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Boise St. Broncos 2014 NCAA Football Gambling Odds & Predictions

2014-15 Football Previews – (Mountain West) – Broncos

The Boise State Broncos are entering 2014 with Bryan Harsin roaming the sidelines as head coach—the first head coach not named Chris Petersen since the 2005 season. Harsin was brought in from Arkansas State (offensive coordinator), although he was once a part of the Broncos’ organization.

Boise State

Mountain West Conference 2014-15 College Football Previews:
Head Coach: Bryan Harsin
2013 Record: 8-5
Boise State Gambling Odds to win BCS Championship: 300/1
Boise State Gambling Odds to win Mountain West Mountain Division: OFF
Boise State Gambling Odds to win Mountain West Conference: 7/5
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While it will be strange seeing a new coach for the first time in almost a decade, he’ll have 12 returning starters to add continuity to a program that has undergone such a significant change.

The Mountain West Conference as a whole isn’t going to be as strong this season as it was in 2013, and while that doesn’t bode well for the national ranking of the Broncos, it is a good sign for the team’s overall record. The team went through a trying period last year when it lost five games, and we should see a solid turnaround by the time the upcoming postseason hits.

Team Strengths:

Among the returners, running back Jay Ajayi should be one of the established leaders on offense. He rushed for 18 touchdowns and 1,425 yards on 249 carries last season, which was the fourth-highest total yards in program history.

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Defensively, this group is returning four starters in the secondary alone. The usually impressive defense fell short in 2013, but experience should help return the team to where it once was.

On the defensive line, depth is going to be a concern, but there’s plenty of talent if the starters stay healthy. Gabe Perez, Kamalei orrea and Amand Nance are the notable names entering the season.

Team Weaknesses:

Switching to the offensive line, there are plenty of question marks. The line does have two returning starters, but neither starter is playing the same position it played last season. This, of course, could be a good thing considering the drop off we saw in 2013, but adjustment periods can be tricky.
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Speaking of adjustments, playing under a new coach is far from a weakness, but it does make you question: Can this team adjust from Petersen’s departure in its first season under Harsin. This team has a tough game early against Ole Miss, but it hosts teams such as Fresno State, Utah State and San Diego State, which should soften the blow.

Like the coaching spot, quarterback isn’t necessarily a true weakness of this organization, but it is another source of uncertainty. If Grant Hedrick can prove he’s starting-worthy, this will alleviate concerns. If he can’t, we’ll have another competition behind center throughout the entirety of the year.

2014-15 Boise State Football Gambling Prediction: 11-2

When Boise State lost five games last season, it marked the first time since 2005 that it failed to reach double-digit wins. In fact, those five losses were as many as the team had lost the past five seasons combined, and it was the team’s worst season since 1998.

As previously mentioned above, the Mountain West Conference isn’t going to be as competitive as it was last year. This won’t help Boise State’s strength of schedule, but it will add a whole bunch of wins to the Broncos’ total when the year comes to a close.

If all goes according to plan, Boise State will not only compete for a Mountain West championship, but it will earn the title. Utah State should be right behind the Broncos in the Mountain Division, but this season should be all about Boise State’s return to prominence.

2014 Boise State Schedule

  • Thu, Aug 28 vs Ole Miss*
  • Sat, Sept 6 vs Colorado State
  • Sat, Sept 13 @ Connecticut
  • Sat, Sept 20 vs LA-Lafayette
  • Sat, Sept 27 @ Air Force
  • Sat, Oct 4 @ Nevada
  • Fri, Oct 17 vs Fresno State
  • Fri, Oct 24 vs BYU
  • Sat, Nov 8 @ New Mexico
  • Sat, Nov 15 vs San Diego State
  • Sat, Nov 22 @ Wyoming
  • Sat, Nov 29 vs Utah State

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By Cappers Picks

Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"