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Game facts
- Time: Saturday, Sept. 14th, 8:15pm (MT)
- Location: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
- Weather at kickoff: 76° partly cloudy
- Odds: Boise by 31.5
- TV: ESPN2
- Radio: KBOI 670 AM
- Commentators: Mike “Kizzen” Couzens, Kirk “Van” Morrison
Other facts
1. The sky—so big
Portland State is a member of the Big Sky Conference—a league the Broncos called home for 25 years, during which time they won a national title (1980) and were national runners-up (1994). Their last Big Sky foe was Idaho State in a game that birthed the Brett Rypien era, but they have actually only played THREE FCS schools since 2010, the 8th lowest number in the country in that time frame. We reject your cupcakes.
2. Tough Schmedding
The Broncos haven’t allowed a single point in the second half this season—one of only 3 teams in the country to accomplish such a feat. Marshall had one good drive last weekend to get on the board in the first quarter, but netted exactly ZERO yards after halftime. Of course, the Broncos still only won by a score after an equally impressive display of foot marksmanship.
3. Koetts in the Kradle
Everyone that always secretly wanted Koetter to return to The Blue is about to get their wish, although slightly altered in one of those monkey’s paw wish sort of ways. Davis Koetter, son of Dirk, is. a 6’2” sophomore receiver for the Vikings who’ll try to do work against the Broncos and maybe fight Mike Prater on sight. He had 107 yards on just 4 receptions last week, so who knows?
4. Glanvillainous
Streaks
Boise State - Won 2
Portland State- Won 1
Storks
Best name on their roster
Apologies to Michael Jackson, but Romeo Gunt is in the building.
Best picture on their roster
You wouldn’t block a guy with glasses, would you?
Players to watch
Davis Alexander, QB
As the starting QB, Alexander HAS to land on this list, but you probably won’t know what to expect from the junior signal-caller based on his last two games. Against Simon Fraser, he threw for 292 yards and 3 TDs with a 72% completion percentage. His rating in that game was a tidy 209.7. The previous week, he didn’t even sniff 50% on his completions, while throwing for no scores and 2 picks. His rating was 61.0. I tend to think he’ll have as much success as that latter statline against a non-Canuck team, but that’s why we play the game. Well, not “we”, but you know...WE.
Charlie Taumoepeau, TE
Taumoepeau (that’s the last time I’m typing that out, okay?) was a 2nd team All-American last season and a 1st team all-conference performer after amassing 28 receptions for 580 yards and 5 TDs. This guy will remind you of that guy we used to lovingly refer to as SCHOUUUUUUUUU.
Korbin Sorenson, OG
The 6’6” 305 lb. junior was an all-conference 3rd-teamer a season ago and has started 23 straight games on the Vikings O-line. He was once being pursued by the Broncos as a recruiting target, so you know he’s passed that Harsin seal of approval as well.
Romeo Gunt, S
Mr. Gunt, we meet again. Gunt is actually the Vikings top returning tackler from a season ago and already has 19 through 2 games this season. There’s a good chance you’ll hear his name called a lot on Saturday night...try not to snicker.
Players NOT to watch
Personally, I’m glad that Joe Rubin graduated over a decade ago. You may or may not remember, but Rubin was the PSU running back that ran for 150 yards against the Broncos in 2005—in a game the Broncos won by a measly TD. Those were the days.
Keys to victory
- Watch that blitz. MUCH has been written about the number of hits our young QB is taking. Maybe give him a week off from the blindside hits and helmet-jarring knocks?
- Red zone resurgence. The Broncos haven’t had a lot of trouble FINDING the redzone this season, but doing the next logical thing in the redzone has been a bit more baffling. Great week to remedy that.
- Security. Specifically, with the ball. Fumbles are not your friend.
- Don’t lose. Pushing the envelope on this one through first two weeks, but results are results.
Score prediction
Well, I was waaaaay off last week, so I’m just going to double-down and predict another lopsided victory
Boise State 45, Portland State 10