No. 17 Boise State vs. UNLV: Ashton Jeanty Leads Broncos into Battle in High-Stakes Showdown
The excitement is palpable as the No. 17 Boise State Broncos gear up to face the UNLV Running Rebels tonight at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage on CBS Sports Network. This pivotal matchup marks a rematch of last year's Mountain West Conference championship and promises to deliver fireworks on the field.
A Tale of Two Teams
Both teams come into this game with only one loss this season. Boise State's heartbreak came at the hands of No. 1 Oregon in a close 37-34 contest, while UNLV fell to Syracuse in an overtime thriller, 44-41. Now, both teams are eager to showcase their strengths and keep their championship hopes alive.
Ashton Jeanty: A Heisman Hopeful
At the center of Boise State's explosive offense is Heisman Trophy favorite Ashton Jeanty. The junior running back is making waves across the nation, leading all FBS players with an impressive 1,248 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. Jeanty's game-breaking ability includes four rushing touchdowns of 70 yards or longer this season, including a jaw-dropping 75-yarder against Utah State.
His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular:
- 217 rushing yards and 2 TDs vs. Hawaii
- 186 rushing yards and 3 TDs vs. Utah State
- 259 rushing yards and 4 TDs vs. Washington State
Boise State's quarterback, Maddux Madsen, has also been solid this season with a 12-2 TD-to-INT ratio and 1,273 passing yards. His primary target, wide receiver Cameron Camper, has contributed significantly with 441 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
While Boise State’s offense is firing on all cylinders, their defense has struggled, ranking No. 82 in the nation and allowing an average of 28.6 points per game. This lack of defensive prowess could be a concern against a formidable UNLV offense.
UNLV: Looking for Upset Glory
The Running Rebels come into this matchup with a record of 6-1 (5-2 ATS). After suffering a setback against Syracuse, they are looking to bounce back against a ranked opponent for the first time since 2008. Hajj-Malik Williams has stepped up as the starting quarterback, showcasing both his passing ability and mobility. With 10 passing touchdowns, two interceptions, and four rushing touchdowns in just five games, Williams is a dual-threat that the Broncos need to contain.
All-American wide receiver Ricky White III has been a standout for UNLV, leading the team with 614 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His ability to make big plays will be crucial as the Rebels look to exploit Boise State's defensive weaknesses.
Betting Insights and Prop Bets
The betting landscape for this game is heating up. Here’s a quick overview of the current odds and prop bets for Boise State vs. UNLV:
- Boise State Spread: -3.5
- Moneyline: Boise State -160, UNLV +140
- Total Points: 65.5
Notable prop bets include:
- Ashton Jeanty to Score Anytime: -1050
- Ricky White III Anytime Scorer: -210
- Hajj-Malik Williams Anytime Scorer: -135
- Cameron Camper Anytime Scorer: +145
Jeanty’s odds as an anytime touchdown scorer are steep, but at +185, he offers value for scoring the first touchdown of the game.
Predictions: Expect a High-Scoring Thriller
Given Jeanty’s phenomenal track record this season and UNLV's defensive vulnerabilities, it’s reasonable to predict a high-scoring affair. The Broncos are expected to lean heavily on Jeanty, who averages an astonishing 9.9 yards per carry. If Boise State can harness their offensive firepower while tightening up on defense, they should emerge victorious.
Final Prediction: Boise State wins and covers the spread in a thrilling 35-30 showdown.