The 2025 college football season is ramping up, with Thursday night bringing a heater of a matchup between Boise State and USF.
It’s an early meeting between a ranked Boise squad and a USF team looking to build on a winning season. Weather could play a role in an ESPN contest that kicks off at 5:30 p.m. ET.
The straws that stir the drink for both sides are the quarterbacks. Maddux Madsen and Byrum Brown will set the tone for the rest of their respective seasons, and it all starts on Thursday.
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Boise State vs. USF Prediction, Picks: 8/28
Boise State Preview
Head coach Spencer Danielson’s group made the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, fueled by superstar running back Ashton Jeanty. With Jeanty moving on to the NFL, however, things will look different in 2025.
The Broncos return talent at various positions but may lean more on the passing game. Not only is Madsen coming off a productive campaign, but Boise State’s own secondary remains questionable, so we might see the points coming in bunches.
USF Preview
Coach Alex Golesh’s Bulls squad is no slouch, either. Coming off consecutive 7-6 campaigns, their goal is now to make the next jump to being a contender.
On offense, similar to Boise State, the return of an experienced QB in Byrum Brown helps. The running back rotation is easily the biggest position dynamic to monitor, especially early. No longer having Sean Atkins at wideout creates another question mark.
Defense is what could make or break USF. This is a notoriously disruptive unit, albeit one that’s susceptible to giving up big plays. Penalties are also an issue. If this side of the ball plays a more consistent and disciplined brand of football, it will bode well for success in 2025.
Boise State vs. USF Picks & CFB DFS
Maddux Madsen vs. USF Projection: 230.5 Pass Yards
Madsen is a known commodity for the Broncos and the Mountain West as a whole. He led the conference in both passing yards (3,018) and touchdowns (23) a year ago.
The fourth-year man might be held back a bit by his lack of arm talent or elite size. That said, USF had the No. 99 scoring defense (29.8 average) in the sport last season. They allowed more passing yards per game (278.8) than all but six programs.
Madsen’s blend of experience and quick decision-making can help counteract a feisty, yet flawed USF back end.
Byrum Brown vs. Boise State Projection: 222.5 Pass Yards
Brown got off to a hot start last year, but his junior effort was abbreviated due to injury. Now healthy, he has to match or exceed his 2023 production (4,137 all-purpose yards and 37 touchdowns) if he hopes to lead the Broncos to the postseason.
There aren’t many better dual-threat talents than Brown. He’ll need to tap into that athleticism to evade a proven Boise State pass rush. The Broncos’ secondary is far less reputable, having ranked 107th in passing yards allowed per game (241.4) in 2024.
If Brown can establish a rhythm early and benefit from the home cookin', that may wear down Boise State’s defense.
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Week 1’s Boise State vs. USF game is just the tip of the iceberg. As summer bleeds into fall, there will be plenty of action-packed contests for both squads.
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