Boise State Faces Utah State in Crucial Championship Showdown

LOGAN, Utah — Boise State University will attempt to keep its conference championship hopes alive with a pivotal game against Utah State University on Friday night.

The Broncos, riding high after a decisive 49-21 victory over Colorado State, enter the matchup as favorites, with betting odds suggesting a three-point advantage over the Aggies.

In their previous game, Boise State showcased a commanding performance, recording six rushing touchdowns and amassing 279 rushing yards while limiting Colorado State to just 39 yards on the ground. Max Cutforth, making his first full start, completed 22 of 34 passes for 239 yards.

The Boise State defense was also impressive, forcing Colorado State to rely heavily on passing plays and intercepting freshman quarterback Darrius Curry three times, with senior Jeremiah Earby contributing two picks and earning the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week title.

Saturday night was especially notable for redshirt freshman Sire Gaines, who tallied 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns, earning the Mountain West Freshman of the Week designation for the second time this season.

As they prepare for Utah State, Boise State’s defense aims to capitalize on the Aggies’ struggle with protecting their quarterback, Bryson Barnes, who has been sacked 37 times this season.

On the other side, Utah State comes off a strong 28-17 win against Fresno State, where they rallied from a halftime deficit to secure the victory. Barnes emerged as a dual threat, leading the team with 113 rushing yards and demonstrating impressive passing capabilities.

Utah State head coach Bronco Mendenhall, in his first season with the Aggies, aims to build on his team’s current momentum. The Aggies have not lost at home this season, presenting a tough challenge for Boise State.

Both teams are set to leave the Mountain West Conference for the Pac-12 next season, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this rivalry as they clash on Black Friday for what might be the last time as conference foes.

A win for Boise State is crucial not only for championship aspirations but to maintain their historical dominance over Utah State, as they attempt to secure a tenth consecutive win against the Aggies.

The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. MT kickoff and will be televised nationally on CBS.