No. 20 Boise State hosts Texas State on Saturday at Albertsons Stadium in a matchup between two offenses that rank among the most productive in the country. The Broncos (6-1) have won five straight games, while the Bobcats (4-3) arrive off a 20-17 win over Utah State. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m.
ET. This Texas State vs Boise State preview breaks down the key questions heading into the weekend.
Texas State Vs. Boise State Game Information
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
- Venue: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho
- TV: CW
- Weather: 52 degrees, 49% chance of precipitation
Can Texas State’s High-Scoring Offense Keep Pace On The Road?
Texas State enters averaging 37.1 points and 517.7 total yards per game, both ahead of Boise State’s marks of 34.4 points and 444.3 yards. Quarterback Brad Jackson has completed 69.1% of his passes for 1,720 yards and 15 touchdowns against five interceptions this season. Running back Torrance Burgess Jr. has carried 118 times for 889 yards and five scores, and the Bobcats’ rushing attack as a whole averages 272 yards per game.
The test comes on the road against a Boise State defense that has forced four more takeaways than it has given up, a plus-one turnover margin compared to Texas State’s minus-two giveaway differential. The Bobcats have given the ball away 10 times this season against only eight takeaways, a gap that has shown up in close games like their 31-29 loss at San Diego State on Oct. 4.
Can Boise State’s Rushing Attack Set The Tone Again?
Boise State has built its five-game winning streak on the ground, with Dylan Riley rushing for 963 yards and eight touchdowns on 140 carries. The Broncos are averaging 237.9 rushing yards per game, a number that has powered wins over South Dakota, Western Michigan, Utah State, Fresno State and Washington State since late September.
Quarterback Maddux Madsen has thrown for 1,445 yards and 14 touchdowns without an interception, completing 65.3% of his attempts. Boise State converts 51.61% of its third downs and 66.67% of its fourth-down tries, numbers that have kept drives alive and limited possessions for opposing offenses like Texas State’s.
Who Are The Expected Starters?
No injury designations have been issued for either team ahead of kickoff. Jackson is projected to start at quarterback for Texas State, with Burgess Jr. as the lead back and Chris Dawn Jr., who has 36 catches for 396 yards and four touchdowns, as the top target. For Boise State, Madsen is expected to start under center, with Riley carrying the rushing load and Rasean Jones, who has 29 catches for 437 yards, as the leading receiver.
By The Numbers
- Points per game: Texas State 37.1, Boise State 34.4
- Total yards per game: Texas State 517.7, Boise State 444.3
- Passing yards per game: Texas State 245.7, Boise State 206.4
- Rushing yards per game: Texas State 272.0, Boise State 237.9
- Third-down conversion rate: Texas State 53.92%, Boise State 51.61%
- Fourth-down conversion rate: Texas State 50.00%, Boise State 66.67%
- Total takeaways: Texas State 8, Boise State 4
- Total giveaways: Texas State 10, Boise State 3
- Turnover differential: Texas State -2, Boise State +1
- Sacks recorded: Texas State 7, Boise State 18
Key Matchup: Texas State’s Offensive Line Against Boise State’s Pass Rush
Boise State has recorded 18 sacks through seven games, more than double the seven Texas State’s defense has managed. Texas State’s own offensive line has allowed 11 sacks for 62 yards lost, a figure that could grow against a Boise State front that has piled up 36 tackles for loss this season. How Jackson handles pressure, and whether Texas State’s line can protect him long enough to let Burgess Jr. and the receiving corps work, will shape the game’s rhythm.
Players To Watch
Brad Jackson, QB, Texas State
Jackson has thrown for 1,606 yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions in Texas State’s own leader board figures this season and will need to limit turnovers against a Boise State defense that has already forced four takeaways through seven games.
Dylan Riley, RB, Boise State
Riley has rushed for 963 yards and eight touchdowns on the season, the engine behind Boise State’s 237.9 rushing yards per game average during its current five-game winning streak.
Maddux Madsen, QB, Boise State
Madsen has not thrown an interception all season on 189 attempts, completing 65.3% of his passes for 14 touchdowns, a level of ball security that has helped keep Boise State’s turnover margin positive.
What To Watch
Boise State carries a No. 20 ranking and a five-game winning streak into the matchup, while Texas State looks to build on its 20-17 win over Utah State on Oct. 24. The Bobcats’ minus-two turnover differential stands out against a Boise State defense built around takeaways and a pass rush that has produced 18 sacks this season. Texas State is coming off a stretch that included a 66-27 win over Colorado State and the narrow loss at San Diego State, the same opponent discussed in Bobcats vs Aztecs: 3 critical questions amid mumps woes and San Diego State mumps cases hit 14 in huge blow to Aztecs.
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