Preview: Blue Turf Bloodsport & Denton After Dark: Vegas Expects Fireworks

The Stateline Gazette

Vegas Sets Historic Lines as Top-Ranked Broncos and Surging Mean Green Take Center Stage By Kyle Craig Gazette Sports Lead Writer

LAS VEGAS, NV — If the oddsmakers are to be believed, tonight’s Stateline Elite doubleheader features a coronation and a fireworks display. With Boise State favored by a staggering 38.5 points and the Memphis-North Texas total set at a record-breaking 84.5, the sportsbooks are predicting offensive explosions of biblical proportions. Here is your official preview for tonight’s action.

GAME 1: #12 USF BULLS (0-2) @ #1 BOISE STATE BRONCOS (2-0)

Kickoff: 7:00 PM | The Line: Boise State -38.5 | Over/Under: 72.5

It isn't often you see a point spread nearly touch 40, but the Boise State Broncos aren't your average football team. The unanimous #1 squad is averaging nearly 70 points per contest, led by Heisman frontrunner Maddux Madsen. Conversely, the USF Bulls are limping into Idaho searching for answers—and their first win.

The Coaches' Take: "I don't look at the -38.5 number, and I certainly don't let my players look at it," said Boise State Head Coach Devin Grade. "Our standard is internal. If we start playing the scoreboard instead of the opponent, that’s when mistakes happen. We are here to execute our game plan for 60 minutes, whether we're up by three or thirty."

"The world has written us off, and frankly, that's right where we want to be," said USF Head Coach Grant Drachman. "We know the challenge ahead. They’re the number one team for a reason. But I believe in Byrum [Brown] and I believe in this locker room. We aren't flying out there to lay down. We’re going to fight for every inch of that blue turf."

Key Matchup: The Boise State Offensive Line vs. USF Linebackers The Bulls have struggled to stop the run, and Coach Grade’s offensive line is moving people like furniture movers. If USF can't clog the A-gaps, Madsen will have all day to pick them apart or hand it off for 10-yard chunks.

Key Players to Watch: Maddux Madsen (QB, Boise State): Can he continue his 8-TD-per-game pace? Byrum Brown (QB, USF): The Bulls' only chance at moving the chains is Brown's electric scrambling ability.

The Prediction: A 38.5-point spread is a mountain to climb, even for the #1 team. Expect Boise to score at will in the first half, leading big at the break. However, with the game in hand, Coach Grade will likely rest the starters in the 4th quarter, allowing USF to punch in a late score to sneak inside the number.

Score Prediction: Boise State 56, USF 21

Against the Spread: USF (+38.5) covers the massive number (barely).

Over/Under: Over (72.5) hits on a late 4th-quarter touchdown.

GAME 2: #3 MEMPHIS TIGERS (2-0) @ #4 NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN (1-1)

Kickoff: 8:30 PM | DATCU Stadium The Line: Memphis -6.5 | Over/Under: 84.5

This is the main event. The "Game of the Year" buzz is palpable in Denton. The oddsmakers have set the total at a dizzying 84.5 points, suggesting that defense might be optional tonight. Memphis brings the league's most efficient offense (led by QB Brendon Lewis), while North Texas brings the sheer chaos of the "Air Raid" that just dropped 49 points on SDSU.

The Coaches' take: "We pride ourselves on efficiency and discipline, and that doesn't change just because the other team wants to play fast," said Memphis Head Coach John Horak. "Brendon [Lewis] is commanding this offense at an elite level right now. We aren't getting sucked into their chaos. We are going to play our brand of football—clean, sharp, and physical."

"You saw the scoreboard last week—we aren't afraid to let it fly," said North Texas Head Coach Matt Cummings, grinning. "Memphis is a great team, Coach Horak does a great job, but they're coming into our house now. We want to snap the ball, put points on the board, and make them uncomfortable. If they want a shootout, we're ready to reload."

Key Matchup: Memphis Secondary vs. The 'Mean Green' Deep Ball North Texas WR Wyatt Young is averaging over 20 yards per catch. Memphis has been stout, but they haven't faced the kind of vertical spacing Coach Cummings uses. If the Tigers' safeties bite on the play-action, it’s six points for the home team.

Key Players to Watch: Brendon Lewis (QB, Memphis): 88% completion rate. Can he stay perfect in a hostile environment? Drew Mestemaker (QB, North Texas): The gunslinger who isn't afraid to throw into tight windows.

The Prediction: The "Coaches' Poll" bump has energized the North Texas crowd. While Memphis is the more "complete" team on paper, the Mean Green have a magic to them at home under Coach Cummings. The 84.5 total is high, but these teams will trade touchdowns like trading cards. In a shocker, the home dogs eat.

Score Prediction: North Texas 48, Memphis 45

Against the Spread: North Texas (+6.5) wins outright.

Over/Under: Over (84.5) hits in a game that breaks the scoreboard.