Boise State is a home dog against BYU on Friday night, and I want you to re-read the first part of that sentence. The part that says Boise State is a home dog. It's only the second time it's happened in the last decade. In 2018, Fresno State came in to Boise undefeated in the MWC, and blowing all its opponents out of the water. Boise beat it by a touchdown on the blue turf. Now a BYU team that has been dominant, but hasn't played anybody of note, is favored on the blue turf. In a stadium BYU has never won at. Take the Broncos.

The BYU Cougars will face their biggest test of the season on Friday when they play at Boise State. The Cougars have yet to defeat the Broncos at Boise State since they began playing a home-and-home series in 2012. That should add motivation for the Cougars. Grab BYU.

This game is a real test for BYU and Heisman hopeful Zach Wilson. BYU has the advantage of simply having more games to work together, as this is just Boise State's third game of the season. My simulations make the Cougars -6.7 points better on the road despite the 0-5 lifetime record in Boise. Lay it.

Two years ago, with then-freshman QB Zach Wilson, BYU drove to the Boise State 2-yard-line in the final minute but was denied a game-winning TD. Look at Wilson now: A Heisman candidate and possible early-round NFL draft pick. His team has seven games in the books, five more than Boise, which makes a distinct difference. The Broncos are not healthier, either, with injury concerns abounding after just two outings. Boise is rarely an underdog on its blue turf, and BYU has lost some value with the spread inching up. But the Cougars can taste a playoff bid if enough Power Five candidates falter, which should carry them Friday.

This will be BYU's toughest test yet, and the small point spread reflects that. While Boise State has the benefit of 'fresh legs,' as this is only its second game of the season, the Cougars have the benefit of experience and will focus on the task at hand, which is to crash the CFB Playoffs. Look for BYU, which is led by Heisman Trophy candidate QB Zach Wilson, to take care of business.