College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 8
By Zach Bigalke
Boise State survived a weird Thursday-night game on the Smurf Turf against independent BYU, winning by a point to stay unbeaten. Jeremy McNichols had another huge game, rushing 30 times for 140 yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in five passes for 109 yards and another score. Brett Rypien threw for 442 yards and three touchdowns. The Broncos lost the turnover battle in a big way, though, coughing up three fumbles along with a pair of interceptions. Only turnovers and fake punt ineptitude prevented a bigger rout as Boise State outgained the Cougars by 250 yards.
The Broncos could bump up a couple of spots in the Top 25 after the attrition of Week 8. They face Wyoming next weekend in Laramie in a game that could effectively seal up the MWC Mountain title. The Cowboys are the only team on which Boise State does not hold a two-game lead in the division. November should present few obstacles for Bryan Harsin’s team if they get past the Pokes. San Jose State and UNLV come to Boise, while the Broncos travel to play Hawaii and Air Force.