is a marquee matchup.
Boise State went 5-1 in the regular season last year before getting tripped up 34-20 in the Mountain West Championship Game by San Jose.
The Broncos are the team to beat in the MWC’s West Division. They are led by a combo of QBs in Hank Bachmeier and Jack Sears with RB George Holani in the backfield and a stellar triumvirate of WRs Octavius Evans, Khalil Shakir and CT Thomas.
As for UCF, former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn takes over and the cupboard is definitely not bare. QB Dillon Gabriel is a star, and WR Jaylon Robinson is his big-play partner.
Boise State at UCF odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:54 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Boise State +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | UCF -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Boise State +5.5 (-107) | UCF -5.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 67.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)
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Boise State at UCF odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Boise State 41, UCF 38
Money line
BOISE STATE (+175) is loaded on offense and it has the weapons on the outside to play with anybody in the nation. The biggest question is if BSU can get stops on defense, and how it will handle the heat and humidity of Central Florida in early September.
Against the spread
If you’re not feeling the visitors straight up, BOISE STATE +5.5 (-107) is a strong play in this cross-country, mid-major marquee battle. Holani can be a beast in the backfield if he is back to his pre-injury level and the trio of receivers will be a handle for the Knights secondary.
Over/Under
The OVER 67.5 (-120) is the lean in this game. The Broncos scored 40 or more points in four of seven outings last season, while the Knights averaged 44.3 points per game last season to rank fifth in the nation. The scoreboard operator at the Bounce House better be ready.
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