It was fun to do this a few weeks ago.
In Vegas, Boise State beat UNLV 29–24. Star running back Ashton Jeanty was held to 128 yards on 33 carries, and UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams had some good runs for 105 yards but was a little off when it came to passing.
It is real now. It is now time for the College Football Playoff and the Mountain West Championship.
It is likely that UNLV will be the 12th seed if they win. The 3 if Boise State wins, the 4 if SMU wins, and the 3 if Clemson beats SMU in the ACC Championship.
It is not in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium this time; it is in Boise instead. What about the weather? It will not be too bad, but it will be cold—around 30 degrees—and clear with little wind.
UNLV vs Boise State, Mountain West Championship: How to Watch and Game Preview
Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Game Time: 8:00 pm
How To Watch: FOX
Venue: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
Teams: UNLV (10-2), Boise State (11-1)
Why UNLV Will Win
Following their loss to Boise State, the Rebels’ ground attack picked up speed and has now scored over 200 yards in all four games.
It is not a good idea to press because Williams is a dangerous quarterback threat and the line is playing great.
With eight turnovers spread out over a number of games, UNLV is third in the country. This team does not get flagged often and has the fourth-best rushing attack in the country. They know how to set the pace and will not let themselves get down.
The run defence, on the other hand, is still brilliant. It is the best defence in the Mountain West, giving up only 101 yards per game. The ground game for Boise State and Jeanty will be fine, but it will not go off. So…
Why Boise State Will Win
Maddux Madsen, this is on you.
Jeanty is the signature star as he makes one final push in the Heisman race, but Madsen and the midrange passing game have to get it done. In the first meeting the Broncos weren’t accurate and struggled on third downs, but Madsen didn’t throw any picks.
UNLV doesn’t get lit up through the air, but teams that can throw will crank up the yards. Madsen doesn’t have to throw for 300 yards, but as long as he’s just a wee bit better on third downs and takes a little heat off of Jeanty, and …
UNLV vs Boise State, Mountain West Championship: Who Will Win?
It will matter that you are at home.
Being outside, cold, and in Boise will make things a little tougher for a Broncos team that is not always great at stopping the run—against Oregon State, they gave up almost six yards per carry and still won pretty easily—and
There will be a fight.
They will swarm around Jeanty, but Madsen will be fine, Williams will throw the ball just fine, and one big run will be enough.
However, Jeanty will break a free throw just when the team needs it the most in the second half. It is not going to be simple, but style points do not matter here. Win.
UNLV vs Boise State, Mountain West Championship Prediction, Betting Lines
Prediction: Boise State 31, UNLV 26
Line: Boise State -4, o/u: 57.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 5
