Date & Time: November 28, 4:00 PM EST
Venue: Maverik Stadium, Logan, Utah
Line: Boise State -2.5, Over/Under 55.5
Game Preview
A pivotal Mountain West rivalry is set to unfold as the Boise State Broncos travel to Logan to take on the Utah State Aggies. With a tight point spread of just -2.5, oddsmakers are anticipating a hard-fought battle to the finish. This game, however, is clouded by a significant injury question mark for the visiting Broncos, making this matchup one of the most intriguing of the week.
Boise State’s Quarterback Quandary
The biggest storyline heading into this contest is the health of Boise State’s starting quarterback. According to a Bleacher Report article, quarterback Maddux Madsen is considered a “long shot” to play. This comes after he suffered a “lower leg injury” during the third series of the Fresno State game, as reported by SI.com.
Losing a starting quarterback is a major blow for any team, especially on the road in a hostile environment against a conference rival. The Broncos will likely be forced to rely on a backup to lead the offense, which could lead to a more conservative game plan. The team’s new injury reporting policy, which involves releasing updates 48 and 3 hours prior to kickoff, means final confirmation may not come until game day, but the outlook appears grim for Madsen. The challenge for Boise State will be whether their system and surrounding talent can elevate a less-experienced signal-caller to secure a crucial road win.
Utah State’s Golden Opportunity
For the Utah State Aggies, this is a prime opportunity to score a signature win. Playing at home in Maverik Stadium, they face a Broncos team that is potentially vulnerable. While the provided search results did not list any specific active injuries for the Aggies, they enter this matchup knowing the team across from them is not at full strength.
The Aggies’ game plan should be simple: apply relentless pressure on Boise State’s backup quarterback. Forcing mistakes, creating turnovers, and winning the field position battle will be paramount. If Utah State’s defense can rattle the Broncos’ new quarterback early, they can seize control of the game and capitalize on the home-field advantage.
Prediction
This game comes down to one critical factor: Boise State’s quarterback play. A backup on the road in a rivalry game is one of the toughest situations in college football. While Boise State is favored for a reason—they possess a talented roster—the uncertainty and likely drop-off in production at the most important position are too significant to ignore.
The tight -2.5 spread suggests oddsmakers have already factored in the Madsen injury, but it still feels like an overvaluation of a team in a difficult spot. Utah State is playing at home with a massive motivational edge and a clear path to victory by targeting the Broncos’ biggest weakness. Expect a lower-scoring, grind-it-out affair as Boise State’s offense may struggle to find its rhythm.
The Pick: Utah State +2.5
Over/Under: Under 55.5
Predicted Final Score: Utah State 27, Boise State 24
Sources:
Boise State Broncos Injuries 2025-2026 – Updated NCAAF Injury …
Did the BSU player suffer a bad injury?
Boise State Broncos Player News – College Football | FOX Sports
Claims/Reports – Risk Management and Insurance
NCAAF Injuries Report for the Boise State Broncos | Oddstrader
Week 1 Matchup Preview Thread: #25 Boise State vs South Florida …
Boise State plans ‘to do things the right way’ with new injury report …
Oregon Ducks vs. Boise State Injury Report: Bassa, Bedford, Bryant …
Boise State Football – Bleacher Report
Boise State bye week report card: Offense