Caleb Wilfinger
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Boise State isn’t used to disappointing seasons. In the last 20+ years, double-digit win campaigns are commonplace for the Broncos. And while Boise State hasn’t had a losing season since 1997, last season felt like one. In fact, 2021 was technically the program’s worst season since 1998. The Broncos won 4 of their last 5 games, but only finished 7-5 on the year and 3rd place in their division. It was a stark contrast to the success Boise State is used to having, and questions were certainly raised about the dependability of head coach Andy Avalos and quarterback Hank Bachmeier. How will the Broncos answer those questions in 2022?
With the 2022 college football campaign beginning later this month, it’s time to take a look at what this season could have in store for Boise State.
Jared Smith has a HUGE 3-unit futures play for the upcoming college football season
Boise State 2022 college football season odds
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Boise State National Championship odds
Boise State comes in at 1000/1 to win the College Football Playoff. That checks in alongside many other Group of 5 teams.
Read our college football National Championship preview, including a +8000 longshot
Boise State Mountain West conference odds
The Broncos are slight favorites to win the Mountain West conference at +250 odds. This comes in ahead of Fresno State, San Diego State and Air Force.
Boise State win total odds
The Broncos win total sits at 9, with odds of approximately -110 on either side.
Boise State 2021 season recap
After over 2 decades of great seasons, the 2021 season was disappointing for Boise State. The Broncos’ offense was spotty all year, specifically in the passing game. If Bachmeier couldn’t find Khalil Shakir, opposing secondaries didn’t have much trouble with the Broncos. He also showed a propensity for turning the ball over at inopportune times, a trait that reared its ugly head in losses to UCF and Oklahoma State. Boise State lost 3 games at home in 2021, a rarity for a team that typically defended its home field on the blue turf. On defense, the Broncos were solid, but couldn’t do enough to reign in opposing teams when the offense couldn’t get going. With last fall being the program’s worst season since 1998, can the Broncos bounce back in 2022?
Boise State 2022 college football season predictions
There’s no doubt that Boise State will be motivated to take back control of the Mountain West. In the second year under Any Avalos, I have full confidence that the Broncos will be strong defensively. They did lose some pieces in the front seven but retained the core of their secondary. This will be key against high octane offenses against Fresno State, Air Force and Utah State. However, the Broncos’ main concern is on the offensive side of the ball. Bachmeier should be solid, but he’ll have very few dynamic targets to work with this fall. Most of the parts from last year’s receiving core are gone, and he’ll have to rely on a slew of new guys to deliver. There could certainly be some growing pains with this offense, especially against quality opposition in their division. Regardless of what happens, it will certainly be an entertaining campaign either way.
Best Bet: Boise State under 9 wins (-110)
For my best bet, I’ll be backing Boise State under 9 wins. This pick boils down to the Broncos’ difficult schedule and reputation. The betting market appears to be treating Boise State with the same level of respect as in years past, and I’m not sure if it’s deserved. Losing Shakir at wide receiver will be a massive loss for Bachmeier and the Boise State passing game as a whole. Furthermore, while most of their toughest games are at home, I don’t think the Broncos are better than Air Force or Fresno State. Assuming Boise State loses at Oregon State, that already brings the Broncos to 3 losses. This leaves no room for error against the likes of BYU, San Diego State and Utah State. If the Broncos fall out of the title race early on, things could go south in Boise.
While I do think that the Broncos’ defense is good enough to hang with any opponent, I still have serious questions about Bachmeier and the offense. For that reason, I have to side with the under here.
Who could be this season’s Cincinnati? Read our non-Power 5 conference dark horses
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