BYU football looking to keep playoff hopes alive against Boise State

After a 7-0 start and unreal numbers from Zach Wilson, BYU football faces its toughest challenge yet, traveling to face No. 22 Boise State.

At the beginning of the season, the one notable player from the very first FBS game played in 2020 was Zach Wilson. The notable Wilson, threw for a solid 232 yards and two touchdowns in a 55-3 thrashing of Navy. The junior has not looked back since, as he has led the No. 9 BYU Cougars to a 7-0 start on the season.

Head coach Kalani Sitake has matched the Cougars win total from a season ago as BYU is beginning to garner national attention. This game goes along way for not only the Cougars, but the 22nd ranked Boise State Broncos as well.

It’s normally not good to have a two-quarterback situation. Instead, the Broncos over the past two weeks shows they have two quality quarterbacks. Hank Bachmeier started the season and threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns.

After being sidelined last week, due to an injury, it was Jack Sears that stepped in and had an efficient game against Air Force last week. He went 17-for-20, with 280 yards and three touchdowns, while having zero turnovers.

Bachmeier is probable for the game and it might be Sears that gets the nod as the starter for the second straight week. How that develops will be crucial for both teams.

CT Thomas had an explosive game, going for two catches, 101 yards, and two touchdowns in that last game for the Broncos. After having back-to-back 500-yard seasons, Thomas is looking to become WR1, after a sluggish two catches for 21 yards in the opener.

For both teams, this is a humongous game that could go along way in each other’s seasons. For BYU, they are trying to build a resume and Boise State might be the toughest game on their schedule. A convincing win and dominance from Wilson will go along way for the Cougars.

No non-Power Five team has ever made the CFP, with UCF coming the closest back in 2017. BYU has a chance to make history and in a season like 2020, anything can happen.

For Boise State, they have been the longest tenured elite non-Power Five program over the last decade. Although not quite up to the levels of 2006-08, Boise State has a chance at a remarkable win.

Regardless of outcome, both teams will be given the national stage on a Friday night to prove why each team is among the best the Group of Five has to offer. Cincinnati will be watching very closely on this game as with a BYU win, gives the Cougars the upper hand over the Bearcats.

Here’s how to watch the game between the Broncos and Cougars.

Date: Friday, Nov. 6
Time: 9:35 p.m. ET
Location: Boise, Idaho
Venue: Albertsons Stadium
TV: FOX Sports 1
Stream: FOX Sports Go

Keys to Victory

For BYU, this will be Wilson’s biggest challenge yet. Through just two games, the Broncos have given up less than one hundred yards in each games. Take that stat with a grain of salt, as Air Force does run the triple-option. However, they held Jason Shelley to 92 yards on 27 attempts.

The secondary doesn’t force a lot of turnovers, but is stifling. Wilson will be tested and beating this secondary is the main key for a Cougars victory.

Although the Cougars offense gets headlines, their defense is nothing to sleep on. They rank ninth in the country in total defense, with giving up just 13.4 points per game. They are led on that end by Isaiah Kaufusi and Zac Dawe.

Keeping the young, inexperienced quarterback upright is going to be a challenge for the Broncos. For a group that already has 18 sacks on the season, letting Sears or Bachmeier have time will be crucial to find an impact player like Thomas.

Prediction

Boise State year in and year out is always a contender for the MWC and a yearly double-digit win team. However, BYU is on a streak that no one expected, coming into the season.

With the momentum of playing seven games already, the Cougars have a big opportunity to boost their resume for a CFP push. The Cougars on primetime TV on Friday night, get the job done and herald more praise as their name gets thicker into the playoff discussions.

Final Score: BYU 34, Boise State 24