BOISE - After a nail-biting win in Reno last weekend, the Boise State football team returns home for its first non-Saturday game of the season - a Friday night tilt against Colorado State.
The Broncos and Rams played one of the more memorable games of the 2017 season, an instant classic in Fort Collins that saw Boise State come from behind to win 59-52 in overtime.
As the teams meet on the Blue in Albertstons Stadium this week, both are dealing with a host of injuries to key starters (more on this below), forcing coaches to dig into their depth charts and make adjustments.
After starting the season 1-4, Colorado State (3-4, 2-1 Mountain West) won back-to-back conference games the last two weeks. They beat San Jose State 42-30 on the road two weeks ago, and needed a two-minute drill and a field goal as time expired to win 20-18 at home against New Mexico last Saturday.
GAME TRACKER: Boise State vs. Colorado State
Meanwhile, Boise State (4-2, 2-1 Mountain West) hasn't won two in a row since starting the season with back-to-back wins against Troy and UConn. After a frustrating loss at home against San Diego State two weeks ago, the team continued to struggle, particularly on offense, in the first half against Nevada last Saturday. But unlike the SDSU game, the team made the right adjustments at halftime and finished strong, winning 31-27 as the clock ran out.
SCOTT SLANT: Turnover circus complete with shock-and-awe
The Rams on Friday will look to accomplish something they have never done before - beat the Broncos. Coach Mike Bobo said in his weekly press conference that the lopsided series - 7-0 in favor of the Broncos - has a tendency to get in the heads of his players.
"Boise State, a lot of times, you play them and they walk on the field and they've got a lead already, because of what they've done in the past," Bobo said. "[Boise State has] an expectation to win."
At his press conference on Monday, Boise State coach Bryan Harsin pointed to last year's game as an example of how dangerous the Rams can be.
"They're a good football team," he said. "I go back to last year and I know how they planned, and I know Coach Bobo, he does a really good job... They always have a plan and a way to attack you, and they're gonna do it multiple ways."
GAME INFORMATION
- Colorado State at Boise State
- Friday, Oct. 19
- Albertsons Stadium, Boise
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. MT
- Vegas line: Boise State by 23.5
- Weather at kickoff: Low-60s, clear skies
ON TV
The game will be televised on ESPN2 (Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer, Olivia Dekker), which can be found on the following channels:
- Cable One: Channel 134 / 1134 (HD)
- DirecTV: Channel 209
- Dish Network: Channel 143
- Cox: Channel 33
ON THE RADIO
Fans can listen to the game on the Bronco Radio Network (Bob Behler, Pete Cavender), which can be found online or on the following stations in the Boise area:
- KBOI 670 AM in Boise
- KTIK 93.1 FM in Boise
- KDZY 98.3 FM in McCall
- KSNQ 98.3 FM in Twin Falls
Here is a list of Bronco Radio Network stations outside the Boise area.
STREAMING
The game will stream live on the WatchESPN app, available in Apple and Android app stores. The service is only available to subscribers of participating cable and satellite television providers (including Cable One, Dish Network and DirecTV).
BRONCO ROUNDUP GAME DAY
KTVB's Bronco Roundup Game Day show will be live from Albertsons Stadium before the game from 6 - 7 p.m. on KTVB, KTVB.COM, and in the Bronco Roundup app. Join Jay Tust, Will Hall and Brian Holmes along with special guests on the Blue for a look at all of the major storylines surrounding this matchup.
TICKET GIVEAWAY
KTVB and the Boise State Alumni Association are giving away 2 tickets to each home game. Find the contest in the Bronco Roundup App or on the bottom left of the KTVB Facebook page. Winners will be drawn Thursdays before every home game so don’t forget to check your email!
ORANGE OUT
The Broncos will be hosting Orange Friday, and all fans in all sections are encouraged to wear orange. The team is also expected to break out the all-orange uniforms.
BRONCOS-RAMS SERIES
The Broncos and Rams have played seven times with the Broncos winning each contest between the two teams. The first game came in 2011 (a 63-13 win in Fort Collins), Boise State's first season in the Mountain West. As divisional foes, the teams face each other every year.
Boise State's all-time record against Colorado State:
- Nov. 11, 2017 - W, 59-52 (OT) (Fort Collins)
- Oct. 15, 2016 - W, 28-23 (Boise)
- Oct. 10, 2015 - W, 41-10 (Fort Collins)
- Sept. 6, 2014 - W, 37-24 (Boise)
- Nov. 2, 2013 - W, 42-30 (Fort Collins)
- Nov. 17, 2012 - W, 42-14 (Boise)
- Oct. 15, 2011 - W, 63-13 (Fort Collins)
INSTANT CLASSIC
The Broncos and Rams played a wild game - an instant classic between the two teams - in Fort Collins last season. The Broncos came back from a 14-point deficit with less than three minutes left to win an overtime thriller, 59-52.
Quarterback Brett Rypien threw four touchdowns, including two in the final 1:41 of regulation, and Alex Mattison had career highs of 242 yards rushing and three touchdowns for Boise State.
The final minutes of the game features highlight reel plays from Cedrick Wilson, who recovered an onside kick, Leighton Vander Esch, who forced a fumble in overtime.
Colorado State scored touchdowns on each of its first five possessions to take a 35-10 lead into halftime, making Boise State's come-from-behind win all the more impressive.
MOUNTING INJURIES
Already dealing with losses to defensive starters DeAndre Pierce and David Moa, the Broncos took another hit on Saturday when starting defensive tackle Sonatane Lui left the game and later appeared on the sidelines wearing a knee brace and using crutches. Offensive tackle Eric Quevedo also left the game and did not return. Both Lui and Quevedo are questionable for this week's game.
"You know, if Lui can't go we've got other guys that can step up," Harsin said. "I just don't know if that's the case yet. Our trainers do a great job throughout the week and it's just a matter of if he's effective and can play and if he can go out there and help us.
SCOTT SLANT: Ramifications of the injury rash
Defensive coordinator Andy Avalos said the mounting injuries show the importance of building "dependable depth, because this is football and things happen. We're always trying to plan for these situations and get guys ready, and the guys that have jumped in there have done a pretty solid job."
The depth behind quarterback Brett Rypien is now a bit foggy; We learned on Saturday that backup quarterback Chase Cord suffered a season-ending ACL tear in practice last week. That leaves JC-transfer Jaylon Henderson, true freshman Riley Smith and walk-on freshman Zach Matlock to compete for the primary backup job.
The Rams are also beat up heading into Friday's matchup with the Broncos. Sophomore defensive end Emmanuel Jones - who leads the team with 5.5 tackles for loss - is questionable, as is starting center Colby Meeks and receiver Bisi Johnson. Starting left guard Tyler Bjorklund didn't play last week and is considered doubtful for this week's game.
BRONCO BASH AT THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS CENTER
KTVB and the Boise State Alumni Association are partnering again to present the Bronco Bash at the Alumni and Friends Center. This popular event is open to Broncos fans three hours prior to every home football game and closes 30 minutes prior to kickoff. The event features a family-friendly atmosphere with live music and activities for all ages.
New this year is the Bronco Bash Cash Dash, a series of one-minute challenges, that guests can play to compete for time in the Mountain America Credit Union cash machine, Boise State merchandise and other prizes. Find out more about the Bronco Bash here.
DECHEVRIEUX FIELD OPEN FOR TAILGATING
New this season, Boise State is unveiling an upgraded pregame tailgate experience for Broncos fans. The university is partnering with Blockparty, a fan-focused hospitality and entertainment company, to launch the Ford Tailgate Zone at DeChevrieux Field.
The Tailgate Zone will include a Kids Zone, complete with a climbing wall and other entertainment geared toward the younger fans. It will also include huge televisions featuring top games, food trucks, and a "tailgate village" all on the Broncos' grass practice field adjacent to Albertsons Stadium.
The tailgate party is free for fans, but if you want an upgraded experience with your own tent, TV and other amenities. VIP packages are available for purchase and cost between $400 and $2000.
DeChevrieux Field opens for tailgating three hours before kickoff on home football game days.
BRONCO WALK
Here's a chance for you to high-five your favorite players and coaches as they walk to the football center for pre-game preparations. The "Bronco Walk" will start when the team leaves the Student Union Building about two and half hours before kickoff. The team will walk from the Student Union Building, through the Ford Tailgate Zone at DeChevrieux Field, past the Varsity Center, straight into the east stadium parking lot and ending at the Bleymaier Football Center.
10 TO 10 ZONE
The 10 to 10 Zone remains in place for home games this season. It specifies areas off-campus where people age 21 or older may consume alcoholic beverages from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Boise State home football game days only.
Alcoholic beverages are allowed in opaque plastic cups within the zone. Glass containers, beer cans, and type of liquor bottle and cups with alcoholic labeling are not allowed.
The "Zone" begins at Broadway Avenue and Myrtle Street, extends south down Broadway to Beacon, turns west along Beacon, north up Oakland Avenue, west on Potter Drive, north again up South Joyce Street, and then west along University Drive all the way to Capitol Boulevard. The boundary extends north along Capitol and turns east onto Cesar Chavez Lane, crosses Friendship Bridge north, and leads into Julia Davis Park. In the park, the "10 to 10 Zone" boundary is the area east of Zoo Boise to Broadway Avenue, and south of the Julia Davis pond.
ENTRY TO THE GAME
Bronco fans should arrive early. Those whose seats are not in the Stueckle Sky Center may enter the stadium through any gate. Fans are encouraged — but not required — to leave their bags at home or in the car. For faster entry into the stadium, bring a clear bag or no bag to the game. Prior to entry, fans will pass through metal detectors, and any bags carried in will be subject to search. Remember to leave prohibited items behind, including all weapons, alcohol, glass, and coolers.
TRAFFIC, PARKING & FREE SHUTTLES
Expect increased traffic on all roads surrounding Boise State before and after the game. University Drive, from Capitol Boulevard to Broadway Avenue, will be congested throughout the morning and afternoon. Because of limited public parking on-campus, fans are encouraged to park off-campus and walk/bike or use a shuttle to get to the game.
Lots & Garages on Campus:
The Albertsons Stadium parking lot will open eight hours prior to game time on Saturdays and four hours prior to every game during weekdays.
Boise State’s bike corral will be available near Christ Chapel on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Cesar Chavez Lane.
Spaces will be available for a $10 fee in the following lots and garages:
- Plaza East and West lots
- Brady Street Garage and Lincoln Avenue Garage
Handicap accessible spaces will be available for a $10 fee in the West and East Stadium lots, the Engineering and Technology reserved lot and on the ground floor of the Lincoln Avenue Garage.
Vehicles parked in accessible spaces must display an ADA license plate or placard and the placard/license plate registrant must be an occupant in the vehicle in order to purchase game day accessible parking.
Parking in Boise Parks:
Parking is allowed in designated parking spots within Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, Riverside Park, and Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park. Parking for Boise State home games is free on a first come, first served basis.
Towing will be delayed at those parks until 3 a.m. the following morning regardless of kickoff time.
Overnight parking is prohibited.
Off-campus Parking:
The Downtown Boise Association coordinates free shuttle buses from five convenient downtown locations to Bronco Stadium.
These shuttles run every 15 minutes starting two hours prior to game time, and immediately after the game for one hour.
- 6th & Grove (Bardenay)
- 8th & Main
- 8th between Idaho & Bannock (Red Feather/Bittercreek)
- 8th & Broad (Solid Grill & Bar)
- River Street between 12th & Ash (Payette Brewing)
Here is more information on the Bronco Gameday Shuttle, and gameday parking options.
Parking at Civic Plaza:
Parking for home (weekend) games this season will also be available starting Saturday at the Civic Plaza complex, just east of the Ada County Courthouse. The cost is $5 per vehicle and proceeds will go to the FACES of Hope Victim Center. More than 600 spaces are available, and parking will be open at least three hours before kickoff. You can pre-pay online.
To access the event parking area, follow Avenue A north, between Myrtle and Front Streets in front of the downtown Boise Winco store, directly into the Civic Plaza parking garage entrance. Patrons should be aware that NO alcoholic beverages or tailgating will be allowed in the Civic Plaza/Courthouse complex.
