NCAA Football Picks: Boise State vs Virginia Tech
The marquee match-up of the first weekend of college football will have a stage all to itself on Monday night in Landover, MD when the 5th ranked Boise State Broncos clash with the 6th ranked Virginia Tech Hokies. Boise State’s national title hopes hinge on the outcome of this one game, while Va Tech would strengthen their case early for a title bid with a win. Expect this one to come down to the wire as both teams are well coached and have talent all around the field. Boise is a 2 point favorite.
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Beamer ball will be back into full swing on Labor Day as 12 starters return for the Hokies. Virginia Tech features the top backfield in the nation with three backs that has game breaking ability. Sophomore Ryan Williams rushed for 1655 yards and 21 touchdowns earning a 1st team Freshman All-American selection. Williams was set to split time with Darren Evans at running back, but Evans tore his ACL last August giving Williams the opportunity to make a name for himself. QB Tyrod Taylor has had a tumultuous career in Blacksburg. He finally seemed to get it a year ago, throwing for more than 2300 yards and 13 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions. His running ability is something opposing defenses must consider also. Statistically speaking the Hokies return their top five receivers from a year ago. Jarrett Boykin and Danny Coale averaged over 20 yards/catch in 09’ and are a formidable duo. Bud Foster is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country, but with only four returning starters he will have his hands full early in the year. Facing a dynamic offense like Boise State’s leaves no room for error in the opener.
Boise State posted a perfect 14-0 record last year but did not receive serious consideration for the national title because of their schedule. Posting non conference wins over Virginia Tech and Oregon State will certainly keep them in the picture this year. Chris Peterson has 20 returning starters to work with! QB Kellen Moore is a true Heisman contender and one of the best signal callers in the nation. He put up video game like numbers a year ago, throwing for 3536 yards and 39 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. The show on blue turf is much more than one player though. RB Jeremy Avery rushed for 1151 yards and six scores in 09’. The duo of Avery and bruising back Doug Martin (15 touchdowns lyr) are very talented in their own right. Titus Young and Austin Pettis are the top tandem at wide receiver in the country. Young is electric in the open field, while Pettis has prototypical size and is a huge threat in the red zone (14 scores). The one starter Boise lost on defense was a huge subtraction as CB Kyle Wilson was a 1st round draft choice of the New York Jets. They lack the big name now, but this defense can play with anyone in college football.
This game is one of the toughest to call, but will receive a heavy amount of action after Saturday’s action is completed. I like Boise State for a few reasons. First, the media are all on the Virginia Tech bandwagon adding fuel to the Broncos’ fire. Second, the gap at quarterback is bigger than one might think in this match-up. Third is that Boise State’s defense is more experienced and will handle the atmosphere better in my opinion. Take the Broncos to the bank!
Play: Boise State -2
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