BYU vs Boise State picks and predictions for November 6

It’s taken a while, but now it’s time for the BYU Cougars to face a serious challenge when it comes to college football betting. The Cougars have blown through their weak schedule thus far, but now things get serious with a trip to meet Boise State on Friday night.

BYU is now ranked in the Top 10, and the time for beating up on weaklings like Western Kentucky and Texas State is over. Here are our best college football free picks and predictions for No. 9 BYU at No. 23 Boise State, a Friday night affair with kickoff scheduled for 9:45 at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise, Idaho. 

BYU Cougars at Boise State Broncos betting preview

Weather

While I’m a big fan of Boise, the weather isn’t going to do either of these teams any favors this Friday. We’re looking at a temperature of around 33 degrees with a 63 percent chance of showers and maybe even some snow flurries. Head on down to the nearest Boise-area Albertson’s for local specials on hand warmers! Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.

Key Injuries

BYU: Zane Anderson LB (Questionable), Tristen Hoge OL (Questionable), Keanu Saleapaga OL (Questionable), James Empey OL (Questionable), Tyler Batty DL (Questionable), Keenan Pili LB (Questionable).
Boise State: Demetri Washington LB (Questionable), Jonny Messina K (Questionable), George Holani RB (Questionable), JL Skinner S (Questionable), Hank Bachmeier QB (Questionable).
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.

Betting trend to know

Cougars are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Boise State. Find more NCAA betting trends for BYU vs. Boise State.

Against the spread (ATS) pick

BYU has its eyes on sneaking into the College Football Playoff, and while that isn’t likely to happen, a big win over a very good Boise State squad would certainly help the Cougars’ resume. They’re coming off an easy 41-10 victory against Western Kentucky, and not surprisingly, star quarterback Zach Wilson led the way with 224 yards passing, three touchdowns and one interception. The Cougars are also a threat to run the football, as evidenced by Tyler Allgeier’s 95 yards.

When the Broncos aren’t fending off ducks from crashing into the blue turf after mistaking it for a pond, they’re actually playing pretty good football. Last week, USC transfer Jack Sears got the start, and he was impressive in a 49-30 victory over Air Force. Sears completed 17-of-20 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns, with CT Thomas pulling in two of those scores on only two receptions.

The Cougars have only been tested once this season, in a surprisingly close 27-20 game against UTSA, but Boise State will have their full attention. This is a short number that immediately saw money come in on BYU, and it’s the right side here. Wilson has thrown 19 touchdowns this year and this is his chance to show everyone why he should be considered among the elite signal-callers in the nation.

PREDICTION: BYU -2.5 (-110)

Over/Under pick

While my initial reaction was to play the Over, a look at the nasty weather in store for Friday night changed my mind. Snow flurries generally don’t lend themselves to high-scoring affairs, and the Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Boise.

PREDICTION: Under 60.5 (-110)

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