Boise State @ Southern Mississippi preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 11, 2008 ) Boise State 24, Southern Mississippi 7

Boise State heads south to visit Southern Mississippi on Saturday, but does not feature the quick-strike offense of years past that vaulted the Broncos into the nation’s elite. Boise State nearly blew a 25-point lead last week, holding on for a 32-29 victory over New Mexico. The Broncos did get 311 passing yards from Joe Southwick, but have accounted for only seven plays of 25 yards or more in their first four contests. The Golden Eagles have struggled mightily on offense, scoring only 17 points per game in losing their first four contests by an average of 17 points. The Golden Eagles started third-string quarterback Ricky Lloyd in last week’s 21-17 loss to now-No. 16 Louisville after Southern Mississippi lost its first two quarterbacks to injuries.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, Root Sports Northwest, FSN. LINE: Boise State -11

ABOUT BOISE STATE (3-1): Offensive consistency remains the primary focus for the Broncos. The Broncos rank 72nd nationally in yards per game (395). Two weeks ago, Boise State’s offense did not score in a 7-6 victory over BYU but went 5-for-7 in the red zone against New Mexico. Southwick showed signs of maturity in completing 24 of 34 passes against the Lobos. The Broncos have played well defensively until late in games, with 31 of 64 points allowed coming in the fourth quarter.

ABOUT SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI (0-4): Desmond Johnson rushed for 99 yards on 14 carries last week, an encouraging sign for the Golden Eagles’ offense. But after scoring 17 points in the game’s first 22 minutes, Southern Miss did not score again. A heavy downpour and starting a true freshman at quarterback didn’t help. The Golden Eagles rank 117th in FBS in point per game and 121st in passing yards (108.5).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Boise State receiver Geraldo Boldewijn is expected to play for the first time this season after serving a four-game suspension. The Broncos lost tight end Gabe Linehan to a hamstring injury.

2. Southern Miss senior Tracy Lampley is nearing 1,000 career yards in four categories. Lampley, who has 1,319 kickoff return yards, needs 34 rushing yards, 40 receiving yards and 158 punt return yards.

3. The Broncos lead the series 2-0, winning in Boise in 2007 and in Hattiesburg in 2008.

PREDICTION: Boise State 31, Southern Miss 14