After offseason quarterback battles, Boise State and Georgia Southern are ready to start the season in a bout between Group of Five programs.
Maddux Madsen, who started games for Boise State last year, beat out USC transfer Malachi Nelson to earn the starting role for the Broncos. JC French, who was at Georgia Southern a year ago, was named the Eagles’ starting signal caller and Dexter Williams, a transfer from Indiana, will be his backup.
Now we’ll have to see how the matchup plays out on the field and if these teams made the right decision.
Boise State vs. Georgia Southern Betting Odds
Boise State is a -12.5 college football betting odds favorite against Georgia Southern, with the Over/Under being 56.5.
The moneyline for Boise State is -500, while it’s +375 for Georgia Southern.
Boise State vs. Georgia Southern On TV
The matchup between Boise State and Georgia Southern will be televised on ESPNU.
The game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31. The contest is taking place at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia.
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Boise State vs. Georgia Southern Prediction
I predict Boise State will win and cover the spread at -12.5. I also project the game will go Under 56.5 total points.
I’m not entirely sure if Madsen will end up being the right decision for Boise State, and maybe we see both him and Nelson take the field at different points this season. But I am extremely confident in the rest of the Broncos’ roster.
On offense, Boise State has the reigning G5 Offensive Player of the Year in Ashton Jeanty, and a strong running game will surely help Madsen. Defensively, the Broncos have plenty of stars on that side of the ball like defensive lineman Ahmed Hassanein, linebacker Andrew Simpson, and cornerback A’Marion McCoy.
Boise State was viewed as a frontrunner to make the College Football Playoff, especially when Nelson decided to transfer there. But I don’t think opinions on this team should change much because of all the standout players on this roster. If Boise State can figure out the quarterback position, there’s not really a weakness anywhere.
Now, I do believe Georgia Southern is talented as well. The Eagles will be fun to watch with running back Jalen White and wide receiver Derwin Burgess Jr. on offense and linebacker Marques Watson-Trent and defensive lineman Justin Rhodes on the other side of the ball.
But that said, even on the road, I think Boise State is two touchdowns better than Georgia Southern.
