The Battle for the Gridiron: Boise State vs. San Diego State – 2023 College Football Showdown

Boise State vs. San Diego State: A Mountain West Showdown

On Friday night, the San Diego State Aztecs (2-2) will host the Boise State Broncos (1-2) in an eagerly anticipated Mountain West conference matchup. With both teams looking to gain momentum early in the season, this game holds significant importance for their standing in the conference.

The History and Current State of the Rivalry

The all-time series between Boise State and San Diego State is currently tied at 4-4. Last year, Boise State emerged victorious with a convincing 35-13 win over San Diego State. Both teams will be looking to secure a win in this matchup to establish their dominance and gain an edge in the rivalry.

Trends and Statistics

When analyzing the trends and statistics for this matchup, several noteworthy trends emerge. San Diego State games have gone under the total in six of the last nine times they have played at home, showcasing their tendency to engage in low-scoring affairs. On the other hand, Boise State games have trended towards the under in four of their last five games on the road, highlighting their defensive prowess.

The Broncos come into this game as 6-point favorites, indicating the level of respect they have earned from the oddsmakers. The over/under for total points is set at 46.5, further emphasizing the expectation of a tightly contested defensive battle. Bettors should take note of these statistics while considering their wagers.

Analysis: Why Boise State Can Cover

Boise State’s defense has been a dominant force, with disruptive and alert defenders wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. Their rush defense ranks fifth in the Mountain West, allowing an average of 125.7 yards per game. Linebacker Marco Notarainni has been instrumental in leading the Broncos’ defense, utilizing his instincts and awareness to consistently find the football. He leads the team in both total tackles (20) and sacks (2).

In their last game against North Dakota, Notarainni recorded an impressive stat line of 13 total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. Safety Alexander Teubner has also been a standout performer, contributing 18 tackles and excelling in the run game. Defensive end Ahmed Hassanein has displayed a knack for getting into the backfield, recording two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks on the season.

Boise State’s strong defensive unit gives them a significant advantage in this matchup. With their ability to disrupt the San Diego State offense, the Broncos have a strong chance of covering the spread and securing the victory.

Analysis: Why San Diego State Can Cover

San Diego State boasts several playmakers who can make a significant impact in this game. Senior tight end Mark Redman possesses both size and skill, using his physicality to overpower defenders. With 16 receptions, 179 receiving yards, and two touchdowns, Redman has emerged as a primary target for the Aztecs’ offense.

Senior running back Kenan Christon has also showcased his ability to make big plays, accumulating 126 rushing yards on 34 carries. Quarterback Jalen Mayden adds another dimension to San Diego State’s offense with his running ability, as he has amassed 193 rushing yards and two touchdowns so far this season.

The Aztecs’ offensive weapons, combined with their gritty defense, give them a legitimate chance of covering the spread in this matchup. Their playmakers have the potential to exploit Boise State’s defense and lead San Diego State to victory.

Expert Picks and Projections

SportsLine’s proven computer model has generated substantial profits for bettors, with a stunning profit of nearly $2,500 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. The model has simulated every FBS college football game 10,000 times to provide accurate projections and predictions.

In this matchup, the model projects a low-scoring affair, with the teams combining for 39 total points, favoring the under on the point total. Additionally, the model suggests that one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations.

For the best insights and expert picks, bettors are encouraged to visit SportsLine for the model’s full predictions and analysis.

Conclusion

As the Boise State Broncos and San Diego State Aztecs prepare to face off in this Mountain West showdown, both teams are eager to secure a victory and gain crucial momentum moving forward. With Boise State’s dominant defense and San Diego State’s playmakers on offense, this game promises to be a tightly contested battle.

Ultimately, bettors should carefully consider the historical trends, statistics, and expert picks before making their wagers. The game could swing in either team’s favor, making it a fascinating matchup for college football fans and bettors alike.