College Football Predictions Week 3: Boise State vs. Toledo
College Football Predictions Week 3: Boise State vs. Toledo
While it may not have the same type of pizzazz as the Oklahoma-Florida State game, tonight’s matchup between No. 4 Boise State and the suddenly-dangerous Toledo is still worth watching.
The Broncos have been resting since their big win over Georgia on opening weekend, but now we’ll finally get to see how quarterback Kellen Moore and the rest of his Boise crew will handle playing in a less buzz-worthy game.
This one certainly isn't surrounded by as much hype as the Georgia game, so it will be interesting to see if Boise State comes out a little flat.
Toledo’s got some talented play-makers in running back Adonis Thomas and wide receiver Eric Page, but can the Rockets really hang with the Broncos for four quarters?
Let’s have a look at some predictions for tonight’s game.
Toledo Will Score First
Toledo will be pumped up and the offense should come out firing on all cylinders.
Don’t be surprised to see the Rockets get an early field goal or touchdown to put Boise State in a hole.
If Toledo can get on the scoreboard first, it would ratchet up the anxiety level on the Boise State sideline.
Boise State's Defensive Line Will Crush QB Austin Dantin
Boise State’s defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage against Georgia, and the Broncos will certainly do the same thing again this week.
Defensive Tackles Billy Winn and Chase Baker, along with ends Shea McLellin and Tyrone Crawford form one of the dominant defensive lines in the country.
Winn is a future first-round pick, and he’ll be far too quick and strong for the Toledo linemen to handle.
Toledo quarterback Austin Dantin better get rid of the ball in a hurry.
Both Running Backs Will Impress
This matchup features two of the most underrated running backs in the country, Boise State’s Doug Martin and Toledo’s Adonis Thomas.
Both backs rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, and they each have a great shot to break that mark again this year.
After a big showing in a win over New Hampshire in Week 1, Thomas struggled against Ohio State, averaging 3.4 yards per carry.
Martin, on the other hand, never managed to get it going against Georgia, finishing with just 57 yards on 24 carries.
The two seniors will be in store for big bounce-back performances this week.
Boise State’s Offense Will Rack Up Over 400 Yards
In last year’s blowout, Boise State compiled 500 total yards of offense on their way to scoring 57 points.
While I don’t see the Broncos approaching 57 again tonight, I could see them racking up a lot of yardage.
If Kellen Moore, Doug Martin and the rest of the Boise offense start to click, the Toledo defense had better hold on for dear life.
Toledo WR Eric Page Will Break Boise’s Defense
The best player on Toledo’s team is wide receiver Eric Page, probably the most dangerous offensive weapon in the MAC.
After posting successive 1,100-plus yard receiving campaigns in his first two seasons, Page comes into this year looking to solidify his status as one of the top receivers in the country.
Tonight, the 5’10’’, 180-pound junior will have the perfect stage on which to make a splash.
QB Kellen Moore Will Make at least One Big Mistake
Quarterback Kellen Moore is one of the most efficient and consistent quarterbacks in the country, but something tells me that he’s going to make one big, costly mistake tonight.
Will the Broncos be able to overcome it?
Final Prediction Boise State 31, Toledo 17
Yes.
This Toledo team is much better than the one Boise beat up on in 2010, but the fact is, the Broncos still hold a big talent advantage.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Rockets make an intriguing run early on, but this Broncos team is just too physical, too well-coached and just too plain good.
Kellen Moore’s about to inch one step closer to the college football record books.