Boise State @ San Diego State preview

THE STORY: Boise State is out of the national championship picture as it seeks to get back on the winning track against a San Diego State squad that could be without star tailback Ronnie Hillman. The No. 11 Broncos lost to Texas Christian 36-35 last week when Boise State coach Chris Petersen elected to put the game on the foot of freshman kicker Dan Goodale, whose 39-yard last-second field-goal attempt was wide right. The Broncos also fell out of the BCS picture last season when Kyle Brotzman missed two pivotal kicks in a loss to Nevada. Hillman is doubtful for the Aztecs with an ankle injury.

TV: CBS Sports Network. LINE: Boise State -18.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE (6-3, 3-2 Mountain West): Senior quarterback Ryan Lindley became the school’s all-time leading passer in last week's 18-15 victory over Colorado State. Lindley has 11,494 career yards and passed Todd Santos (11,425 from 2004-07) while also becoming the Mountain West’s all-time leader by moving past Brigham Young’s Max Hall (11,365). Lindley has thrown for 1,957 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. Playing without Hillman (1,278 rushing yards) would be a huge blow for the Aztecs. Hillman ranks second in the nation at 142 rushing yards per game. Complicating matters is that backup Walter Kazee suffered a season-ending knee injury against Colorado State, leaving redshirt freshman Adam Muema (82 yards) as the likely feature back against Boise State. Senior cornerback Larry Parker has a team-leading five interceptions.

ABOUT BOISE STATE (8-1, 3-1): The Broncos’ pass defense was horrid against TCU as Horned Frogs quarterback Casey Pachall passed for 473 yards and five touchdowns, including touchdown throws of 75, 74 and 69 yards. Quarterback Kellen Moore is 46-3 as a starter and has thrown 31 touchdown passes. He faces a San Diego State defense ranked 10th in defending the pass (174.2). Senior Tyler Shoemaker has 11 touchdowns receptions. Running back Doug Martin should return from a foot injury.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. This is the first meeting between Boise State and San Diego State.

2. Boise State has won its last four road games by a cumulative score of 208-56.

3. San Diego State linebacker Miles Burris has a conference-leading 15.5 tackles for a loss this season and 43 in his career.

PREDICTION: Boise State 44, San Diego State 24 - The Aztecs needed Hillman to be in top form to have any chance of slaying the angry Broncos.