Colorado State @ Boise State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 15, 2011 ) Boise State 63, Colorado State 13

Colorado State has won two of its last three games after a 1-6 start, but its progress will be tested by Mountain West power Boise State. The Broncos, who are tied with San Diego State and Fresno State for first place in the conference, lost to the Aztecs on the blue turf two weeks ago before winning 49-14 at Hawaii last Saturday. Boise State crushed Colorado State 63-13 last year, but the Rams have shown signs of life with an offense that’s averaging 35.3 points over the last three games. Things figure to get much tougher against Boise State, which ranks 10th in the nation in total defense. The Broncos held Hawaii to minus-14 yards rushing a week ago.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network. LINE: Boise State - 28

ABOUT COLORADO STATE (3-7, 2-4 Mountain West): Donnell Alexander rushed for more than 100 yards for the second game in a row last week against UNLV, finishing with a career-high 139 and two touchdowns on 21 carries. The Rams rolled to a 33-11 victory after holding the Rebels scoreless for the first three quarters. Freshman quarterback Conner Smith is set to make his fourth straight start despite throwing five interceptions in the last three games. The Rams rank fourth in the Mountain West in total defense, and linebacker Cory James is tied for second in the conference with 7.5 sacks. Lanston Tanyi’s 70 tackles rank third among all FBS defensive linemen.

ABOUT BOISE STATE (8-2, 5-1): The Broncos dropped out of the BCS standings after their loss to San Diego State, but they rebounded as expected against Hawaii. Boise State has allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown in each of its last two games, but that’s probably the Broncos’ only real concern. Everything else is clicking, although quarterback Joe Southwick has struggled in the team’s two losses. The Broncos’ defense hasn’t allowed an opposing offense to score in the first half in seven of their last eight games. Boise State’s turnover margin of 1.60 ranks fourth nationally, and the defense has held four opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Through its last six games, Boise State is 25-for-27 in red-zone opportunities.

2. The Rams have had a school-record 18 different players score touchdowns this season.

3. Boise State has the best home winning percentage in the country since the start of the 2000 season with a record of 78-4 (.951).

PREDICTION: Boise State 51, Colorado State 17

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