The Boise State wide receiver, who spent the past two seasons at Indiana, leads the Broncos in receptions (25), receiving yards (441), and touchdown receptions (four). He also averages a team-best 17.6 yards per catch, which ranks No. 3 in the Mountain West. 

The fifth-year senior has emerged as Boise State’s No. 1 wideout – more so than highly touted transfer Chris Marshall, who was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and joined the Broncos as the top-rated junior college transfer in the country. Marshall has played in just three games and has caught three passes for 13 yards. 

Camper is well on his way to having the best statistical season of his career, but he knows better than to allow himself to get complacent after taking the long road to Boise State’s blue turf.

“I just put my head down and work every day,” Camper said. “I know I can’t take anything for granted because it can be taken away at any time.”

The next passes Camper catches could be big ones. Boise State is off this week, but the Broncos travel to UNLV on Oct. 25 (10:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network) for what could be a preview of the Mountain West Championship.

Humble Beginnings

As a senior in high school, Camper wasn’t sure he wanted to play college football. He wasn’t getting recruited by high-level schools, and he considered pursuing other opportunities. 

After a change of heart, he spent two seasons at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas before transferring to Indiana, where he posted a career-best 46 catches for 569 yards in 2022. He struggled with injuries in 2023 and missed spring ball at Boise State this year while recovering.

Boise State wide receivers coach Matt Miller sat down this summer and watched tape of Camper’s 2022 season. He said the receiver showed the versatility and explosiveness that has served him well this season. He also said Camper’s humble beginnings had a lot to do with his success.

“He knows the value of hard work,” Miller said. “You can be the best receiver in the world, but you can’t reach your full potential until you know what it means to sacrifice and work.”

‘Good Vibes’

This year hasn’t just been special for Camper on the field. He was also reunited with his childhood best friend, Boise State wide receiver Latrell Caples, who is also a fifth-year senior.

Camper and Caples have known one another since they were 8 years old. They ran track together, and they took the football field together at Lancaster High School in Texas. After years apart, they’re not only teammates once again, but they’re living together in Boise.

“Being back with him is fun,” Camper said. “He sets the standard in practice, and he always has good vibes off the field.”

Camper said Caples played a big role in bringing him to Boise. Caples, the Broncos’ leading receiver in 2022, said the chance to suit up with Camper again helped him overcome the Achilles Tendon injury that kept him on the sideline last season. Caples is third on the team this season with 12 catches for 156 yards in five games. 

“He’s a dog and a playmaker on the field and a good dude off the field,” Caples said. “He’s worked so hard for this, and he deserves every rep he gets.”

The post Boise State Football: Cameron Camper Leading The Way For The Broncos’ Passing Attack appeared first on HERO Sports.

The Rebels own two wins over Power Four teams this year. This week, they have a chance to show Oregon State why they should have been included in the first round of Pac-12 expansion. 

The Rebels hit the road Saturday to face Oregon State at 10 p.m. ET on The CW.

UNLV scored at least 50 points for the third time this season in last week’s 50-34 win over Utah State. The Rebels are scoring 45.3 points a game, which ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West. Only Boise State (46.8) is producing more points. 

Led by co-preseason defensive player of the year, linebacker Jackson Woodard, the Rebels are giving up 22.2 points a game, which also ranks No. 2 in the conference behind Hawaii (20.5). UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams has posted 11 touchdowns (nine passing and two rushing) in three games since taking over for Matthew Sluka. 

Oregon State is led by running back Anthony Hankerson, who has posted 639 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground this season. 

UNLV at Oregon State Betting Line

UNLV is a seven-point college football betting odds favorite, and the Over/Under is 59.5 points. The Rebels are 6-14 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite on the road. Oregon State is 9-11 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home. 

UNLV at Oregon State Prediction

I predict UNLV wins 34-24.

The Rebels’ offense has been rolling since Williams took over, and wide receiver Ricky White has been unstoppable in recent weeks. He has produced three straight 100-yard receiving performances, including a season-high 138 yards against Utah State. Pair that with the best defense in the Mountain West, and UNLV is a nightmare matchup. I think the Rebels will pick up a big win heading into an even bigger matchup against No. 15 Boise State next week. 

Fresno State at Nevada Pick

How to watch: 10:30 ET. CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Fresno State is a three-point favorite and the Over/Under is 49.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Nevada wins 17-14. Nevada scored 21 points in the fourth quarter and knocked off Oregon State last week despite racking up just 69 passing yards. The Wolf Pack leaned on a dominant rushing attack, led by Savion Red’s 137 yards and four touchdowns. I believe Red and athletic quarterback Brendon Lewis, who rushed for 151 yards against the Beavers, will lead Nevada to another win. 

Hawaii at Washington State Pick

How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, The CW

Betting line: Washington State is an 18.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 55.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Washington State wins 30-24. The Cougars gave up 220 passing yards last week against Fresno State. This week, they’ll face another high-powered passing attack, led by quarterback Brayden Schager, who leads the Mountain West with 265.3 passing yards a game. Washing State quarterback John Mateer may lead his team to a win, but I don’t see the Cougars covering that massive spread. 

New Mexico at Utah State Pick

How to watch: 4 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max

Betting line: New Mexico is a 1.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 78.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict New Mexico wins 27-21. New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier racked up 229 yards of offense and three touchdowns last week to lead the Lobos to their second straight 50-point performance. The offense should stay hot this week against a Utah State defense that is giving up a conference-worst 42.8 points a game. 

Wyoming at San Jose State Pick

How to watch: 4 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network/NBC Sports Bay Area

Betting line: San Jose State is an 11.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 51.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict San Jose State wins 24-10. San Jose State came up short against Colorado State last week, but I believe Wyoming won’t be able to contain the Spartans’ passing attack, which is led by wide receiver Nick Nash. He leads the Mountain West with 61 catches for 806 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

Colorado State at Air Force Pick

How to watch: 8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Colorado State is a seven-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 44.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Colorado State wins 38-17. The Rams just knocked off a good team from San Jose State, and I believe Air Force’s offense will not be able to hang with Colorado State’s offense. 

The post CFB Betting Lines: Picks & Predictions For Mountain West Teams In Week 8 appeared first on HERO Sports.

Mateer leads Washington State with 453 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, and he has completed 58% of his passes while racking up 1,429 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. Against Boise State, he managed just 28 rushing yards and threw an interception in what is the Cougars’ (4-1) only loss of the season.

Mateer and his teammates had an extra week to mull over the loss as Washington State was on a bye last week, but they’re back in action Saturday against another Mountain West contender. The Cougars take on Fresno State at 7 p.m. ET on FS1.

Fresno State (3-2) is also coming off a bye. The last time the Bulldogs took the field, they came up short in a 59-14 loss to UNLV.

Bulldogs quarterback Mikey Keene is one of the most experienced passers in the Mountain West. He ranks No. 2 in the conference with 1,356 passing yards, but he has thrown just seven touchdown passes and six interceptions. 

Washington State at Fresno State Betting Line

Washington State is a 3.5-point college football betting odds favorite, and the Over/Under is 61.5 points. The Cougars are 12-8 against the spread in their past 20 games as the favorite on the road. Fresno State is 14-5-1 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home. 

Prediction

I predict Washington State wins 35-24.

Fresno State has enough experience on offense to put points on the board, but the Bulldogs’ defense has been suspect at times this season. They gave up 30 points against Sacramento State earlier this year, and UNLV had no problem scoring on them. I think Mateer will give the Bulldogs fits and get the Cougars back in the win column. 

Friday Night Matchup

UNLV at Utah State

How to watch: 9 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: UNLV is an 18.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 65.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict UNLV wins 35-21. The Rebels were an overtime field goal shy of picking up their third win against a team from a Power Four conference last week. The offense is clicking under new quarterback Hajj Malik-Williams, and UNLV’s defense is the best in the Mountain West. The Rebels also know they can’t afford another loss if they hope to stay in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff. 

Saturday Games

Boise State at Hawaii

How to watch: 11 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Boise State is a 20.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 59.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Boise State wins 45-35. Hawaii’s passing attack, led by wide receiver Pofele Ashlock, should test Boise State’s secondary, but I believe Heisman contender Ashton Jeanty will put up video game numbers again and lead the Broncos to a win. 

San Diego State at Wyoming

How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: San Diego State is a 2.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 42.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict San Diego State wins 28-21. Quarterback Danny O’Neil (24 of 33, 224 yards, one TD) and running back Marquez Cooper (130 yards, 2 TDs) did just enough to lead San Diego State to a 27-24 win over Hawaii last weekend. I think the Aztecs win another close one this week. 

San Jose State at Colorado State

How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max  

Betting line: San Jose State is a 1.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 56.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict San Jose State wins 30-24. Two potent passing attacks will clash. Quarterback Emmett Brown and wide receiver Nick Nash have taken the Mountain West by surprise, and the Spartans lead the conference with 328.6 passing yards a game. Colorado State has one of the conference’s top wide receivers in Tory Horton, but he’ll need some help on Saturday. 

Air Force at New Mexico

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max  

Betting line: New Mexico is a 6.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 54.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict New Mexico wins 17-10. Air Force has lost four in a row, including a 34-7 setback against Navy last week. I believe the Falcons’ rushing attack should do some damage, but not as much as New Mexico’s athletic quarterback Devon Dampier, who has accounted for 1,641 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. 

Oregon State at Nevada

How to watch: 7:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Oregon State is a 4-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 47.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Oregon State wins 30-17. Nevada gave up just 114 rushing yards last week in a 35-31 loss to San Jose State, but the Wolf Pack will have to deal with a much more talented backfield this week. Oregon State’s Jam Griffin and Anthony Hankerson have combined for 935 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. 

The post CFB Betting Lines: Picks & Predictions For Mountain West Games In Week 7 appeared first on HERO Sports.

Navy is in search of its first 5-0 start since 2017. The Midshipmen racked up 361 yards and five touchdowns on the ground in a 56-44 win over Memphis two weeks ago. They posted 452 yards of offense in a 41-18 win over UAB last week. Navy’s 46 points a game ranks No. 9 in the country.

Navy quarterback Blake Horvath has been electric. He has accounted for 1,087 yards of offense and 15 total touchdowns (eight rushing and seven passing). He threw two touchdowns of more than 70 yards against UAB, including a 74-yard strike to Eli Heidenreich, who already has five touchdown catches this season and is two shy of setting the program’s single-season record. 

Air Force is coming off a 31-19 loss at Wyoming. The Falcons managed just 205 rushing yards despite fullback Dylan Carson’s return from injury. 

Navy at Air Force Betting Line

Navy is a 9.5-point college football betting odds favorite, and the Over/Under is 37 points. Air Force has won four straight games against the Midshipmen and leads the all-time series 34-22. Navy hasn’t won in Colorado Springs, Colorado, since 2012. 

Navy-Air Force Prediction 

I predict Navy wins 42-17. Navy has been unbeatable this season, and I think the Midshipmen’s hot streak continues this weekend. Horvath is a matchup nightmare, and he’s surrounded by weapons on offense. Air Force has an offense that’s been stuck in neutral because of injuries and roster turnover. The Falcons rank last in the Mountain West with 12.5 points a game. 

UNLV Eyes Another P4 win

Syracuse at UNLV

How to watch: 9 p.m. ET, Friday, FS1

Betting line: UNLV is a 6.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 58.5 points. Syracuse is 8-12 against the spread in its past 20 games as an underdog on the road. UNLV is 10-10 ATS in its past 20 games as the favorite at home. 

Prediction: I predict UNLV wins 30-27. With how UNLV quarterback Hajj Malik-Williams played last week against Fresno State, one is left to wonder why he hasn’t been starting all season. He threw for three touchdowns and added 119 yards and another score on the ground in the Rebels’ 59-14 win. His stats may not be as gaudy against Syracuse, but I think he’ll do enough to lead UNLV to its third win of the season against a team from a Power Four conference.

Mountain West Games On Saturday 

Utah State at Boise State

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET, FS2

Betting line: Boise State is a 26.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 66.5 points.

Prediction: I predict Boise State wins 56-28. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been unstoppable no matter who the Broncos play. I believe he’ll put up more video game-like numbers and Boise State will pull away early. 

Colorado State at Oregon State

How to watch: 6:30 p.m. ET, The CW

Betting line: Oregon State is an 11-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 47.5 points.

Prediction: I predict Colorado State wins 24-21. When healthy, Colorado State’s offense can give any defense fits, and Rams head coach Jay Norvell said earlier this week that he expects wide receiver Tory Horton to be available to play this weekend. That’s enough to give the Rams a slight edge in what should be a close game. 

Nevada at San Jose State

How to watch: 7:30 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max

Betting line: San Jose State is a 7-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 51.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict San Jose State wins 24-17. San Jose State quarterback Emmett Brown leads the Mountain West with 13 touchdown passes, eight of which have gone to wide receiver Nick Nash. I think the duo will do enough to lead the Spartans to a win in what could be the conference’s game of the week. 

Hawaii at San Diego State

How to watch: 8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: San Diego State is a 2.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 50.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Hawaii wins 27-17. Hawaii’s passing attack, led by quarterback Brayden Schager, averages 265.3 yards a game, which ranks No. 3 in the Mountain West this season. He’ll look for his favorite target, wide receiver Pofele Ashlock, and I believe the Warriors will knock off San Diego State for the first time since 2019. 

The post CFB Betting Lines: Mountain West Picks & Predictions For Week 6 appeared first on HERO Sports.

A win at 10 p.m. ET Saturday on FS1 will give Fresno State an inside track to the conference title game. The Bulldogs don’t play Boise State or San Diego State this season, so their toughest remaining Mountain West game will be at home against Colorado State on Nov. 23. UNLV still has to play Boise State, Oregon State, and San Diego State.

The Rebels have put together three straight wins, two of which have come against Big 12 teams Houston and Kansas. But the complexion of Saturday’s game changed Tuesday night when UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka announced he’ll sit out the rest of the season reportedly because of a dispute over NIL payments. 

UNLV will turn the offense over to Cameron Friel, a former Mountain West Freshman of the Year who has played in just five games the past two years, or athletic transfer Hajj-Malik Williams, who set program records at Campbell with 8,236 passing yards and 58 touchdown passes.

Fresno State’s passing attack is led by senior quarterback Mikey Keene, who completed 78.8% of his passes last week against New Mexico. His top two receivers, Jalen Moss and Mac Dalena, have caught a combined 33 passes for 674 yards and three touchdowns. 

UNLV vs. Fresno State Betting Line  

UNLV is a 1.5-point college football betting odds favorite, and the Over/Under is 48.5 points. The Rebels are 14-6 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite at home. Fresno State is 5-15 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog on the road. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 19-7, and they’ve won six in a row, including a 31-24 victory at home last season. 

UNLV vs. Fresno State Prediction

I predict Fresno State wins 24-14.

This is a matchup of one of the best passing attacks in the Mountain West against UNLV’s defense, which is giving up a conference-leading 297.3 yards a game. Usually I’d go defense, but the sudden change at quarterback is going to hurt the Rebels, especially because Sluka’s legs have been UNLV’s most consistent offensive weapon at times. I think the Rebels’ defense keeps it close, but Keene leads the Bulldogs into the Mountain West title race. 

Make-Or-Break Mountain West Games

Washington State at No. 25 Boise State

How to watch: 10 p.m. ET, FS1

Betting line: Boise State is a 7.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 63.5 points. The Broncos are 15-5 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite at home. Washington State is 5-15 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog on the road. The programs haven’t met since 2017, but the Cougars lead the all-time series 5-1. 

Prediction: I predict Boise State wins 30-24. The No. 25-ranked Broncos’ valiant effort at Oregon and their 56-14 win over Portland State were enough to earn Boise State its first spot in the Associated Press Top 25 since 2020. They’re the only ranked team from the Group of Five, but on Saturday, they host red-hot Washington State, which is riding high after a win over Washington and last week’s overtime thriller against San Jose State. The Cougars have been stout against the run the past two weeks, but they haven’t faced a running back like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. I think he’ll have another big day and the Broncos will hold on for a close win. 

New Mexico at New Mexico State

How to watch: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Betting line: New Mexico is a 9.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 54.5 points. The Lobos are 17-10 in the series since 1995, but the Aggies have won this matchup in each of the past two years.   

Prediction: I predict New Mexico wins 28-14. New Mexico State’s offense has fallen off since the Aggies almost beat Liberty on Sept. 7. They’ve managed 11 points the past two weeks against Fresno State and Sam Houston, and they mustered just 152 yards against the Bearkats. New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier was held in check by Fresno State last week, but I think he’ll have a big day and help head coach Bronco Mendenhall pick up his first win as a Lobo. 

More Mountain West Picks

Air Force at Wyoming

How to watch: 8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Air Force is a four-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 33.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Air Force wins 24-10. Two struggling offenses clash in what should be a low-scoring affair, but I think Air Force gets its prolific rushing attack back on track and sends Wyoming to its fifth-straight loss. 

San Diego State at Central Michigan

How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Central Michigan is a 2.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 53.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict San Diego State wins 27-17. San Diego State’s offense has generated just 10 points in losses to Cal and Oregon State the past two weeks. I think the Aztecs lean on talented running back Marquez Cooper and right the ship against a Central Michigan team coming off a thrilling 37-34 win over Ball State. 

The post CFB Betting Lines: Picks & Predictions For Mountain West Teams In Week 5 appeared first on HERO Sports.

The Rebels are very much in the conversation to earn an automatic berth to the College Football Playoff, but they suffered a blow Tuesday that could derail their historic season.

Starting quarterback Matthew Sluka announced late Tuesday night he won’t play another down this season. He’s taking a redshirt year and will sit out because of a reported dispute over stalled payments for a Name, Image, and Likeness deal.

Matthew Sluka Stats

Sluka transferred to UNLV this year after four seasons at Holy Cross, where he racked up 9,499 yards of offense and 97 touchdowns and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award in 2022 and 2023. He leads the Rebels with 253 rushing yards and six passing touchdowns this season. 

Sluka has been more of a threat with his legs than his arm at times, but he did lead UNLV in two wins over teams from Power Four conferences and a record-setting offensive performance against Utah Tech. 

Those wins have the Rebels in position to earn one of five automatic berths to the CFP that go to the highest-ranked conference champions. Boise State was the only Group of Five team to crack the AP Top 25 this week. The Broncos came in at No. 25. UNLV isn’t far behind after picking up 53 points, which would put the Rebels at No. 29. 

Of course there is still plenty of football to be played, including UNLV’s Mountain West opener at home Saturday against Fresno State (3-1, 1-0 Mountain West). The Bulldogs have won three in a row after opening the season with a 30-10 loss to Michigan.

UNLV Betting Line This Week

UNLV is a one-point college football betting odds favorite against Fresno State, and the Over/Under is 48.5 points. 

What Happened? 

Sluka said in his statement on Twitter/X that promises made to him when he transferred to UNLV were not upheld. He didn’t specify who made the promises or what they were, but Sluka made it clear that someone hasn’t upheld their end of the bargain. 

“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,” he wrote. “Despite discussions, it became clear these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future.”

Sluka’s father, Bob, said his son has never received payment from an NIL deal that was agreed to back in February, according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. Sluka’s NIL agent, Marcus Cromartie, reportedly told ESPN that Sluka was offered $100,000 by an assistant coach before transferring, but all he has received is a $3,000 relocation stipend.

Rob Sine, CEO of Blueprint Sports, which operates UNLV’s collective, reportedly told Yahoo Sports the collective never agreed to a $100,000 deal with Sluka. 

College athletes have been able to monetize their name, image, and likeness through endorsement deals, advertisements, and appearances since July 2021. 

College football players that haven’t appeared in four games can take a redshirt year and sit out the rest of the season, preserving a year of eligibility. It’s not uncommon for players who are buried on the depth chart to look for greener pastures, but Sluka has to be one of the first starting quarterbacks on a CFP contender to essentially hold out, via the transfer portal, over a reported money dispute.  

Where Do The Rebels Turn? 

UNLV will probably have to turn to one of two seniors: Cameron Friel or Campbell transfer Hajj-Malik Williams. 

Friel was the Mountain West Freshman of the Year in 2021 after posting 1,608 passing yards and six touchdowns, but he has only played in five games the past two seasons. He played in just one contest last year while Jayden Maiava led the Rebels to the Mountain West Championship game. Maiava transferred to USC. 

Williams spent the past five seasons at Campbell and left as the program’s career leader in passing yards (8,236) and touchdown passes (58).

The post CFB News: UNLV QB Matthew Sluka’s NIL Deal Reportedly At The Center of His Decision To Sit Out appeared first on HERO Sports.

The Spartans take on WSU (3-0) at 10 p.m. ET on The CW. 

San Jose State wide receiver Nick Nash hauled in a program-record 17 passes for 225 yards and tied his own single-game record with three touchdowns to lead the Spartans past Kennesaw State 31-10 last weekend. San Jose State held Air Force to 143 rushing yards in a 17-7 win on Sept. 7. 

Washington State is coming off a thrilling 24-19 win over Washington, which featured a late goal-line stand that helped the Cougars capture the Apple Cup for the third time since 2008. Quarterback John Mateer threw for 245 yards and a touchdown and posted a team-high 62 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

San Jose State vs. Washington State Betting Line

Washington State is an 11.5-point college football betting odds favorite against San Jose State, and the Over/Under is 55.5 points. The Cougars are 15-5 in their past 20 games as a favorite at home. The Spartans are 5-15 in their past 20 games as an underdog on the road, but they’ve won nine of their past 10 games, dating back to last October. Their only loss in that stretch was a 24-14 setback against Coastal Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl. 

SJSU vs. WSU Prediction

I predict Washington State beats San Jose State 28-21. 

Mateer is athletic enough to be a problem for most teams. He’ll have another big day, but the Spartans have enough weapons on offense and experience on defense to keep this one close.   

Mountain West Games To Watch

UTEP At Colorado State 

How to watch: 5 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max

Betting line: Colorado State is a 9.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 50.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Colorado State wins 27-21. The Rams will likely be without star wide receiver Tory Horton, who is dealing with a groin injury, according to the Coloradoan’s Kevin Lytle. Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has other targets, but expect the Rams to lean on running back Justin Marshall.  

Wyoming At North Texas

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Betting line: North Texas is a 9-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 55.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict North Texas wins 28-14. Wyoming’s offense has been disappointing, and North Texas is hungry for a win after giving up 66 points in a loss at Texas Tech last week. 

Fresno State At New Mexico

How to watch: 8:30 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max

Betting line: Fresno State is a 14.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 61.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Fresno State wins 35-24. The Bulldogs’ defense pitched a shutout last week, and they have one of the Mountain West’s top receiving duos in Mac Dalena and Jalen Moss. The Lobos will go as far as athletic quarterback Devon Dampier takes them. 

Other Mountain West Games 

Utah State At Temple 

How to watch: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Betting line: Utah State is a 6.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 53.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Utah State wins 28-14. Utah State’s weapons on offense finally get on the same page and help the Aggies end a two-game losing skid. Expect wide receiver Jalen Royals to go deep early and often. 

Eastern Washington At Nevada

How to watch: 3 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network

Prediction: I predict Nevada wins 42-14. The Wolf Pack have suffered two losses by five points or less, but quarterback Brendon Lewis and the offense should have a big day against Eastern Washington.  

Portland State At Boise State

How to watch: 9:45 p.m. ET, FS1

Prediction: I predict Boise State wins 56-10. Running back Ashton Jeanty should continue to prove why he’s a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, and quarterback Malachi Nelson might make his debut during mop-up duty. 

Northern Iowa At Hawaii

How to watch: 12 a.m. ET, Spectrum Sports

Prediction: I predict Hawaii wins 35-17. Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager should get the offense back on track after it struggled in a loss to Sam Houston last weekend. 

The post CFB Betting Lines: Picks & Predictions For Mountain West Teams In Week 4 appeared first on HERO Sports.

The university confirmed the move Thursday morning after media reports surfaced Wednesday evening that the Pac-12 was rebuilding its ranks by poaching four teams from the Mountain West.

Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State and Colorado State will officially join incumbents Oregon State and Washington State in the newly imagined conference in July 2026.

The Pac-12 Board of Directors unanimously approved the addition of Boise State, according to a press release from the university. The only hurdles left are paying the Mountain West exit fee and getting full approval of the deal by the Idaho State Board of Education, neither of which are likely to be a problem.

“What a great day to be a Bronco!” Boise State athletic director Jeramiah Dickey said in a statement. “We evaluated this move from many angles and considered it with our head and our heart, and most importantly, with our 350+ student-athletes in mind. When it came down to making the final decision, we chose this path because it puts Boise State in the best position for success, and is in the best interest of this university and community.”

Better Late Than Never 

Ask any Boise State fan and they’ll tell you the Broncos should have been in the Pac-12 a couple decades ago. It should have happened when the program was routinely rolling out undefeated seasons and winning New Year’s Six bowl games, which is something the Broncos haven’t done since beating Arizona in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.

It should have happened when former Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore was busy racking up his 50-3 record between 2008 and 2011 and the Broncos were busy putting together one of the top winning percentages in college football history.

There is no shortage of reasons why Boise State should have already been added to the Pac-12, but it wasn’t. Whether that was because of the size of its TV market, a lack of fundraising, or the university’s failure to earn an R1 research designation will forever be up for debate.

The fact is it finally happened. Boise State can officially claim its rightful spot in one of college football’s elite conferences. It may not be the Pac-12 of old, which was highlighted by national championship runs by USC and a slew of mega talented players from Oregon, UCLA, and Washington, but the Broncos can finally proudly wear that Pac-12 patch on their jerseys. 

Why Now?

According to Boise State, the Pac-12 evaluated each incoming school using five metrics: academics and athletics performance; media and brand evaluation; commitment to athletics success; geography and logistics; and culture and student-athlete welfare.

The Broncos checked each box.

Academics And Athletics Performance

Boise State set an athletic department record last year with a cumulative grade point average of 3.42. 

On-field success hasn’t been a problem. The football team won its conference-record fifth Mountain West championship last fall. The men’s basketball team made the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row, and the Broncos have been more competitive in several Olympic sports in recent years.

It probably also helps that the football team has a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender taking the field this year. Running back Ashton Jeanty has received heaps of praise from all over the country after racking up 459 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in the first two weeks of the season. 

He’s the first player to score nine rushing touchdowns in his first two games since former Texas running back Ricky Williams did it in 1998. Williams won the Heisman that year.

Having a Heisman contender may not directly correlate to conference realignment, but all the attention that comes with it is sure to improve TV viewership numbers, which factor heavily in a conference’s decision to add teams.

Media And Brand Evaluation

The Broncos’ football team set a home attendance record last season after selling an average of 35,867 tickets for its six home games. The program’s average home attendance numbers ranked No. 2 in the Mountain West last year, right behind Fresno State, which averaged 39,939 fans.

Boise State was also among the Mountain West leaders in TV viewership numbers last season. The Broncos averaged 769,500 viewers in 10 publicly rated games, which ranked No. 3 in the conference behind UNLV and Air Force. Viewership numbers are not available for games broadcast on CBS Sports Network, which carries most of Boise State’s road games, and most streaming services, including the Mountain West and Pac-12 networks.

Commitment To Athletics Success

The Boise State Athletic Department has set fundraising records three years in the row. It brought in $20.8 million in donations and commitments in the fiscal year 2024, $26.1 million in 2023, and $24.1 million in 2022. 

The department has received 14 donations of at least $1 million dollars from 10 different individuals, families, or corporations since Dickey was hired in 2021, and Boise State’s Lyle Smith Society has grown to 250 members. Membership begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over five years or an annual donation of more than $50,000. The society has raised more than $30 million since its inception in 2020.

That influx of money is being put to good use at Boise State. Much of it has been used to fund 50 different facilities projects, and the university is set to break ground next year on a $65 million renovation to the north end of Albertsons Stadium. 

Geography And Logistics 

This is an easy one. Boise, Idaho, is centrally located among all members of the newly imagined Pac-12. The Broncos have played five of the six members in recent years, including a trip to Corvallis, Oregon, to face Oregon State in the 2022 season opener. The only team the Broncos haven’t played recently is Washington State, but Boise State hosts the Cougars and the Beavers this season. 

Travel will be cheap and efficient in the new conference. Flights to San Diego State, Fresno State, and Colorado State all take around two hours, while flights for games against Washington State and Oregon State are only about an hour long.  

Culture And Student-Athlete Welfare

Boise State showed its commitment to culture and student-athlete welfare when it hired Spencer Danielson as its football coach last year. Danielson is open about his faith and the love he has for his players, and those players love him in return. They play hard for him and trust him, which was evident when the team was relatively unscathed by the transfer portal following a tumultuous couple of years under Andy Avalos.

Boise State doubled down on its investment in the future by giving Dickey a contract extension earlier this year. 

Boise State also recently invested in nutrition centers for all of its athletes and established a program called Bronco Life, which focuses on athletes’ mental health as well as their growth on and off the field.

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What About The Exit Fees?

Boise State and the rest of the departing schools will have to pay the Mountain West about $17 million to leave by 2026, per the conference’s bylaws. The Pac-12 is also on the hook for about $11 million for each team because of “poaching penalties” spelled out in the scheduling agreement Oregon State and Washington State signed with the Mountain West late last year. 

That’s not an insignificant amount of money, unless of course the people paying the bill recently won control of a $255 million war chest in court.

The Pac-12 basically dissolved after last season when most of its members jumped ship. USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington left for the Big Ten. Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah split for the Big 12, and Stanford and Cal both joined the ACC.

Last year, Oregon State and Washington State reached a settlement with the 10 teams that left, which guaranteed them control of $190 million in future conference revenue and $65 million from the departing schools. 

It will cost about $68 million to pay exit fees for the four departing Mountain West teams. That’s a bill the Pac-12 is likely more than willing to pay, given what it hopes to make by becoming the fifth Power Five conference once again. 

Is UNLV Next?

The Pac-12 has to get to eight members by July 1, 2026, to meet the NCAA’s minimum requirement to maintain its status as an FBS conference.

The most logical move may have been to add UNLV to its list of new schools. The Rebels’ donors have deep pockets, they’ve been successful in football and men’s basketball in recent years, and they’re among the most-watched Mountain West programs. UNLV football averaged a conference-best 1.46 million viewers in five publicly rated games last season. 

That didn’t happen, though. Maybe the Pac-12 felt like it didn’t have a travel partner to pair with UNLV. Nevada certainly doesn’t move the needle enough to warrant an invite. Neither does any of the remaining Mountain West teams for that matter.

UNLV could still get an invite. The Pac-12 may also be holding out hope the chaos surrounding the ACC gives them a shot at bringing Stanford and Cal back into the fold. Maybe SMU goes to the Pac-12 as well.

The conference could also look to add other top Group of Five programs, such as Memphis, Tulane, UTSA, or USF. 

Whichever route the conference goes, it needs to make a decision sooner rather than later because the next item on the agenda is securing a long-term TV deal. The CW and Fox currently hold the rights to Pac-12 games, but that deal expires after this season. 

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The Rebels opened the year with a 27-7 win over Houston thanks in large part to the offense racking up 195 rushing yards and the defense forcing three turnovers. They kept the ball rolling last weekend with a program-record 695 yards of offense in a 72-14 win over Utah Tech.

UNLV will face one of the most experienced teams in the country at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. Kansas’ roster includes 30 seniors, who have combined to make 450 starts. The game is a rematch of the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, which Kansas won 49-36.

UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka is sure to target star wide receiver Ricky White, who caught three touchdowns in the first quarter last weekend and finished the Rebels’ historic performance with five catches for 111 yards. The Rebels’ defense is led by preseason co-Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year Jackson Woodard. The linebacker posted 11 tackles and three sacks against Houston.

Kansas is coming off a 23-17 loss to Illinois despite putting up 327 yards of offense compared to the Illini’s 271. Running back Devin Neal racked up 101 rushing yards, crossing the century mark for the 14th time in his career. Quarterback Jalon Daniels threw for 141 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. 

UNLV vs. Kansas Betting Line

Kansas is a 8.5-point college football betting favorite, and the Over/Under is 58.5 points. UNLV is 6-14 against the spread in its past 20 games as an underdog on the road. Kansas is 13-7 ATS in its past 20 games as a favorite at home.

UNLV vs. Kansas Pick 

I predict UNLV beats Kansas 34-28.

White is a next-level talent and a nightmare to guard one-on-one. Sluka is a dual-threat quarterback who was a two-time finalist for the Walter Payton Award at Holy Cross. The Rebels have the weapons on offense to match up with the Jayhawks, and UNLV has enough experience on defense to contain Neal and capitalize on any mistakes Kansas makes. 

Rivalry Week

Utah At Utah State

How to watch: 4:30 ET Saturday, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Utah is an 18.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 43.5 points. The Utes are 11-9 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite on the road, and they’re 79-29-4 all-time in the Battle of the Brothers. Utah State is 4-16 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home. 

Prediction: I predict Utah wins 42-14. It’s the first time the rivals have played since 2015. Utes’ quarterback Cam Rising is unlikely to play after suffering a finger injury against Baylor last week, according to The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy. That means Utah’s offense will be entrusted to freshman Isaac Wilson, and they’ll probably lean more on running back Micah Bernard, who posted 118 yards against Baylor. Rising’s absence makes this one a little more interesting, but Utah State simply doesn’t have the talent on defense to stay in the game. 

Colorado At Colorado State

How to watch: 7:30 ET Saturday, CBS

Betting line: Colorado is a 7-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 58.5 points. The Buffaloes are 14-6 against the spread in their past 20 games as the favorite on the road. They’re 68-22-2 all-time in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, and they’ve won six straight games in the rivalry. Colorado State is 5-15 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home. 

Prediction: I predict Colorado State wins 34-31 in the first Rocky Mountain Showdown played in Fort Collins since 1996. This game has all the makings of a track meet. Neither team has dominant offensive or defensive lines, but both are stacked with explosive players. Colorado’s Travis Hunter might be the biggest matchup nightmare in the country no matter which side of the ball he’s on. Colorado State has a few playmakers of its own, including wide receiver Tory Horton and running back Justin Marshall. Whoever has the ball last is probably going to win, and I think the Rams get their first win over the Buffalos since 2014. 

Other Mountain West Picks

Nevada At Minnesota

How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, Big Ten Network

Betting line: Minnesota is a 17.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 43.5 points. The Gophers are 15-5 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite at home. Nevada is 8-12 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog on the road. 

Prediction: I predict Minnesota wins 35-10. It’s been all but impossible to throw the ball against Minnesota in the first two weeks of the season. The Gophers limited North Carolina to 105 passing yards in the opener and held Rhode Island to 117 last week. Minnesota has also snagged four interceptions and held teams to an average of 193.5 yards of offense so far this season. Nevada quarterback Brendon Lewis has been a pleasant surprise, but he likely won’t be enough to power the Wolf Pack to a win. 

New Mexico At Auburn

How to watch: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN2

Betting line: Auburn is a 28-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 60.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Auburn wins 56-14. The Tigers are reeling after last week’s loss to Cal, and they’re sure to take that pent up aggression out on the Lobos. Auburn is going to have to take much better care of the ball after quarterback Payton Thorne threw four interceptions last week, but the Tigers aren’t likely to have major letdowns in back-to-back weeks. 

Air Force At Baylor

How to watch: 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, FS1

Betting line: Baylor is a 16.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 41.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Baylor wins 35-10. Air Force has enough experience on defense to force teams to work for their points, but the offense is in shambles, especially with fullback Dylan Carson dealing with an injury. The Falcons managed just 197 yards and seven points against San Jose State last week. Baylor is coming off an 11-point loss to Utah, but dual-threat quarterback Dequan Finn is athletic enough to give any defense fits. Expect the Bears to lean on him.  

BYU At Wyoming

How to watch: 9 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: BYU is an 11.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 40 points. 

Prediction: I predict BYU wins 24-17. Wyoming seems lost offensively without running back Harrison Waylee, who injured his knee about a month ago and missed the past two games. The Cowboys fell 17-13 against FCS Idaho last week, which doesn’t bode well with the Big 12’s BYU going to Laramie on Saturday. The Cougars posted 336 yards of offense in an 18-15 win over SMU last week, and they should put their running-back-by-committee approach to work in what could be another low-scoring affair. 

San Diego State At Cal

How to watch: 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN

Betting line: California is an 18.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 48 points. 

Prediction: I predict Cal wins 21-10. San Diego State got blanked last week in a 21-0 loss to Oregon State. The Aztecs are facing a fired up bunch this weekend with Cal coming off a rare win over Auburn. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza was efficient last week, completing 25 of 36 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns. He helped the Bears go 10 of 19 on third-down conversions, and he’ll have to help keep the offense on the field again this week so San Diego State’s talented running back, Marquez Cooper, doesn’t have a chance to torch them.  

New Mexico State At Fresno State

How to watch: 10:30 p.m. ET Saturday, TruTV/Max

Betting line: Fresno State is a 19.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 47.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Fresno State wins 45-24. Fresno State jumped out to an early lead last week against Sacramento State thanks to another stellar performance by quarterback Mikey Keene (24 of 35, 358 yards, and 2 TDs) and wide receiver Mac Dalena’s breakout game. Dalena caught seven passes for 235 yards and a touchdown. The Bulldogs’ top returning receiver, Jalen Moss, finished with five catches for 57 yards. Expect another explosive performance from one of the top passing attacks in the Mountain West.  

Kennesaw State At San Jose State

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET Saturday, TruTV/Max

Betting line: San Jose State is a 19.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 44 points. 

Prediction: I predict San Jose State wins 42-10. San Jose State held on to beat Air Force 17-7 last week thanks in large part to a defense that limited the Falcons’ triple-option rushing attack to 143 yards. The Spartans’ defense should be in for another big day, while quarterback Emmett Brown continues to look for his favorite target, wide receiver Nick Nash, who caught seven passes for 90 yards and a touchdown against Air Force. 

Hawaii At Sam Houston

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET Saturday, ESPN+

Betting line: Sam Houston is a 4.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 49.5 points. 

Prediction: I predict Hawaii wins 24-21. Sam Houston is expecting a sellout crowd for its home opener against Hawaii, but the Bearkats’ big day could get spoiled by a Hawaii squad that gave UCLA all it could handle last week. The Bruins trailed 13-7 late in the third quarter and needed three late field goals to secure a 16-13 win. Hawaii’s passing attack has been lethal through the first two weeks of the season. Quarterback Brayden Schager and wide receiver Pofele Ashlock have connected 14 times for 192 yards and a touchdown. Sam Houston’s defenders are going to have a hard time keeping up.

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The Broncos (1-0) racked up 651 yards of offense, highlighted by 267 rushing yards and six touchdowns from Heisman Trophy contender Ashton Jeanty, in a 56-45 win at Georgia Southern in a matchup between Group of Five teams.

They’ll face an entirely different animal Saturday when they travel to Autzen Stadium to take on No. 7 Oregon at 10 p.m. ET on Peacock.

Boise State has never shied away from facing the best of the best. Teams like Oklahoma, Auburn, and Georgia can attest to that, but this Oregon team is one of the most talented squads the Broncos have ever faced. It’s right up there with Washington, which rolled the Broncos last season with top-10 pick Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback and NFL Draft selections all over the roster. 

Oregon had seven players drafted this year, and as many could hear their names called next April, led by wide receiver Evan Stewart. The Ducks (1-0) have a sixth-year senior at quarterback in Dillon Gabriel and one of the best defenses in the country. They’re also going to be hungry to show last week’s close call against Idaho was a fluke. 

Boise State Betting Line

Oregon is a 20-point college football betting favorite and the Over/Under is 61.5 points. The Ducks are 19-1 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite at home. The Broncos are 6-14 ATS in their past 20 games as an underdog on the road, but they’re also 3-0 all-time against Oregon. 

Boise State Prediction

I predict Oregon beats Boise State 56-28.

Jeanty will once again put up eye-popping numbers that prove he’s a legitimate Heisman contender, but Boise State’s defense won’t be able to slow down an Oregon offense that’s hungry to prove it’s one of the best in the nation. I expect the Ducks to pull away after halftime.

Mountain West Picks

Georgia Southern At Nevada

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max

Betting line: Georgia Southern is a 1.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 59 points. The Eagles are 15-5 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite on the road. Nevada is 8-12 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home.

Prediction: Georgia Southern wins 28-21.

Georgia Southern (0-1) showed off its potent offense last week by putting up 461 yards and 45 points in a loss to Boise State, which is No. 2 in this week’s HERO Sports G5 poll. The Eagles’ offense will roll again behind quarterback JC French, who posted 361 yards and three touchdowns last week. But I’m taking the Under in a matchup against what has proven to be a scrappy squad from Nevada (1-1).

San Jose State At Air Force

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Air Force (1-0) is a 5.5-point favorite and the Over/Under is 45.5 points. The Falcons are 16-4 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite at home. San Jose State is 4-16 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog on the road. 

Prediction: Air Force wins 17-10.

San Jose State (1-0) has enough firepower on offense and experience on defense to keep it close, but Air Force’s triple option will prove to be too much. Dylan Carson and Owen Allen will do enough on the ground to give the Falcons the win, but I’m taking the Under.

Oregon State At San Diego State

How to watch: 10:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

Betting line: Oregon State (1-0) is a 5.5-point favorite and the Over/Under is 55.5 points.  

Prediction: Oregon State wins 31-14.

San Diego State running back Marquez Cooper joined the Aztecs this year with more than 3,000 career rushing yards to his credit. He added to that last week with 223 yards and two touchdowns against Texas A&M-Commerce, but he won’t be the only star runner on the field this week. Oregon State’s Jam Griffin and Anthony Hankerson combined for 315 yards and four touchdowns on the ground last week against Idaho State. I think they’ll lead the Beavers past the Aztecs (1-0) and help them cover the spread.

Utah State At USC

How to watch: 11 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Betting line: USC is a 28.5-point favorite and the Over/Under is 63.5 points. 

Prediction: USC wins 45-24.

Utah State (1-0) has some playmakers in the passing game, including Jalen Royals, who is one of the best receivers in the Mountain West, and Utah transfer Kyrese White, who racked up 131 yards and two touchdowns on just three catches against Robert Morris last week. What the Aggies don’t have is anyone on defense that can slow down USC quarterback Miller Moss and the Trojans’ offense. I think USC (1-0) wins convincingly, but I’m not sure it covers the spread.

Utah Tech At UNLV

How to watch: 3 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network

Prediction: UNLV wins 52-3.

UNLV (1-0) is coming off a momentum-generating upset of Houston and I believe it will cruise to a lopsided win in its home opener while giving its starters some rest in the second half in preparation for next week’s road game at Kansas. Quarterback Matthew Sluka will show why he was a two-time Walter Payton Award finalist at Holy Cross.

Idaho At Wyoming

How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max

Prediction: Wyoming wins 21-14.

Wyoming is hungry to prove it’s not as bad as last weekend’s 48-7 loss to Arizona State suggested. The Cowboys (0-1) are missing running back Harrison Waylee, who suffered a knee injury in fall camp, but their veteran-laden defense should give Idaho fits.

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Northern Colorado At Colorado State

How to watch: 7 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network

Prediction: Colorado State wins 38-10.

Colorado State quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and his talented group of receivers, led by Tory Horton, should help the Rams (0-1) rebound from an ugly loss to Texas. Expect another big day from running back Justin Marshall, who posted 106 yards against the Longhorns.

Sacramento State At Fresno State

How to watch: 10 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network

Prediction: Fresno State wins 48-13.

Fresno State (0-1) trailed defending national champion Michigan by just six points late in the fourth quarter before the Wolverines pulled away for a 30-10 win last week. Quarterback Mikey Keene should continue to show why he’s one of the best in the Mountain West, and running back Malik Sherrod should break free after he was held in check last week.

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