Game Day Guide: Boise State welcomes Wyoming to The Blue
Boise State looks to claim its seventh-straight win over Wyoming Saturday in the City of Trees. Here's everything Bronco Nation needs to know ahead of kickoff.
AP
It's been nearly two weeks since Boise State collapsed in Fort Collins at the hands of Colorado State, falling under .500 on a last-second touchdown after leading by three scores with four minutes to play.
The day after the Broncos' first-ever loss to the Rams, tight end Riley Smith said the team had a meeting, where players recommitted to finishing the rollercoaster 2023 campaign in style. The bye week served as a reset, but the test of whether Boise State can find its footing starts Saturday afternoon when Wyoming arrives on The Blue.
Despite collecting just three wins thus far, the annual goal of winning the Mountain West Conference remains in view. However, it's an uphill climb for Boise State (3-4), who still has to face Wyoming (5-2), Fresno State (6-1) and Air Force (7-0) in three of its final five games.
The good news is, the Broncos could be healthier than ever – outside of the offseason – when they host the Cowboys on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. inside Albertsons Stadium. During Monday's press conference, head coach Andy Avalos provided rare injury updates on some of Boise State's top players, and the news was welcoming.
Preseason All-Mountain West running back George Holani is back on the practice field after missing every game since the Broncos' season opener against Washington. While nothing is official, it's likely the fifth-year senior will at least suit up for Saturday's game against Wyoming. Holani would provide standout Ashton Jeanty with a much-needed break when needed if he is able to play.
Additionally, team captain and linebacker DJ Schramm returned to practice during the bye week and could be back for the conference bout after dealing with a shoulder injury. The Broncos entire offensive line is also healthy and ready to do battle with a Wyoming group that ranks in the top three in the Mountain West in passing, total defense and scoring defense.
Avalos this week said Boise State will "continue to work with two quarterbacks," although Taylen Green will remain the starter as he has the past 18 games dating back to last season. In the come-from-behind win over San Jose State, Green and Maddux Madsen made the system appear successful, but the formula struggled heavily in Fort Collins.
"We can and we much get ourselves in a better rhythm with the quarterback situation," Avalos said.
The Cowboys are led by preseason all-conference honoree and standout linebacker Easton Gibbs, who has racked up 63 total tackles, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles this season. Fellow linebacker Shae Suiaunoa is up to 53 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and two sacks in 2023.
With Schramm's return, it will be interesting to see how Boise State defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson uses linebackers Marco Notarainni and Andrew Simpson, who have both played well in the veteran's absence. Simpson has shown he can get after opposing passers, if the Broncos elect to use him at EDGE.
Danielson's group will be tasked with slowing down running back Harrison Waylee, who has posted 540 rushing yards and three touchdowns in just four games played. The Wyoming ball carrier is averaging 135 yards per game and 7.2 yards per carry.
Cowboy quarterback Andrew Peasley has added four scores and 203 yards on the ground this fall, while going 84-of-142 (59.2%) through the air, with 970 yards, 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Avalos credited the unit as "physical," and one that "takes care of the football" as a top-10 FBS teams in red zone offense percentage.
Both teams are coming off bye weeks following losses. The Cowboys fell to undefeated Air Force 34-27 on the road back on Saturday, Oct. 14. Their only other loss came to Texas in September in Austin.
The Broncos have only lost to Wyoming once across 17 meetings and are riding six-straight wins over the Cowboys. Despite the dominant effort, the past four matchups have been decided by 10 points or less.
Saturday's "Orange Out" at Albertsons Stadium is set to start at 3:30 p.m. on Fox Sports 2. The Broncos are a five-point favorite against the Cowboys.
Scroll down for more information on Saturday's matchup, how to watch and listen to the game, predictions, a breakdown of KTVB's coverage, a fan guide for those headed to Albertsons Stadium and more:
Game Information Broncos vs. Cowboys
Wyoming (5-2, 2-1 MW) vs. Boise State (3-4, 2-1 MW)
- Saturday, Oct. 28
- Albertsons Stadium – Boise, Idaho
- Capacity: 36,363
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. MT
- Channel: Fox Sports 2 (FS2)
- Weather: High of 46, low of 25 degrees, mostly sunny
Ways to Watch TV, Radio, Streaming
ON TV
Boise State’s Mountain West showdown against Wyoming Saturday afternoon will be televised on Fox Sports 2 (FS2), available on the following TV channels:
- Cox: Channel 216
- DirecTV: Channel 618
- Dish Network: Channel 149
- Sparklight: Channel 148 / 1148 HD
ON THE RADIO
Fans can listen to the Broncos-Cowboys battle through the Bronco Radio Network, with Bob Behler calling play-by-play for Boise State alongside former offensive lineman Pete Cavender. Click here to stream the Bronco Radio Network online. Saturday's call can also be heard on SiriusXM Channel 385.
Radio affiliates by location:
- Boise: KBOI 670 AM / 93.1 FM
- Idaho Falls: KSPZ 980 AM / 98.7 FM
- McCall: KDZY 98.3 FM
- Pocatello: KSPZ 94.5 FM
- Salmon: KSRA 960 AM
- St. Maries: KOFE 1240 AM
- Twin Falls: KSNQ 98.3 FM
- Baker City: KBKR 1490 AM
- La Grande: KLBM 1450 AM
STREAMING
Streaming for Saturday's game is available with the FOX SPORTS App. The app is available to subscribers of participating cable and satellite television providers (including Dish Network and DirecTV).
Fox Sports 1 is also available on fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, Sling TV, Vidgo, YouTube TV and AT&T TV Now's PLUS package. For more information on streaming FS1, click here.
KTVB Coverage Plan Bronco Nation's TV Station
BRONCO ROUNDUP GAME DAY
Get ready for Boise State football with the official TV station for Bronco Nation both Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon ahead of kickoff! The Bronco Roundup Game Day Show featuring KTVB's Jay Tust and Brady Frederick gives fans an up-close look at players warming up, provides an in-depth preview, hits on matchup storylines, features interviews with leaders of Boise State Athletics and more.
The first exclusive pre-game show airs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on KTVB Channel 7, KTVB.COM, KTVB+ on Roku and Amazon Fire TV and the KTVB mobile app. The second Bronco Roundup Game Day Show runs from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. on KTVB.COM, KTVB's YouTube channel, KTVB+ and the KTVB mobile app.
Tust and Frederick will be live from The Blue during Saturday afternoon's show. Tune in for last-second injury updates and depth chart notes, see Boise State take the field, and take in the sights and sounds from inside Albertsons Stadium.
POST-GAME COVERAGE
KTVB will live stream Boise State's post-game press conference on KTVB.COM, the KTVB YouTube channel, KTVB+ and the KTVB mobile app Saturday immediately following the end of the game. Fans will hear from head coach Andy Avalos and select Bronco players at the podium.
Post-game interviews will also be posted online shortly after the press conference ends, so Bronco Nation can watch whenever and wherever they want. Stay tuned to KTVB.COM Saturday night for a game recap, extended highlights, a photo gallery and comments from Boise State vs. Wyoming.
Odds and Predictions Home Favorites
ESPN's Matchup Predictor, created using ESPN Analytics, gives Boise State a 61.9% chance to defeat Wyoming on The Blue Saturday to improve to .500 on the season. Caesars Sportsbook has the Broncos as a 5-point favorite, with an over/under of 49.
Most major sportsbook in Las Vegas agree with the 5-point spread. FanDuel favors Boise State by 5.5 at -110, according to VegasInsider. If betting the moneyline on the Broncos, Caesars, BetRivers and Unibet have the best odds at -200. FanDuel has the best odds for the Wyoming moneyline (+180).
The over/under ranges from 48.5 (FanDuel) to 49.5 (BetRivers and UniBet), per VegasInsider. Based on DraftKings users as of Wednesday afternoon, nearly 90% of people are taking the Broncos to cover the spread, and 71% of betters are taking the under. Boise State is 4-3 against the spread this year, while Wyoming is 1-6.
Boise State touts the nation's third-best home winning percentage since 2000 (.892), trailing only Oklahoma and Ohio State. However, the Broncos are 10-6 on The Blue across the past three seasons under Andy Avalos. The blue and orange has been dominant against the boys from Laramie, as broken down below.
History Broncos-Cowboys Series
Saturday marks the 18th meeting between the Broncos and Cowboys, dating back to September 2002. Boise State rolls into the contest having won six-straight games over Wyoming, but the past four matchups have been decided by 10 points or less.
The Cowboys' lone win in the lopsided series came back on Oct. 29, 2016, when they topped the Broncos 30-28 in Laramie. Boise State has a 16-1 all-time record against Wyoming and is a perfect 8-0 in battles in the City of Trees.
Last November, former standout safety and current Denver Bronco JL Skinner saved the day with back-to-back interceptions late in the fourth quarter to propel Boise State to a 20-17 win in Wyoming. The win gave the Broncos the Mountain Division title and the rights to host the Mountain West Championship Game.
George Holani, Ashton Jeanty and Taylen Green combined for 269 rushing yards on 43 carries (6.3 YPC) in last season's win. Green went 20-of-33 with 211 yards and a score through the air, while the Bronco defense held Jayden Clemons to three completions and 30 passing yards on 16 attempts.
No team has scored more than 23 points in the past four matchups, and the 2019 contest in Boise went to overtime. The Broncos' largest win came on Nov. 22, 2014, when they rolled to a 63-14 victory on the road. The all-time series in Mountain West matchups favors Boise State 7-1.
Boise State’s all-time record against Wyoming:
- Nov. 19, 2022: W – 20-17 (Laramie)
- Nov. 12, 2021: W – 23-13 (Boise)
- Dec. 12, 2020: W – 17-9 (Laramie)
- Nov. 9, 2019: W – 20-17 (OT) (Boise)
- Sept. 29, 2018: W – 34-14 (Laramie)
- Oct. 21, 2017: W – 24-14 (Boise)
- Oct. 29, 2016: L – 30-28 (Laramie)
- Oct. 24, 2015: W – 34-14 (Boise)
- Nov. 22, 2014: W – 63-14 (Laramie)
- Nov. 16, 2013: W – 48-7 (Boise)
- Oct. 27, 2012: W – 45-14 (Laramie)
- Nov. 26, 2011: W – 36-14 (Boise)
- Sept. 18, 2010: W – 51-6 (Laramie)
- Sept. 15, 2007: W – 24-14 (Boise)
- Sept. 16, 2006: W – 17-10 (Laramie)
- Sept. 27, 2003: W – 33-17 (Boise)
- Sept. 14, 2022: W – 35-13 (Laramie)
Stats Comparison FBS Ranks
Team: Stat Per Game | FBS Rank:
TOTAL OFFENSE
- Boise State: 425.4 YPG | No. 42
- Wyoming: 324.7 YPG | No. 111
SCORING OFFENSE
- Boise State: 29.7 PPG | No. 57
- Wyoming: 26.0 PPG | No. 83
RUSHING OFFENSE
- Boise State: 190.9 YPG | No. 24
- Wyoming: 164.4 YPG | No. 57
PASSING OFFENSE
- Boise State: 234.6 YPG | No. 60
- Wyoming: 160.3 YPG | No. 118
RED ZONE OFFENSE %
- Wyoming: .955 | No. 10
- Boise State: .885 | No. 39
TIME OF POSSESSION
- Boise State: 30 mins (avg.) | No. 51
- Wyoming: 30 mins (avg.) | No. 63
TOTAL DEFENSE
- Wyoming: 380.4 YPG | No. 77
- Boise State: 428.3 YPG | No. 113
SCORING DEFENSE
- Wyoming: 25.57 PPG | No. 69
- Boise State: 30.00 PPG | No. 100
RUSHING DEFENSE
- Boise State: 124.0 YPG | No. 124
- Wyoming: 172.0 YPG | No. 102
PASSING YARDS ALLOWED
- Wyoming: 208.4 YPG | No. 44
- Boise State: 304.3 YPG | No. 126
RED ZONE DEFENSE %
- Boise State: .862 | No. 84
- Wyoming: .889 | No. 99
Leaders Individual Stats
PASSING
- Taylen Green: 79-of-149 (53.02%), 1,041 yards, 5 TDs, 5 INTs
- Andrew Peasley: 84-of-142 (59.2%), 970 yards, 12 TDs, 2 INTs
RUSHING
- Ashton Jeanty: 151 carries, 868 yards (5.7 YPC), 11 TDs
- Harrison Waylee: 75 carries, 540 yards (7.2 YPC), 3 TDs
RECEIVING
- Eric McAlister: 32 receptions, 628 yards (19.63 YPC), 4 TDs
- Wyatt Wieland: 26 receptions, 250 yards (9.6 YPC), 4 TDs
TACKLES
- Marco Notarainni: 52 total tackles (29 solo, 23 assisted)
- Easton Gibbs: 63 total tackles (31 solo, 32 assisted)
TACKLES-FOR-LOSS
- Ahmed Hassanein: 8 TFLs (-35 yards)
- Wyett Ekeler: 4 TFLs (-22 yards)
SACKS
- Ahmed Hassanein: 5 sacks (-31 yards)
- DeVonne Harris: 3 sacks (-22 yards)
INTERCEPTIONS
- Jaylen Clark, A’Marion McCoy, Andrew Simpson, Alexander Teubner: 1 INT each
- Wrook Brown: 3 INTs
Color Scheme Orange Out
For the first time this fall, Bronco Nation is asked to fill every section of Albertsons Stadium with orange Saturday afternoon. This is the only "Orange Out" of the season, with all-black and all-blue color schemes coming for the final home games against New Mexico and Air Force.
The Broncos will wear an all-orange uniform combination on The Blue, with a chrome logo and facemasks, and gray print on the orange pants and jerseys. Boise State has a 5-1 all-time record in the look, mostly recently wearing the combination in a 49-10 win over Colorado State last October.
34,595 tickets were out for the contest against the Cowboys as of Friday evening, meaning Boise State is just 1,768 tickets shy of a sellout. The stadium has been at 100.35% capacity over the first three home games combined.
Fans at the game will have the chance to win a single-day lift ticket to Tamarack Resort using the Bronco Sports App. The giveaway will be announced during the game, directing attendees to a QR code or website address on the stadium's video board to complete an online form. Those with the Bronco Sports App will also receive a notification at this time to fill out the form.
Saturday's themes are the Halloween Game, National First Responders Day and Youth Sports Day. A full schedule of fan color schemes for the 2023 season is shown below:
Tailgating Pre-game Info
FORD FAN ZONE
Prior to kickoff, Bronco Nation can enjoy activities and live music in the upgraded Ford Fan Zone. The fan space is free to enter and includes food trucks, concession stands, a Bronco Kids Club booth with inflatables and sports gardens with alcohol sales.
Located along Bronco Lane between DeChevrieux Field and the Larry and Marianne Williams Plaza, the Ford Fan Zone opens four hours before each home game, or 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. The area gives fans a front-row seat to the Bronco Walk.
'UltraMuse' will perform at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. A rotating list of bands provide pre-game concerts three hours before action gets underway on The Blue each time the Broncos play at home. Also going live at 12:30 p.m. Saturday is the two-hour Bronco Tailgate Show on the Hall of Fame Plaza, hosted by Richie Brockel and Nate Shelman alongside Daryn Colledge.
BRONCO ALLEY
Also opening four hours prior to kickoff each week is Bronco Alley, located on the east side of Albertsons Stadium. The pre-game area consists of food trucks, extra beverage stands and additional restrooms.
Serving food at Bronco Alley this week is Mad Mac, Fusion Frites and Meltz. The space will be open from 11:30 a.m. Saturday through halftime.
BRONCO WALK
The Bronco Walk – a tradition outside Albertsons Stadium prior to Boise State home games – is scheduled to begin two hours and 40 minutes ahead of kickoff each week. Saturday's stroll begins at approximately 12:45 p.m. The Bronco Walk goes from the Student Union Building, along Bronco Lane, and through the Larry and Marianne Williams Plaza to the Allen Noble Hall of Fame.
Get hyped for kickoff and help the Blue Thunder Marching Band and Boise State's cheer team send Bronco players and coaches into game preparation in style!
10 TO 10 ZONE
According to the Boise Police Department, the 10 to 10 Zone remains in place for home games this season. It specifies off-campus areas where people over the age of 21 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 types of liquor bottle and cups with alcoholic labeling are not allowed.
The 10 to 10 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.
A map of the 10 to 10 Zone is shown below. For more "2023 Bronco Game Day Reminders" from Boise Police, click here.
Transportation Parking, Traffic, 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 Saturday morning and afternoon. Due to limited public parking on-campus, fans are encouraged to park off-campus and walk/bike or use a shuttle to get to the game.
Parking in Boise Parks:
Parking is allowed in designated parking spots within Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial 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 all city parks until 9 a.m. the day after each home game, regardless of kickoff time.
Officers will be on the lookout for parked vehicles blocking sidewalks, crosswalks and fire hydrants, as well as those parked too close to intersections or stop signs. Most parking tickets for vehicles, motorcycles and scooters have a fine of roughly $60. Your vehicle may be towed if it is blocking a driveway, access way, fire hydrant or parked illegally in an alleyway.
Game Day Shuttle:
Valley Regional Transit introduced a new resource for Boise State football game days – a free to ride service which will operate for the six home games and stop seven times on its way to Albertsons Stadium.
The Game Day Shuttle will go through Main Street Station, downtown parking garages and other areas, VRT said in a press release prior to the home opener. The shuttle will run two hours before the game and one hour after the game, with stops every 10 minutes.
Locations for the shuttle's seven stops on its way to the stadium are listed below, in addition to a route map from VRT. The eighth and final stop is Caesar Chavez and Broadway, taking fans right on campus:
- Idaho & 6th
- River & Pioneer
- Front & 9th
- 11th & Main
- Main & 8th
- Main & Capitol
- 6th & Broad
Stadium Entry Gates and Security
ENTRY PROCEDURES
Tickets for 2023 Bronco sporting events are digital and screenshots no longer work, according to Boise State Athletics. Fans should use the Boise State Broncos Athletics app and their Boise State Ticket Account Manager to have full access to tickets on a smartphone. Tickets can also be saved to the wallet app before arriving to Albertsons Stadium and should be pulled up before the ticket scanner area.
New this year, each digital ticket will provide a recommended entry point and gate (see map below). However, fans outside of the Stueckle Sky Center and student section can enter through any gate. VIP fans will have an expedited entry process by going through gates labeled 'Stueckle Entry.'
Four Entry Plazas:
Entry Plaza 1
- Gates L, M (Main Student Entry)
Entry Plaza 2
- Gates N, P (ADA Accessible Entrance)
Entry Plaza 3
- Gate A (ADA Accessible Entry Only)
- Gate B (Player Pass List Entry Only)
- Gate C (Stueckle Entry Only)
- Gate D
- Lyle Smith Society @ Hall of Fame
Entry Plaza 4
- Gate E
- Gate F (Stueckle Entry Only)
- Gate H
Bronco fans should arrive early. The only bags allowed in Albertsons Stadium are included below with maximum sizes:
- Clear plastic or vinyl bags: 12 x 12 x 6 inches
- Clear plastic freezer bag: One gallon
- Purse, bag or clutch: 4.5 x 6.5 inches
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. For a breakdown of permitted and prohibited items, click here.
Concessions Stadium Options
Boise State Athletics and Boise State University Dining continue to feature local businesses and products in their concessions menu for the 2023 football season. Designated stands brought back favorites such as Hammer Frys, mini donuts, pizza cones and Blue 32 BBQ sliders, in addition to options from Meraki Greek Street Food and La Tapatia.
Of course, the classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and candy are offered to Bronco Nation. Boise State Athletics announced Albertsons Stadium will have six Mashgin self-checkout kiosks this year. The locations of the self-checkout kiosks are described below:
- Two adjacent to the west Locals Corner concession area
- Two near the east Locals Corner concession area
- Two at the Double R Ranch concession area on the east side of the stadium
In addition to bottled water, Coca-Cola products and selections from Anheuser-Busch such as beers and seltzers, Boise State also offers options from local vendors. Lost Grove Brewing, Meriwether Cider Co., Payette Brewing, Sockeye Brewing, Woodland Empire and Western Collective will be represented at Saturday's games.
Western Collective's Horseshoe Golden Ale will be available at Albertsons Stadium, with a portion of the proceeds going to The Horseshoe Collective, supporting Boise State student-athletes. Fans are required to show proof of identification to receive a wristband to purchase alcoholic beverages.
Albertsons Stadium concession map:
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