BOISE, Idaho — Update: Senior Jaylon Henderson will start as quarterback for the Boise State Broncos as they face the New Mexico Lobos.
Boise State will play its final home game of the 2019 regular season on Saturday night as the New Mexico Lobos come to town.
The Mountain Division matchup on the Blue is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. MT and will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
The No. 21 Broncos (8-1, 5-0 MWC) are the only team in the Mountain West Conference that has yet to lose a conference game. The Lobos (2-7, 0-5 MWC), meanwhile, are looking for their first conference win of the season.
At his weekly press conference Boise State coach Bryan Harsin noted on Monday that the Lobos "do a lot of things really well," and his team is not taking their opponents for granted.
"Their team speed is one of the best that we play every single year," he said. "We've been in some shootouts with New Mexico. Their record doesn't necessarily show that but record doesn't matter right now, not to us."
The Broncos survived a close defensive battle on the Blue last weekend against Wyoming. The Cowboys led 10-7 at halftime and 17-10 going into the fourth quarter before Boise State tied the game late in the fourth on a 5-yard run by Khalil Shakir, forcing overtime.
Kicker Eric Sachse cleared a field goal to put the Broncos up by 3, and then the defense forced the Cowboys to kick a 37-yarder, which fell short to the right and sealed the Broncos' 20-17 win.
Chase Cord, making his second start of the season, threw for 190 yards and a touchdown, but the Broncos struggled offensively for much of the game. Freshman Hank Bachmeier - who was sidelined with an undisclosed injury - is expected to return for this week's game.
New Mexico had been scheduled to play Air Force last weekend, but that game was postponed after the death of Lobos defensive lineman Nahje Flowers.
At his news conference on Tuesday, coach Bob Davie said the news of Flowers' death "just buckled everybody" in the football program, and added that there was "no chance" his team could have played last week. The Lobos returned to practice on Sunday.
"I think all of us in our own way are looking to try to get back to some normalcy, some routine," Davie said, adding that he is confident his team will be ready to play the Broncos on Saturday night.
He said the Lobos would need to play their best game of the year in order to beat the Broncos, specifically noting that they'll need to generate points off of explosive plays, and will need to get turnovers on defense.
"We need to play together as a team, and no way let what our record is or let some of the things that have happened here over the last week divide our team or cause a lack of focus," Davie said. "We've got to come together and be completely together on one mission up there."
GAME INFORMATION
New Mexico at Boise State
- Saturday, Nov. 16
- Albertsons Stadium, Boise
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. MT
- Weather:
ON TV
The game will be televised on ESPN2 (Mike Corey, Rene Ingoglia), which can be found on the following channels:
- Sparklight (formerly Cable One): Channel 134 / 1134 (HD)
- DirecTV: Channel 209
- Dish Network: Channel 143
- Cox: Channel 33 / 1033 (HD)
ON THE RADIO
Fans can listen to the game on the Bronco Radio Network (Bob Behler, Pete Cavender), which can be found online or on the following stations in the Boise area:
- KBOI 670 AM in Boise
- KTIK 93.1 FM in Boise
- KDZY 98.3 FM in McCall
- KSNQ 98.3 FM in Twin Falls
Here is a list of Bronco Radio Network stations outside the Boise area.
STREAMING
The game will stream live on the WatchESPN app, available in Apple and Android app stores. The service is only available to subscribers of participating cable and satellite television providers (including Cable One, Dish Network, and DirecTV).
BRONCO ROUNDUP GAMEDAY
KTVB's Bronco Roundup Game Day show will be live from Albertsons Stadium before the game from 7 to 8 p.m. on KTVB, KTVB.COM, and in the Bronco Roundup app.
Join Jay Tust, Will Hall and special guests live on the Blue for a look at all of the major storylines surrounding this matchup.
POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE
KTVB will live stream the post-game press conference on KTVB.COM and on the Bronco Roundup app.
Interviews with coach Bryan Harsin and players will be posted online soon after the press conference ends, so you can watch the press conference whenever and wherever you want.
Stay tuned to KTVB.COM after the game for a game recap, highlights, and slideshow from the game.
SPIRIT (ANY COLOR) COLOR SCHEME
Broncos fans attending the game are encouraged to wear any school colors at Albertsons Stadium on Saturday night, which is also Senior Day.
HARSIN TAKES ON 'TWIDIOTS'
After the Broncos' 20-17 overtime win against Wyoming, Harsin had some choice words for fans who criticize the play of his now 8-1 team.
"You can read somebody's comment and usually the first one is negative, that's just how people are, especially the ones that are on, you know, the twidiots. I mean, it's pretty pathetic," Harsin said at his Monday news conference. "That's the group you don't want to be a part of. Get the hell away from that, and get over here with these people that are positive.
"I've gotten to a point now when I see things like that, I feel sorry that those people feel that way, that their lives don't have the purpose, the passion, the excitement, and the enjoyment that some of us do," he added.
Harsin appeared to take issue with comments that targeted players and coaches after the team struggled to move the ball against Wyoming.
His counterpoint to the naysayers?
"We're an 8-1 football team making a run for the end of the season. Let's not forget that," he said. "Let's kinda keep everything in perspective here a little bit on what opportunities we have."
Addressing the team's issues, particularly on the offensive line, Harsin conducted a quick-fire Q-and-A session with himself.
"They're working at it. Are they perfect? Nope. Are they gonna be? Probably not. Is that the best group that we have here? Absolutely. Is it one of the better groups in the country that I think a lot of coaches right now at this time in the season would trade our guys for theirs? I would think so."
POLL POSITION
The Broncos are now sitting at No. 21 in the all-important College Football Playoff rankings, which will determine the Group of Five representative in the New Years Six bowl games.
But as KTVB sports analyst Tom Scott points out in his Scott Slant column, Boise State will need some help in order to earn a bid to the Cotton Bowl:
"Boise State’s road is a little steeper now in the New Year’s Six race. The Broncos moved up one spot in the new College Football Playoff rankings to No. 21 Tuesday night, but Texas and Iowa, at Nos. 19 and 20, are wedged between the Broncos and Cincinnati and Memphis, who are at Nos. 17 and 18. Those teams could meet in the American Athletic Conference championship game, but they play each other in the regular season finale first. To have a chance, Boise State has to win its remaining three games, plus the Mountain West championship game (of course), and hope a two-loss team gets into the AAC title game and wins it. Navy out of the AAC is No. 23, but SMU dropped off the list, replaced by No. 25 Appalachian State."
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SENIOR NIGHT
The Broncos will honor 17 seniors prior to kickoff of Saturday night's game against New Mexico.
The senior class needs just one more win to bring them to 40, an average of 10 victories per season.
"It's a special group, and those guys deserve to go out and play extremely well, and deserve to have a crowd out there supporting them," Harsin said about the seniors.
Here are the Broncos who will be honored on Senior Night:
- S Khafari Buffalo
- WR Akilian Butler
- TE Garrett Collingham
- NT Emmanuel Fesili
- DT Chase Hatada
- QB Jaylon Henderson
- WR John Hightower
- OL Garrett Larson
- DT Matt Locher
- NT Sonatane Lui
- DT David Moa
- OL John Molchon
- S Kekoa Nawahine
- TE Matt Pistone
- LS Nicholai Pitman
- OL Eric Quevedo
- K Eric Sachse
BRONCOS-LOBOS SERIES
The Broncos and Lobos have played a total of 10 times, with Boise State owning a 9-1 advantage in the series. The lone New Mexico win came at Albertsons Stadium in 2015. Boise State won 45-14 last year in Albuquerque.
The teams played just twice - in 1999 and 2000 - before the Broncos joined the Mountain West in 2011.
Boise State's all-time record against New Mexico:
- Sept. 14, 2017 - W - 28-14 (Boise)
- Oct. 7, 2016 - W - 49-21 (Albuquerque)
- Nov. 14, 2015 - L - 31-24 (Boise)
- Nov. 8, 2014 - W - 60-49 (Albuquerque)
- Nov. 30, 2013 - W - 45-17 (Boise)
- Sept. 29, 2012 - W - 32-29 (Albuquerque)
- Dec. 3, 2011 - W - 45-0 (Boise)
- Sept. 2, 2000 - W - 31-14 (Albuquerque)
- Sept. 25, 1999 - W - 20-9 (Boise)
- Nov. 16, 2018 - W - 45-14 (Albuquerque)
ENTRY TO THE GAME
Bronco fans should arrive early. Those whose seats are not in the Stueckle Sky Center may enter the stadium through any gate. Fans are encouraged — but not required — to leave their bags at home or in the car. For faster entry into the stadium, bring a clear bag or no bag to the game. Prior to entry, fans will pass through metal detectors, and any bags carried in will be subject to search. Remember to leave prohibited items behind, including all weapons, alcohol, glass, and coolers.
BRONCO BASH AT THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS CENTER
The Bronco Bash at the Alumni and Friends Center is open to Broncos fans three hours prior to every home football game and closes 30 minutes prior to kickoff. The event features a family-friendly atmosphere with live music and activities for all ages.
Returning this year is the Bronco Bash Cash Dash, a series of one-minute challenges, that guests can play to compete for time in the Mountain America Credit Union cash machine, Boise State merchandise and other prizes. Find out more about the Bronco Bash here.
DECHEVRIEUX FIELD OPEN FOR TAILGATING
Boise State's partnership with Blockparty, a fan-focused hospitality and entertainment company, continues this season with pre-game festivities at the Ford Tailgate Zone at DeChevrieux Field.
The Tailgate Zone will include a Kids Zone, complete with a climbing wall and other entertainment geared toward the younger fans. It will also include huge televisions featuring top games, food trucks, and a "tailgate village" all on the Broncos' grass practice field adjacent to Albertsons Stadium.
The tailgate party is free for fans, but if you want an upgraded experience with your own tent, TV and other amenities. VIP packages are available for purchase and cost between $400 and $2000.
DeChevrieux Field opens for tailgating three hours before kickoff on home football game days.
BRONCO WALK
Here's a chance for you to high-five your favorite players and coaches as they walk to the football center for pre-game preparations. The "Bronco Walk" will start when the team leaves the Student Union Building about two and a half hours before kickoff. The team will walk from the Student Union Building, through the Ford Tailgate Zone at DeChevrieux Field, past the Varsity Center, straight into the east stadium parking lot and ending at the Bleymaier Football Center.
10 TO 10 ZONE
The 10 to 10 Zone remains in place for home games this season. It specifies areas off-campus where people age 21 or older may consume alcoholic beverages from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Boise State home football game days only.
Alcoholic beverages are allowed in opaque plastic cups within the zone. Glass containers, beer cans, and type of liquor bottle and cups with alcoholic labeling are not allowed.
The "Zone" begins at Broadway Avenue and Myrtle Street, extends south down Broadway to Beacon, turns west along Beacon, north up Oakland Avenue, west on Potter Drive, north again up South Joyce Street, and then west along University Drive all the way to Capitol Boulevard. The boundary extends north along Capitol and turns east onto Cesar Chavez Lane, crosses Friendship Bridge north, and leads into Julia Davis Park. In the park, the "10 to 10 Zone" boundary is the area east of Zoo Boise to Broadway Avenue, and south of the Julia Davis pond.
TRAFFIC, PARKING & FREE SHUTTLES
Expect increased traffic on all roads surrounding Boise State before and after the game. University Drive, from Capitol Boulevard to Broadway Avenue, will be congested throughout the morning and afternoon. Because of limited public parking on-campus, fans are encouraged to park off-campus and walk/bike or use a shuttle to get to the game.
Lots & Garages on Campus:
The Albertsons Stadium parking lot will open eight hours prior to game time on Saturdays and four hours prior to every game during weekdays.
Boise State’s bike corral will be available near Christ Chapel on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Cesar Chavez Lane.
Spaces will be available for a $10 fee in the following lots and garages:
- Plaza East and West lots
- Brady Street Garage and Lincoln Avenue Garage
Handicap accessible spaces will be available for a $10 fee in the West and East Stadium lots, the Engineering and Technology reserved lot and on the ground floor of the Lincoln Avenue Garage.
Vehicles parked in accessible spaces must display an ADA license plate or placard and the placard/license plate registrant must be an occupant in the vehicle in order to purchase game day accessible parking.
Parking in Boise Parks:
Parking is allowed in designated parking spots within Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, Riverside Park, and Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park. Parking for Boise State home games is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Towing will be delayed at those parks until 3 a.m. the following morning regardless of kickoff time.
Overnight parking is prohibited.
Off-campus Parking:
The Downtown Boise Association coordinates free shuttle buses from five convenient downtown locations to Bronco Stadium.
These shuttles run every 15 minutes starting two hours prior to game time, and immediately after the game for one hour.
- 6th & Grove (Bardenay)
- 8th & Main
- 8th between Idaho & Bannock (Red Feather/Bittercreek)
- 8th & Broad (Solid Grill & Bar)
- River Street between 12th & Ash (Payette Brewing)
Here is more information on the Bronco Gameday Shuttle, and game day parking options.