The Air Force Falcons and No. 20 Boise State Broncos are set to collide on the turf at Albertsons Stadium. This showdown will kick off pretty late for fans on the East Coast (9:00 p.m. ET) and fans can catch the action by tuning in to ESPN2.
Betting Preview: Boise State Broncos vs. Air Force Falcons
Air Force is a big road underdog in this MWC game and is currently getting 8 points. The Falcons are also receiving +260 moneyline odds while the Broncos are -340. Vegas has placed the over/under (O/U) at 55 points, and if one squad gets out in front early, it’ll likely generate a worthwhile betting opportunity in-game.
Sharp bettors have been leaning toward both the Falcons and the over. The line initially opened at -10 and the game’s O/U was set originally at 54.
Both of these teams have been profitable this season as the Falcons have recorded 1.4 units while the Broncos are up 3.1 units.
The Falcons have gone 2-0 straight up (SU) and they haven’t faced any MWC competition yet. The Broncos are 3-0 SU overall and are also 0-0 SU in conference play.
These two teams faced off a year ago with the final outcome being a 48-38 victory for Boise State.
The Falcons are looking to remain undefeated following a 30-23 victory over Colorado last week in which Donald Hammond III completed seven-of-12 passes for just 155 yards, two scores and one interception. Kadin Remsberg (146 rushing yards on 23 attempts, one TD) led the ground attack. Geraud Sanders (four receptions, 56 yards, one TD) and Benjamin Waters (two catches, 92 yards, one TD) shared the receiving duties in the win.
Boise State just earned a 45-10 win over Portland State. As a group, the team collectively completed 21-of-37 passes for 341 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Hank Bachmeier went 16-for-25 for 238 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while Chase Cord was five-of-10 for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Bachmeier (-13 rushing yards on six attempts) handled the running game while John Hightower (four receptions, 79 yards, one TD) and Khalil Shakir (four catches, 64 yards) led the pass-catching corps in the win.
Air Force has run the ball on 90 percent of its offensive possessions this year while Boise State has an overall rush percentage of 52.5 percent. The Falcons have rushed for 356 yards per game and have nine touchdowns on the ground this year. The Broncos are putting up 173 rush yards per game and have four total rushing TDs.
It appears that the Falcons could hold an advantage in terms of RB efficiency, as their running backs has generated 6.1 yards per carry while their defense is allowing a YPC of 2.8 to opponents. The Broncos have ran for 3.8 yards per carry and given up 3.5 YPC to opponents.
The Falcons offensive scheme has tallied 98 yards/contest through the air overall and has two passing TDs so far. The Broncos have produced an astonishing 343.3 pass yards per game and have six total pass scores.
On the defensive side of the ball, Air Force seems to have the upper hand in both facets. The team has allowed 90 rush yards and 153 pass yards per game. The Boise State D has given up 172 yards per game to opposing passers and 108.7 yards per game to opposing runners. The Falcons are allowing an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of just 3.85 to opponents, while the Broncos have given up a 5.36 ANY/A.
Offensively, Hammond III is up to 155 passing yards this year. He’s connected on 58 percent of his 12 attempts with two passing scores and one interception. Hammond III has a pristine 12.50 adjusted net yards per pass attempt.
On the other sideline, Hank Bachmeier has managed to complete 46-of-76 passes for 645 yards, three TDs and two INTs. Bachmeier’s ANY/A stands at 6.68 for the season and 7.20 over his last two outings.
Air Force Falcons vs. Boise State Broncos NCAA Tip
SU Winner: Boise State, ATS Winner: Boise State, O/U: Over
Betting Notes
- Both teams have lost three fumbles this year.
- The Boise State D has sacked opposing quarterbacks 13 times this year. Air Force has produced just four sacks.
- The Over/Under for Air Force’s last game was set at 58.5. The under cashed in the team’s 30-23 victory over Colorado.
