BYU/Idaho State Game Day Preview Plus Score Prediction

PROVO, Utah – The seventh meeting all-time for BYU vs Idaho State takes place on Senior Day for the Cougars. BYU enters the game as a heavy favorite with a 7-2 record and a respectful No. 15 ranking in the College Football Playoff rankings.

GAME NOTES 📝: ʙʏᴜ ᴠs ɪᴅᴀʜᴏ sᴛᴀᴛᴇ pic.twitter.com/xWTAQNJuxj

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 4, 2021

Today’s meeting against Idaho State is BYU’s only game this season against an FCS team. BYU is 13-0 all-time against teams from a lower division. Since becoming an FBS Independent in 2011, BYU has faced the Bengals from Pocatello three previous times. This is the fourth meeting since moving to the Independent ranks.

BYU is a perfect 6-0 in games against Idaho State. The first meeting between the two schools took place in 1932.

No. 15 BYU vs. Idaho State

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. (MT)

TV: BYUtv

Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM – Pregame starts at 10 a.m.)

Extended #BYU pregame coverage fires up at 10 a.m. on @kslnewsradio.

We will be joined by Kingsley Suamataia (@baby76kings) to discuss why he transferred from Oregon and chose #BYU. #BYUFootball @kslsports pic.twitter.com/ihMlw7rspP

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) November 6, 2021

Now it’s time for the 3-2-1 Game Day Preview for today’s game in Provo.

Three Gameday Thoughts

1. After a long, demanding schedule, BYU finally gets a break

BYU enters today’s game at 7-2, with six of those nine games against Power 5 opponents. It has been a demanding schedule that has taken its toll on Kalani Sitake’s squad. Today’s matchup against Idaho State gives BYU a much-needed break. Well, at least it should.

Two years ago against Idaho State, BYU started slowly in Zach Wilson’s return to the starting QB spot after six weeks away due to an injury. You don’t want to take anything for granted, but Idaho State comes into this game at 1-7. This game should allow BYU to play the starters for one half and then enjoy a break.

2. Senior Day

Another year, where it’s not completely clear who is going to be celebrated on Senior Day. BYU has three seniors that we know for sure are playing their last home game at LaVell Edwards Stadium and that’s wide receiver Samson Nacua, defensive end Uriah Leiataua, and defensive back Isi Kapisi.

Kalani Sitake will give proper sendoff to #BYU's "COVID Juniors" while also holding the door open for a return in 2022.#BYUFootball #GoCougs https://t.co/6yV4NsjnVX

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 2, 2021

Last season was a free year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So it’s left BYU with a bunch of “COVID-19 Juniors.” BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said they are celebrating a lot of guys, just in case. But they are also leaving the door open for any of the COVID-19 juniors to return in 2022.

3. Sell Out at LES

BYU sold out LaVell Edwards Stadium for a game against an FCS opponent in the 2008 season opener against Northern Iowa. BYU also sold out a game against Eastern Washington in 2007. After putting up 66-points and taking down Bronco Mendenhall’s Virginia Cavaliers last week, BYU fans are showing their support by purchasing tickets for a game against a lowly Idaho State squad.

It doesn’t hurt that the weather is expected to be fantastic for a November home game. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 60s around kickoff.

It’s the last chance fans will be able to see BYU in Provo until a home tilt against the Baylor Bears in 2022.

Two BYU vs Idaho State Questions

1. How many rushing yards for RB Tyler Allgeier?

Allgeier enters today’s game as one of three running backs in college football with more than 1,000 yards. In consecutive weeks he’s had 200-plus yard performances. What will the output be against Idaho State? You don’t want to chase stats, but if they get some big numbers for the sophomore running back, it could keep him in the running to be a finalist potentially for the Doak Walker Award, given to college football’s best running back.

Ideally, he gets two quarters of work with at least 100 yards; then, he can call it a day and open it up for Jackson McChesney, Hinckley Folau Ropati, and Mason Fakahua.

2. Which youngsters will we see play?

One of the nice things about games against FCS squads is that it typically poses an opportunity to play young players who often don’t see playing time. Check out my list of 10 under-the-radar players who I feel have some bright futures ahead in their BYU football careers.

One Score Prediction

BYU is FCS proof because of the physical brand of football they play under Kalani Sitake.

The final score likely won’t feature 66 points as we saw a week ago against Virginia, but BYU’s offense will roll, and fans won’t have anything to complain about from the Cougar defense.

BYU 52, Idaho State 6

Follow @Mitch_Harper