College Football Rankings 2019: Projected Top 25, Week 3 – LSU rising?
By Zach Bigalke
On Friday night, Boise State faced off against Conference USA favorite Marshall in what amounted to an early-season Group of Five elimination game. The Broncos struggled early in the contest, as the Thundering Herd took an early touchdown lead in the first quarter.
Two things turned the tide for Boise State as they rebounded to win 14-7. First, freshman quarterback Hank Bachmeier warmed up and started taking over the game with his arms and his legs. Bachmeier scored the tying touchdown on a 1-yard run just before halftime, and then threw the game-winning 47-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive after the intermission. For the night, the freshman finished with 282 passing yards, 26 rushing yards, and the two scores.
Boise State’s defense, much like they did against Florida State in the season opener, clamped down after a slow start and took matters into their own hands. Held to 172 yards of total offense, Marshall struggled after the first quarter to move the ball or pick up first downs. Coupled with a running game that heated up as the game progressed, Boise State was able to deflate any momentum the Herd had earlier in the contest.
The Broncos stay home next week as Portland State comes to town. They will likely hover around the bottom reaches of the AP Top 25 this week and remain on the cusp with a win over the Vikings.