A lot of chatter on the Boise Boards about NIU. Much respect for our program, it seems they don't have much confidence in their team this year. I never realized they have only beaten ONE team with a winning record all season, which is Colorado State at 7-5). They've beaten two P5 teams this year though, Washington and Virginia. I believe we're going to be able to keep this one close, with either Fielder or Graham. HUGE game for the Huskies and not a better stage to prove who is the best G5 team in the country. Couldn't be more excited for this matchup!

Bronco SB Nation Article:
http://www.obnug.com/2015/12/7/9861922/w...n-illinois

"The Huskies have done fairly well this season, only to lose to Bowling Green in the MAC Championship game. As someone mentioned in a fanpost, they are looking forward to this matchup, probably a little more than we are. I still think they’re a quality team, and while we won’t get the opportunity to test our mettle against a P5 team, this should still be a good game (provided we win, of course)!"

Idaho Statesman Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/col...17910.html


Boise Scout Forum LINK:
http://www.scout.com/college/boise-state...turf-board

Some Quotes from the Boise Scout Forum:
"here we go again with all the chest pounding posts and how we are going to beat the crap out of NIU. Hasn't this season humbled us enough and taught us to respect our opponents? This is an important game for BSU."

"If NIU has to use a Freshman walk-on for the bowl game then things could get ugly for NIU, provided BSU plays as they are capable."

"I've been burned a couple times this year with this type of prediction... but I actually think BSU surprises us all and wins by a pretty healthy margin. Give me 34-14 or something along those lines. I'm not a proclaiming to be a NIU expert or anything, but I've done a little reading/watching and I'm just not that impressed. Especially dinged up. And for all the hand wringing that's gone on the 2nd half of the season, BSU really hasn't had a bad game against a non-option team since Utah State."

They already found the message board:
"Here's an cool message board (hyperlink to Dog Pound) for them!
The one here on scout wasn't active much; the board I linked has a SIX page thread on our game so far!"

UPDATED Betting ODDS, according to Vegas Insider:
Point Spread: Boise (-9) vs NIU
Over/Under: 59

Winsipedia:
http://www.winsipedia.com/boise-state/vs...n-illinois

We can't complain about our bowl opponents, that's for sure. FSU, Utah State, Marshall, and Boise. Now if we can just measure up one of these days...

NIU will have Graham back. NIU can make up for their single-digit-win season by beating Boise. A tale of two mid-major powers' down seasons -- who wins?? If Graham is 100% and NIU is locked and loaded, NIU can pull this out like senior does to a freshman in a limo on prom night!

I always root for Boise, of course not in this next game They have been the top G5 for the last decade, NIU would fall into the number 2 spot since 2010. The match-up will most likely be billed as such by the media and as long as its an exciting, close game both schools will benefit a ton.

Id expect a win with Ryan Graham at QB, more like the Toledo game, close and hard fought.

(12-07-2015 12:12 PM)toddjnsn Wrote:  NIU will have Graham back. NIU can make up for their single-digit-win season by beating Boise. A tale of two mid-major powers' down seasons -- who wins?? If Graham is 100% and NIU is locked and loaded, NIU can pull this out like senior does to a freshman in a limo on prom night!

All of my second thoughts and disappointments throughout the season would be worth it if we manage to pull this one out. If Carey manages to pull the team together one last time and beat Boise to finish 9-5, I would be extremely impressed. With all the injuries and adversity this team has dealt with, wins over a (ranked) Toledo, WMU, AND Boise with our third/fourth string QB should put everyone's second thoughts about Carey to rest.

We have a home in Boise Country, never have heard 1 Boise State fan ever talk bad about our program. This is an exciting match up, we need a W. Of course there is a nice NIU flag outside the Idaho home! Boise State fans have always been knowledgeable and nice, they feel like Nebraska fans a little to me. Beat Boise State.

I always root for Boise (if they aren't playing us, obviously), they've had some exciting teams to watch. The Fiesta bowl against Oklahoma was great. UCF had a couple good teams with Bortles there but they've dropped off a cliff it seems. In Boise's down year they're still solid.

So, mutual respect.

Fairly objectively...they have been the flag bearer...they started this whole thing.

We are, for many reasons, Boise light.

We are them, but not quite....

They have a better fan base, stadium, conference, reputation, wins and history.

That said...again...it's them, then us.

It is a shame that we don't have Drew Hare and may not have TLL.

We don't resemble the same team without them.

Yes, we clamor for Ryan, but Ryan at his best is no Drew Hare. If Ryan had not gone down would we still be as excited about his presence in the game?

All due respect to our freshman qbs'...both of them. I am proud and they have a future, BUT...Baylor was a 20 pt favorite to a 4-7 Texas team AND had a lot riding on the game...but they were forced to use their 4th string qb and were stuck with their fate.

We have A LOT to overcome.

Given the hand NIU was dealt, it truly is amazing this team won the West. Id like NIU in this game if not for the injury circumstances.

Quote:Given the hand NIU was dealt, it truly is amazing this team won the West. Id like NIU in this game if not for the injury circumstances.

Well, like winning the West, looks like NIU will have to do it the Hard Way, eh? :)