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Free Pick: Fresno State vs. Boise State Betting Odds & Preview

Week 8: Bulldogs vs Broncos Odds

College football Week 8 betting action sees the Fresno State Bulldogs taking on the Boise State Broncos on Friday October 17th at Albertsons Stadium in Boise. Cappers Picks provides free NCAA football handicapping tips all season long.

The Bulldogs of Fresno State head to Boise needing a win to salvage their season in what has been a down year in the program’s recent history.

College Football Lines

Fresno State (3-4, 2-1 Mountain West) @ Boise State (4-2, 2-1 Mountain West)
Friday, October 17th 8:00 PM ET @ Albertsons Stadium – Boise
NCAA Football Spread: Boise State -17
NCAA Football O/U: 63
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Click here to view… ATS Stats & Expert NCAA Betting Prediction Insight!

Boise State is looking to continue their winning ways after downing Nevada last week in a high-scoring affair.

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After years of high-scoring games, Fresno State is trying to find new ways to win besides their patented air attack. Ranked near the bottom of the NCAA in defensive points given up, the Bulldogs are hoping their defense can hold off a Broncos squad who scored 51 points last week.

Boise State is trying to keep moving forward after suffering a loss two weeks ago against Air Force.

While their game against Nevada was too close for comfort last week, the Broncos are trying to capitalize on a weak Mountain West Conference.

Fresno State

The Bulldogs have had to find a new identity post-David Carr. Clearly still looking for that identity, the Bulldogs are looking to stay afloat in the conference with a huge win over a rival. If they do, they can take home the Milk Can trophy.

Quarterback Brian Burrell is leading the charge for Fresno State. On the year, he has amassed 1341 yards, 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on 128 of 225 passing. He’s also the team’s second leading rusher with 60 carries for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns.

His leading receiver by far is Josh Harper, who has 47 receptions for 637 yards and 3 touchdowns. In last week’s game, Harper had 12 grabs for 187 yards and 1 touchdown. Marteze Walker has lead the ground game with 106 carries for 661 yards and 5 touchdowns. Walker has 98 yards receiving as well.

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Kyrie Wilson is leading the team in tackles with 56 to go with his 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 pass defenses and 2 forced fumbles. Leading the team in sacks with 4 is Donavan Lewis while four different players are tied with 1 interception a piece.

Fresno State has not won at Boise State since 1984.

Boise State

Used to being a prolific offense that overpowers opponents with a massive air raid, the Broncos have had to rely more on their defense, which has proven to be wise since their defense is one of the better in all of college football.

Quarterback Grant Hedrick has 145 competions for 1641 yards, 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also has 204 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground.

His leading running back, Jay Ajayi, has been stellar this season and has been a large part of the potent Bronco offense. He has 142 carries for 709 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also has 31 catches for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Hedrick’s top target has been Matt Miller who has 28 catches for 461 yards and 3 touchdowns. Shane Williams-Rhodes has 41 receptions for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns. He has also thrown a touchdown this season – a 7 yarder.

The defense is ranked 17th in rush defense, allowing an average of over 109 yards per game. They also rank second as a unit in interceptions with 12 interceptions, with 4 different players making multiple picks.

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The defense has forced 16 turnovers this season as well, good for 8th in the country.

NCAA football handicapping trends

  •  Bulldogs are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games
  •  Bulldogs are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record
  •  Broncos are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games after allowing more than 40 points in previous game
  •  Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall
  •  Favorite is 11-1 ATS in their last 12 meetings

Week 8 NCAA Football Prediction

It’s hard to justify a scenario where Boise State doesn’t win this game. The Fresno State defense hasn’t been great and their offense lacks the punch they are used to having.

Free NCAA Betting Pick: Boise State -17

Boise State is really good at home.

The question is: are they 17 points better? The answer? Yeah, probably.

Final 4Week 8 Score: Fresno State 17 – Boise State 42

Check out our Updated College Football Week 8 Odds.

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By Brandon Banks

Brandon Banks is a newcomer to the Cappers Picks Blog, he has been a sports writer for a few years now. He's been a very successful bettor, especially in NFL, College football & NCAA hoops betting. Reasons for success - not affiliated with any SCAMDICAPPERS. Stay tuned to Brandon, he'll be picking NFL, CFB, CBB and NBA games daily here on the blog.