Recent Play Details

5% 5% Big Ticket: Take Boise State (#425)

Boise State fired head coach Andy Avalos after blowing out New Mexico 42-14 last week.  I’m always looking for player quotes after the head coach gets fired, trying to gauge the mindset of a team under their interim coach. Here’s what the PLAYERS had to say about interim head coach Spencer Danielson, their former defensive coordinator.

Defensive tackle Michael Callahan: “People around here would run through a brick wall for that man. He’s probably one of the most influential people in my life. He’s going to coach you hard and be honest with you, but he’s a guy who truly cares about each and every one of his players.”

Here’s a pair of quotes from the Idaho Statesman: ‘The atmosphere has been different at practice this week, wide receiver Billy Bowens said. He said the mood feels lighter and everyone is excited to play for Danielson. “He’s a great coach and an even better man,” Bowens said. “He’s someone I love being around, and I’m super excited for him.”’

‘When asked to describe Danielson’s coaching style, Boise State linebacker DJ Schramm hesitated for a beat, and then beamed as he responded “perfect.” “He just knows how to communicate with each person individually. That’s what happens when you build such good relationships with people. You’re able to connect with them and you’re able to figure out what really drives them.  He’s a great leader and a great man. It goes so far beyond football. It’s just the way he leads people in life, the lessons he teaches and how he shows up each day for the guys in that locker room.”

Interim coach Danielson: “These guys have done so much for this place and so much for me.  We’re so passionate to finish this right for them. Their legacy is still not finished.”

That, folks, is series of BET-ON quotes from team leaders, with the theme of ‘trying to end their season right and get their beloved interim coach the full time job.”  And make no mistake about it – the Broncos ‘A’ game, or anything close – is more than enough to deliver a smackdown to Utah State on Saturday Night.  Let’s not forget that the Broncos still need another win to earn bowl eligibility, looking to extend a streak that dates back to 2002.

Utah State is playing with a 5-foot-10 backup frosh QB in McCae Hillstead.  All five previous wins this season for the Aggies have come against opponents that are 4-6 or worse; beating only bottom feeders.  Boise is 6-0 SU, 6-0 ATS in the last six seasons against the Aggies, winning every time by more than a TD; five of the six wins coming by 1919 points or more.  No surprise here if Boise, once again, wins by margin; a Broncos team that deserves a power ratings boost this week…...a boost the markets haven’t given them.  Step up sized wager here! Big Ticket: Take Boise State.

Line Parameter: 5% at -6 or lower, 4% at -6.5 or higher