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Boise State’s pass offense faces stingy Hawaii pass defense

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Boise State running back Ryan Wolpin (30) runs the ball past Hawaii defensive back Dejaun Butler (26) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Boise, Idaho, on Oct. 3, 2015.

No. 24 Boise State (8-1, 4-1 Mountain West, No. 22 CFP) at Hawaii (4-6, 3-3), 5 p.m. (CBS Sports)

Line: Boise State by 18.

Series record: Boise State leads 11-3.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Any hope Boise State has left to sneak into a New Year’s Six bowl likely goes by the wayside with a loss. The Broncos and unbeaten Western Michigan are the only non-Power Five teams ranked in the AP Top 25. A win would give Hawaii its highest win total since 2010, when it won 10 games, and its most league wins in a single season since joining the Mountain West in 2012. A loss would mean a school-record sixth consecutive season with a losing league record.

KEY MATCHUP

Boise State’s pass offense vs. Hawaii’s pass defense. The Broncos rank 18th in FBS with 310.1 pass yards per game, while the Rainbow Warriors are the nation’s 23rd-best team in terms of passing yards allowed per game (194.4.). Boise State QB Brett Rypien leads the Mountain West in passing yards (2,578), passing touchdowns (18) and total offense (282.4 yards per game). DBs Trayvon Henderson and Jalen Rogers have combined for five of Hawaii’s nine interceptions this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Boise State: RB Jeremy McNichols. The junior leads the country with 20 touchdowns this season. His 46 touchdowns since the start of last season are the most by any FBS player. McNichols has rushed for 1,216 yards, fourth-most in the nation, and has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in seven games this year.

Hawaii: LB Jahlani Tavai. The sophomore has collected a team-high 91 tackles this year, including 10 for losses. His 5.9 solo tackles per game leads the Mountain West and ranks 11th nationally.

FACTS & FIGURES

Hawaii has lost its last eight games versus nationally ranked teams. . Boise State has won the last five meetings in the series by an average of 38 points per game. . Broncos assistant Zack Hill was hired by Hawaii first-year coach Nick Rolovich to serve as offensive coordinator last December, but left just 48 days later to assume the same position at Boise State. . Hawaii and Boise State rank 118th and 119th, respectively, in FBS in turnover margin.

One response to “Boise State’s pass offense faces stingy Hawaii pass defense”

  1. amela says:

    Think positive and good luck.

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