After a disappointing loss to start the season, Boise State has been playing like the team that was the preseason favorite to make it to the College Football Playoff among Group of Five teams.
The Broncos looked far from that when they went on the road, ranked at No. 25 in the Associated Press Top 25, and lost 34-7 at South Florida.
But since then, Boise State defeated Eastern Washington 51-14 and then earned a 49-37 Mountain West win over Air Force on the road. Most recently, the Broncos blew out App State 47-14 at home.
But now Boise State will have perhaps its toughest test of the season. The Broncos are going on the road to play No. 21-ranked Notre Dame, which is 2-2 and has won its last two games by a collective margin of 112-43.
Boise State vs. Notre Dame Betting Odds
Notre Dame is a -21 college football betting odds favorite against Boise State, with the Over/Under being 62.5 as of this writing.
The moneyline for Boise State is +875, while it’s -1600 for Notre Dame.
Boise State vs. Notre Dame On TV
The matchup between Boise State and Notre Dame will be televised on NBC and Peacock.
The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 4. The contest is taking place at Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana.
Boise State vs. Notre Dame Prediction
I predict Notre Dame will win but Boise State will cover the 21-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 62.5 total points.
I don’t expect Boise State will manage to pull off the upset here, as impactful as that would be for the Broncos as they try to build their CFP resume. But I could see them keeping this game to within 10 points.
Since that loss against USF, Boise State has been playing at a high level. Maddux Madsen has thrown for 1,129 yards, nine touchdowns, and just one interception while rushing for 52 yards and one score.
And he hasn’t needed to rely on only one receiver. Latrell Caples leads Boise State with 240 yards on 15 catches while scoring two touchdowns through the air. But wide receivers Chris Marshall (10 catches, 216 yards, and one TD) and Ben Ford (11 catches, 193 yards, and three TDs) as well as tight end Matt Lauter (13 catches, 148 yards, and one TD) have been impactful as well.
And that’s not to mention Boise State’s rushing attack. The Broncos are in the top 20 in the country with 221 yards per game on the ground.
Dylan Riley has led the way with 360 yards and five touchdowns rushing, while Sire Gaines (245 yards and one TD) and Malik Sherrod (198 yards and two TDs) have made critical plays as well.
All to say, this Boise State offense is talented, and I think the Broncos will put up some points against Notre Dame, even if it’s while chasing the Fighting Irish if they build a lead.
