Portland State (0-2) travels to the blue turf to take on Boise State (1-1) on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Week 4 nonconference action.
The game kicks off at 9:45 p.m. ET and can be seen on FS1.
Boise State is currently listed as a 41.5-point favorite with a total on this game set at 67.5. So, where does the betting value lie for Saturday night's FCS vs. FBS clash?
Let's dive into my Portland State vs. Boise State predictions and college football picks for Saturday, Sept. 21.
Portland State vs Boise State Prediction
- Boise State vs Portland State Pick: Boise State -41.5
My Portland State-Boise State best bet is on the Broncos to cover, with the best line currently available at DraftKings, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Portland State vs Boise State Odds
| Portland State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+41.5 -110 | 69 -110o / -110u | N/A |
| Boise State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-41.5 -110 | 69 -110o / -110u | N/A |
- Portland State vs Boise State Point Spread: Portland State +41.5 (-110) · Boise State -41.5 (-110)
- Portland State vs Boise State Total: Over/Under 69 (-110o / -110u)
Portland State vs Boise State Preview
Portland State Vikings Betting Preview: Recovering from Whooping Cough
Portland State comes into this one after its opponent last week wasn’t on the field but in the medical room.
The game against South Dakota was canceled due to an outbreak of whooping cough. There were several players affected with the illness that impacts the respiratory system and is extremely contagious.
Portland State administration confirmed late Wednesday that the team has effectively treated affected players and the game against Boise State will be played as scheduled.
As far as the football is concerned, PSU has struggled so far this season, predominantly on defense. The Vikings have given up 18 scoring drives against Weber State and Washington State.
An average of 586 yards per game have been surrendered and they've given up 114 total points. Additionally, the front seven has been as bad as can be, yielding 7.72 yards per carry against the run while creating very little Havoc.
Offensively, the Vikings have moved the ball pretty well, averaging 345 yards on offense. They have also run the ball well, putting up 4.2 yards per carry.
Boise State Broncos Betting Preview: Led By Jeanty
Boise State comes in off of a bye week after a thrilling performance in a close loss at Oregon in Week 2.
Ashton Jeanty is validating high expectations. He's one of the best running backs in the entire country this season, racking up 459 yards and nine touchdowns, including a six-touchdown performance to open the season against Georgia Southern and a three-score outing against Oregon.
Overall, the offense is averaging 45 points per game and 510 yards per game. However, the Broncos have some glaring holes defensively and have been exposed by Georgia Southern and Oregon.
Boise State has surrendered 41.5 points per game and 406 yards per game. Comparatively, it played a lot better against Oregon, factoring in the competition and situation.
Portland State vs Boise State Pick & Prediction
I'm going to lay the points with Boise State here.
The Broncos are going to roll here. The rushing offense has been efficient and explosive this year while averaging 8.7 yards per carry through two games.
Boise has been solid on third down this year as well, going 16-of-30 against much tougher competition than Portland State. Keeping drives alive will continue to be important throughout the season.
I just can't see the Vikings getting stops in the run game. Another 200-yard rushing effort from Jeanty isn't out of the question even in limited action.
Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen was inefficient last game against Oregon, and I could see the Broncos giving him some extra opportunities to throw the ball using play-action off the run game.
They like to run crossing routes and get the tight ends and running backs involved in the passing game, but to this point, that has been ineffective. I would expect to see more of this to allow Madsen to regain some confidence moving forward.
When Boise has the game in hand, backup running back Sire Gaines will continue to provide explosive, chain-moving runs. This will also result in drives ending in touchdowns.
I would imagine that Boise State has really focused on correcting some of the deficiencies on defense. While Portland State is likely to have some success, I expect it to fall too far behind to believe it can win the game and will rotate reserve players into the lineup exclusively in the second half.
Boise is playing in its home opener, and it's gone 9-4 against the spread at Albertsons Stadium over the last two years. Historically, the Broncos have put together much more complete performances on the blue turf, and I would anticipate a massive blowout here.
I'm assuming that no one for Portland State is held out as a result of the whooping cough outbreak. If players are held out, that would only further strengthen my position on the game.
Pick: Boise State -41.5 (-110)
How to Watch Portland State vs Boise State Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID |
| Date: | Saturday, Sep. 21 |
| Kickoff Time: | 9:45 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | FS1 |
Portland State vs Boise State Betting Trends
- 80% of tickets generated and 68% of the money is targeted for Portland State to cover.
- 89% of bets and 40% of the money is aimed at the under.
