a secret playoff game? boise state vs western michigan game preview

A matchup of two mid-major programs has no reason to be as important as it is. However, with the new age of college football allowing for group of five representation in the playoff, the matchup in week 4 between Boise State and Western Michigan could serve as a playoff play-in game.

Both teams enter the game at 2-1 with losses to premier programs. Boise State lost to Oregon by just one possession on the road, while Michigan infamously survived Western Michigan's near upset in Ann Arbor after being gifted an extra second for a Bryce Underwood Hail Mary.

Both groups proved they can play with the big boys, and with minimal tests left on either teams schedule, whoever escapes this game at 3-1 could be in perfect shape to represent the group of five in the playoff in December, something Boise State is no stranger too after making the playoffs two seasons ago.

Boise State RB Dylan Riley is off to an elite start to the season. Riley has already tallied 400+ rushing yards to start the year, putting himself on pace for a whopping 1600 yards on the season. The matchup between Riley and this Western Michigan rush defense will be extremely important for the Broncos, who have an incredibly run-first offense. While WMU held up at an elite level against Michigan, they come in to the matchup as a middle of the pack defense against the run ranking just #64 as a rushing defense to start the year.

There are absolutely yards to be gained on this WMU D-line, and I expect Dylan Riley to absolutely feast. If Riley doesnt touch the ball 20+ times against this Western Michigan front, something is wrong with the gameplan

True freshman WR Rasean Jones also emerged against Oregon and has cemented himself as Broncos QB Maddux Madson's favorite target. Jones already has 232 yards to start the year, a large chunk of the Broncos passing production. Madsen has played very well for Boise State to start the year, he has not yet thrown an interception but has only averaged 200 yards a game through the air. Madsen has largely been asked to be simply a game manager for this Broncos offense to start the year.

For Western Michigan's offense, the key to the game is through the air. The backfield duo of Buck Lowry and Jalen Buckley has been elite to start the year, but the passing production has not been at the same level. Buckley has already tallied 200+ yards on the ground to start the year, but has been used much more than HC Lance Taylor likely wanted to use his RB1 before conference play. Boise State knows this, and will likely respond by stacking the box to force QB Broc Lowry into throwing the ball.

Look for receivers Egypt Nelson and Baylin Brooks to be targeted heavily. Brooks has just 9 catches for less than 100 yards to start the season despite generating offseason buzz as the teams WR1. Against a front like Boise States, Western Michigan will need more on offense than the run heavy ground control style the team has relied on to start the year. Expect Broc Lowry to air the ball out much more than he has in past matchups on Saturday.

At the end of the day, Boise State is simply a more well rounded team and will win this game. However, expect Western Michigan to keep the game close through the ground, but come up short when timely completions are needed.

The position group to keep an eye on is this Boise State secondary. If the Broncos secondary can hold up, I trust the backfield duo of Maddox Madson and Dylan Riley to win Boise State this game. However, if the Boise State secondary is struggling, Western Michigan can play this game on their terms; on the ground. Expect Boise State's secondary to be put to the test early.

This is a sneaky good matchup that puts the winner in perfect position to enter selection sunday at 11-1 and poised for that group of 5 playoff bid. This is the hardest game either team has left on their schedule and will be an absolute gem for anybody who loves the game of football. Expect a great matchup with loads of implications for the rest of the season.