Tulsa looks for the upset of Boise State

More than one person circled this game as a potential downfall for an unbeaten season for Boise State. The Broncos have only played one real complete game, which was against Bowling Green, winning 49-14. Boise State’s (5-0, 4-0 ATS) quest for perfection continues in Tulsa, where another offensive-minded team is awaiting.

It will be of interest to see the mood of the Broncos after a sleep-walking 34-16 performance against Cal-Davis at Boise, gaining a season-low 101 yards on the ground.

“I’m frustrated with a couple different phases,” Boise State coach Chris Petersen said. “Too many penalties, when you can’t score inside the 4 and 5 yard line when you have multiple tries, that’s frustrating.

“We’ll have their attention without question here and get a few things corrected.”

Coach Peterson would never say publicly, but he knows this is great opportunity to showcase his team for the pollsters, to a national cable audience against a 4-1 Tulsa club that has respectable reputation nationally.

Boise State’s 21st ranked defense is sure to be tested by Tulsa, though this is not the offensive juggernaut of the last few seasons. Tulsa offense averages 414.2 yards per game (35th), however that is against defenses that have allowed 413 YPG. In other words, the Golden Hurricane (3-1 ATS) is only average based on the competition.

Boise State needs to do a better job finishing scoring drives. They have scored touchdowns on just 16 of 27 red-zone trips, including six visits that resulted in zero points. The Broncos have covered the spread seven straight times and nine of last 11 and are 6-1 ATS in road games over the last two seasons.

Tulsa needs a fast start to grab the momentum, which in absorbing challenge since nobody has scored in the first quarter against Boise State. Quarterback G.J. Kinne, ranks seventh in FBS passer rating (don’t ask how that works) and has thrown for 1,142 yards with 10 touchdowns to only two interceptions. Tulsa has been balanced in getting into the end zone with nine rushing touchdowns and 11 through the air. The Golden Hurricane has three prime time contests ahead, but a win here brings a great deal of attention to team that is 6-2 ATS as home underdog since 2003.

DiamondSportsbook.com has Boise State posted as 9.5-point favorites, but the Broncos are just 3-8 ATS in the first of two road games. Coach Peterson’s squad is 12-3 ATS vs. good teams outscoring opponents by 10 or more points per game on the season. Tulsa’s defense ranks 27th nationally at 299.2 yards per game and can’t afford a shootout since they are 3-13 ATS when they allow 28 or more points over the last three seasons.

These teams were WAC partners earlier this decade, with Tulsa 0-4 and 2-2 ATS. This is a rare treat for Coach Todd Graham’s squad and Tulsa is 7-3-1 ATS hosting Top 25 teams.

ESPN has the coverage commencing at 8 Eastern.