The undefeated Washington State Cougars (4-0) will head over to Albertsons Stadium to take on the No. 25 Boise State Broncos (2-1) on Saturday night. Kickoff for this matchup is set for 10 p.m. ET on FS1.
Washington State is coming off a bizarre 54-52 win over San Jose State, while Boise State smoked Portland State, 56-14.
The Broncos are seven-point favorites over the Cougars on the spread in a game with a total of 63.5 points. Meanwhile, Boise State is -218 on the moneyline.
Let’s take a look at who I see coming out victorious in this game with my Washington State vs. Boise State prediction.
Washington State vs Boise State Prediction
- Washington State vs Boise State Pick: Over 65
My Washington State vs Boise State best bet is on the over, with the best line currently available at DraftKings, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Washington State vs Boise State Odds
| Washington St Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -108 | 65 -110o / -110u | +180 |
| Boise State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -112 | 65 -110o / -110u | -218 |
- Washington State vs Boise State Point Spread: Washington State +6.5 (-110) · Boise State -6.5 (-110)
- Washington State vs Boise State Total: Over/Under 65
- Washington State vs Boise State Moneyline: Washington State +180 · Boise State -218
Washington State vs Boise State Preview
Washington State Cougars Betting Preview: Mateer — Jack of All Trades
Washington State is 4-0 to begin its season, including a win over rival Washington Huskies in an early version of the Apple Cup.
Quarterback John Mateer is leading the way for this team with 1,041 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He's also the team's leading rusher with 452 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Washington State ranks 70th in offensive success rate, but it has the most explosive offense in the nation. The Cougs run the ball 55% of the time, ranking 83rd in success rate, 31st in PPA and fourth in explosiveness. They're 60th in passing success rate, 31st in passing PPA and 16th in passing explosiveness.
The Cougars’ defense ranks 74th in success rate and 104th in finishing drives this season. They're 56th in finishing drives but only 109th in Havoc generated.
Washington State is 82nd in rushing success rate allowed and 76th in rushing PPA allowed, which may be an issue in this matchup. It's 67th in success rate and 69th in PPA against the pass this season.
Boise State Broncos Betting Preview: Pounding the Rock
The Boise State Broncos' only loss this season came on the road against Oregon on a last second field goal.
They looked great against Portland State and Georgia Southern, but SP+’s postgame adjusted margin was -12.9 for Boise State against Oregon, meaning the game was closer than it likely should have been.
Boise State leads the country in rushing explosiveness and PPA this year behind star running back Ashton Jeanty. It's 41st in rushing success rate, as he's run 55 times for 598 yards and nine touchdowns in just three games.
Overall, Boise State ranks 59th in offensive success rate, sixth in explosiveness and 23rd in finishing drives. The Broncos 94th in passing success rate and 76th in passing PPA this season, as Maddux Madsen’s play has been fine but uninspiring.
Boise State’s defense hasn't looked great this season. It ranks 107th in success rate, 122nd in explosiveness and 134th in finishing drives. It's also 119th in rushing success rate allowed and 118th in rushing PPA allowed.
Against the pass, it's a bit better down-to-down, ranking 64th in passing success rate allowed. However, the Broncos are vulnerable to the big play, ranking 128th in passing explosiveness allowed and 115th in passing PPA allowed.
Washington State vs Boise State
Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Washington State and Boise State match up statistically:
Washington State Offense vs. Boise State Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 50 | 92 | |
| Line Yards | 70 | 82 | |
| Pass Success | 54 | 108 | |
| Havoc | 62 | 40 | |
| Finishing Drives | 35 | 117 | |
| Quality Drives | 33 | 73 | |
Boise State Offense vs. Washington State Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 7 | 72 | |
| Line Yards | 11 | 46 | |
| Pass Success | 68 | 82 | |
| Havoc | 26 | 93 | |
| Finishing Drives | 4 | 86 | |
| Quality Drives | 30 | 102 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 116 | 67 |
| PFF Coverage | 24 | 31 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 113 | 102 |
| Middle 8 | 30 | 67 |
| Seconds per Play | 23.9 (12) | 25.9 (40) |
| Rush Rate | 55% (50) | 52% (75) |
Washington State vs Boise State Pick & Prediction
Boise State’s rushing offense has been good this season, but I worry about its defense in this matchup.
Mateer has been leading this dangerous Washington State offense and can replicate that success against Boise State if it doesn't show improvement.
Jeanty is one of the best backs in the country, if not the best. Washington State’s defense hasn’t been great this season either, allowing 52 points to San Jose State just a week ago.
Boise State ranks 41st in seconds per play this season, while Washington State is 15th. This game already has a high total at 65 points, but I think there's high shootout potential in this matchup.
I’ll be taking the over at 65 points, and I would bet this up to 66, which is another key number in college football totals.
Pick: Over 65 (Play to 66)
How to Watch Washington State vs Boise State Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 28 |
| Kickoff Time: | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | FS1 |
Washington State vs Boise State Betting Trends
- 65% of the bets and 85% of the money is towards the Cougars covering.
- 35% of the tickets and 79% of the money is targeted for the over.
- Boise State moneyline has 97% of the bets and only 57% of the money.
