National Writers Make Predictions for BYU-Boise State Game

National media members from various outlets made their best predictions for Friday night’s BYU-Boise State matchup. Predictions were made for both teams, but an edge seems to be towards BYU with Zach Wilson as the common denominator.

Below is a predictions roundup from national media outlets.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic is backing Zach Wilson and BYU.

It’s really, really, really hard picking against the Broncos on the blue, but I’m not going against Zach Wilson here. He’s been fantastic this season, and I think he will rise to the challenge. Plus, the Broncos just lost one of their best defensive players in Demetri Washington. He will be missed. BYU 28, Boise State 24

Feldman’s colleague Stewart Mandel sees a similar result in a high-scoring game.

It’s hard to forecast a game when I’ve seen one team play seven times and the other play two. But I’m a big believer in BYU’s offense. QB Zach Wilson, the nation’s fifth-rated passer, is going to shine in his biggest showcase of the season. It’s unclear who’s going to be throwing passes for Boise State. BYU 35, Boise State 31

Ralph Russo of The Associated Press likes BYU due to the stakes in the game.

No team has more riding on a game this season than the Cougars: long shot CFP hopes, New Year’s Six prospects and QB Zach Wilson’s Heisman campaign ... BYU 31-24.

Sam Cooper and Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports were split on who would cover the spread.

BYU had to completely reconstruct its schedule with so many conferences playing league-only schedules. And when the Mountain West returned, it managed to land matchups with two of its former conference mates: Boise State and San Diego State. So far this year, the Cougars have won most of their games in blowout fashion as junior quarterback Zach Wilson has become a household name. But a trip to Boise to play on the blue turf will be a much tougher task.

The thing about this game is it’s not entirely clear who is available for Boise State. The Broncos, off to a 2-0 start, beat Air Force last week with USC transfer Jack Sears starting at QB. Sears played very well, throwing for 280 yards and three touchdowns, while usual starter Hank Bachmeier was nowhere to be seen. Boise did say that one player didn’t make the trip to Air Force due to COVID-19 protocols, but did not specify if it was Bachmeier. Either way, Sears has the talent to keep up with Wilson if this one turns into a shootout.

Sam Cooper: BYU -2.5, Nick Bromberg: Boise State +2.5

Four USA Today writers picked BYU and two sided with Boise State.

Jerry Palm of CBS Sports likes Boise State to cover the 3-point spread. He didn’t offer any commentary on the game.

ESPN’s Bill Connelly’s S&P+ formula predicts a 31-27 BYU win and gives BYU a 58% win probability.