Boise State enters a game they are unfamiliar with on Saturday night, traveling as big underdogs to number 7 Oregon.
The Broncos will take the field on the turf of Autzen Stadium in Eugene with the home team as a 19-point favorite. The last time the Broncos went into a game with such odds against them was in 2001 at South Carolina. Boise State, also an underdog with 19 points in that game, lost 32-13, making the bookies look pretty smart.
The Broncos will be without starting junior center Mason Randolph, who has an upper-body injury. Redshirt junior Zach Holmes is expected to start in his place, Boise State officials told the Idaho Statesman.
Randolph’s injury will raise some questions about the Broncos’ offensive line, which was likely the primary reason Boise State put up 56 points against Georgia Southern in the season opener. The line opened up huge holes for running back Ashton Jeanty, who had a record-setting rushing day.
After last week’s 56-45 win, Boise State received enough votes in the AP Top 25 poll to be ranked No. 28. A surprise win over No. 7 Oregon would undoubtedly catapult the Broncos into the national rankings.
The temperature in Eugene will be around 30 degrees at kick-off, but will quickly drop to around 21 degrees during the match.
