Boise State Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
By Zach Bigalke
Bryan Harsin knows all too well how tough Troy can be to play. With Arkansas State in 2013, Harsin’s team barely survived the Trojans at home in a 41-34 shootout. Neal Brown enters his third season at the helm at Troy with a veteran roster that will contend for the Sun Belt crown in 2017.
Last year the Trojans nearly knocked off eventual national champion Clemson on the road 30-24 en route to a 10-3 finish. Though they finished on the outside, Troy entered the AP Top 25 for the first time in school history in November when they beat Appalachian State to move to 8-1 on the year.
With almost their entire offense returning in 2017, Brown’s squad should be even more productive this year. This is a tough way to start the season for both schools, especially with Power Five opponents looming in the near future. Troy has never played Boise State, nor have they ever played in the annual bowl game on the Smurf Turf at Albertsons Stadium.
Final: Boise State 34, Troy 28 (1-0)
The novel experience will put them behind in their quest for a second straight bowl appearance. Boise State is going to find out what Clemson and many other opponents did last season. Troy is a talented team led by senior quarterback Brandon Silvers. The Trojans will put up points, but Boise State will score just enough to prevail over the visitors.