Scouting Report: Boise State At WSU

2:05 p.m., Martin Stadium.

Offense

Washington State: The Cougars shouldn’t have any trouble moving the ball on the Boise State defense, especially if Jason Gesser and Milton Wynn continue to hook up. Wynn is averaging 111 receiving yards per game, second best in the Pac-10. Gesser is 21st in the nation in passing efficiency with a 140.5 rating. Gesser has not thrown an interception in three games and is passing for 217 yards per game. Running back Deon Burnett’s availability will be a game-time decision. The sophomore has been hampered for two weeks with a bruised knee. His loss cuts down the Cougars’ play-calling ability and their big-play ability. David Minnich will get the majority of the carries.

Boise State: The Broncos have scored 30 or more points in 10 straight games. So the Cougars know they are not going to be able to completely shut down the Broncos offense. Running back Brock Forsey is the key to a lot of what the Broncos do. The sophomore leads the nation in all-purpose yards with 201 per game. The Broncos also like to run a package called “The Fly.” It’s a series of misdirections in which the quarterback has up to five options after the snap.

Advantage: Boise State

Defense

Washington State: Even after holding Cal to less than 250 yards of offense, the Cougars are the worst defense in the Pac-10 (373 yards per game). The unit should get a much-needed boost from the return of linebackers James Price and Melvin Simmons. Blitzing BSU quarterback Bart Hendricks won’t work. He is a three-year starter who knows when to tuck it and run. Washington State will try to hold containment, get a lower and better push up front and stay in their assignments. Any risks could be met with a disaster similar to the second quarter against Stanford when they gave up 24 points.

Boise State: The Broncos in no way have the size of a Pac-10 defense, but they do have capable tacklers and a nose for the football. Dempsey Dees is a solid cornerback who, if he does get beat on a route, has the speed to catch up and make the play. The player to watch out for is safety Shaunard Harts. The 6-foot, 200-pound Harts is actually more like a third linebacker who roams the field. He leads the team in tackles with 50 in four games.

Advantage: Boise State

Special teams

Washington State: Kicker Anousith Wilaikul has not been able to get the ball into the end zone, and the kickoff coverage team has allowed opponents to have excellent starting field position. Wilaikul was solid on field goals last week, but does not have any accuracy outside 35 to 40 yards.

Still the punt block team has already won one game this season and might be primed to do it again.

Boise State: Forsey is averaging 25 yards a return for the Broncos and knows how to pick the right lane and stick to it. As a team, the Broncos are averaging 29 yards a return. Kicker Nick Calaycay has been solid, hitting four of five field goals with a long of 42.

Advantage: Washington State

Score

Boise State 34, Washington State 31