Mid Major Game of the Week:
Nevada vs. Boise State
This matchup features two teams that have won a combined 19 consecutive games. Nevada has won eight in a row and has averaged 51.6 yards per game and won those contests by an average of 29 points per game. Boise State is 11-0 and averaging a nation's best 44.4 points per game. The Broncos are winning games by an average of 27.1 points per game. The key matchup in this game will be Nevada's rush offense vs the Boise State rush defense. Nevada leads the nation in rushing offense at 373.2 yards per game, and is the first team in mid major college history with three 1,000 yard rushers. In the past two games, Nevada has thrown for a total of 141 yards and rushed for 1,035. Boise State had trouble stopping the run against Fresno State and Idaho, but also won those contests by a combined 55 points. Given Nevada's horrible pass defense, the Wolf Pack must run wild to keep it close.
Another Mid Major Notable:
Southern Miss vs. East Carolina
The Conference USA East is up for grabs, with a trip to the title game on the line. The likely opponent is Houston, who would clinch the West with a win over 2-9 Rice. Southern Miss has dealt with injuries to its top three offensive players at various times this season, but the Golden Eagles still boast one of the top offenses in the C-USA. Backup Martevius Young has become comfortable at QB with 1,312 yards, 12 touchdowns, and one interception in the past six games. The Eagles have struggled on the road though, going only 1-4 away from Hattiesburg. East Carolina's offense is not as dominating as the Golden Eagles, but the Pirates get the job done on defense and special teams. Junior receiver Dwayne Harris, who has accounted for 12 Pirate touchdowns this season looks to have a big game this weekend.
Player on the spot:
Utah's true freshman QB Jordan Wynn will be making just his fourth start Saturday against BYU in one of the nation's fiercest rivalries. Wynn was actually going to redshirt this season until coaches threw him into the mix during the Utes' eighth game. Wynn has been playing relatively steady, but his coaches don't want him to have to win this game, especially in Saturday's environment. If Wynn is backed into a corner and forced to do all the work, Utah is in trouble. They have to run the ball effectively and use Wynn as a game manager in order to pull out a win.
Mid Major Picks of the Week:
Central Michigan 31 Northern Illinois 20
Bowling Green 41 Toledo 35
Wyoming 23 Colorado State 19
Nevada 38 Boise State 52
UCF 21 UAB 16
East Carolina 27 Southern Miss 17