College Football Preview: Boise State vs. Virginia Tech

The Broncos take on the Hokies in a not-so-neutral site game. Al Dannity likes Boise State to come out on top at FedEx Field.

Experience matters for Boise State
Much has been made of the Broncos returning 21 of 22 starters on offense and defense for the 2010 season and rightly so. Boise State is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Kellen Moore is a legitimate Heisman candidate and could light up an inexperienced Virginia Tech defense in FedEx Field. While I like Moore to shine, to me the real difference will be Boise State’s defense.

The Broncos held TCU to just 10 points in the Fiesta Bowl, capping off a dominant defensive season. The defense didn’t make too many headlines in 2009 because the offense lit up most of Boise State’s opponents. I expect them to make a statement on Monday night, proving themselves as an elite unit.

Hokies must commit to the run game
Tyrod Taylor may be the most dynamic weapon on the Virginia Tech offense but College Football betting fans know the Hokies in this game hopes rest on Ryan Williams. The running back simply has to have an immense game in order to give Virginia Tech a chance. If Williams can bust holes up the middle, then the Hokies can use Tyrod Taylor to capitalize on Boise over-committing to run defense.

The Broncos have one question mark, namely cornerback Jamar Taylor. The sophomore replaces Kyle Wilson, now with the New York Jets, and is the only new face in the Boise State line-up. If Boise State loads the box against Williams, then Tyrod Taylor has a chance to attack his namesake in the passing game. Anything less than a dominant performance from Williams and the Hokies will be in for a long day.

Broncos will stand tall
There will be 60,000 Virginia Tech fans at FedEx Field but don’t expect them to return to Blacksburg smiling. This game comes too early in the season for Virginia Tech to be able to win. The Hokies would have a great shot against the Broncos a few games into the year but this young team is in no state to cope with the most loaded team in the country on the opening weekend.

Boise State knows that a win here keeps them firmly in the BCS title conversation. Defeat ends the Broncos shot of even making a BCS bowl. That’s some pretty high stakes, the kind Boise State are used to dealing with. It may be close, it might come down to the wire, but in the end I like the team with the talent and experience to win. Boise State will close Labor Day and the opening weekend of NCAA Football betting with a win over Virginia Tech.