Mountain West Championship: Predictions, odds, how to watch UNLV-Boise State matchup
The College Football Playoff is approaching fast, but before we know for certain which 12 teams will compete in the expanded playoff, several contenders need to earn their conference titles. Friday will feature two conference championships: the AAC and the Mountain West.
The latter of those games could have massive playoff implications. Boise State has been ranked in the top 12 for most of the season. The Broncos are in position to earn a first-round bye as the fourth-highest ranked conference champion. Win and they're in, with only three games to win for a national championship. Lose, and they could fall out of the playoffs in their very last game.
Boise State's opponents, the UNLV Rebels, need to win for any hope of earning a playoff bid. Their only path is as a conference champ. While they likely wouldn't earn a first-round bye with a victory, UNLV could wind up the fifth-highest ranked conference champion with a win, which would propel them to the No. 12 seed in the CFP.
There's a lot on the line for both teams in this one. Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 Mountain West championship game:
2024 Mountain West Championship: UNLV vs. Boise State predictions
Jake Faigus, ClutchPoints: Boise State (-3.5)
Faigus writes, "UNLV has the offense to compete with Boise State and Ashton Jeanty. Their first meeting was close, with the Broncos winning. Ashton Jeanty is the key here, and I do not think the Rebels will be able to slow him down again. Expect this game to be close, but the Broncos should win and cover at home."
Bob Lundeberg, Sports Illustrated: Boise State 28, UNLV 27
Although Lundeberg pointed out UNLV's success against Jeanty in their first meeting of the year, it appears he doesn't believe they can rise to the occasion in their second meeting. Should UNLV hold Jeanty to under four yards per carry yet again, it will be hard to envision a situation where the Broncos aren't playing from behind for most of the game.
Eric Froton, NBC Sports: Over 58.5 points
Froton writes, "I was in attendance for both of the last two UNLV v. Boise State games. The Broncos boat-raced the Rebels 44-20 in last year’s MWC Championship game at Allegiant Field in Las Vegas and wore UNLV down 29-24 earlier this season. With the game total set at 58.5 points, these programs are 1-1 against the number. I think we see a ramped-up script closer to last year’s 64-point affair, which means I am backing the Over 58.5 points."
Adam Burke, VSiN: UNLV (+4)
Burke writes, "UNLV is playing at a very high level and the line adjustment is probably warranted. It’ll be cold for the desert dwellers, but not completely unbearable and there won’t be any wind or precipitation to worry about. Because the Rebels did such a good job slowing Jeanty down, and Boise State doesn’t really generate a lot of explosive plays in the passing game (T-94th in plays of 20+ and T-121st in plays of 30+), I’d expect UNLV to keep this one close and have a real chance late."
2024 Mountain West Championship: UNLV vs. Boise State odds, lines
The Boise State Broncos are favorites to defeat the UNLV Rebels, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of Tuesday afternoon.
- Spread: Boise State (-4)
- Moneylines: Boise State (-190); UNLV (+155)
- Over/under: 58.5
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How to watch UNLV vs. Boise State
- Date: Friday, Dec. 6
- Where: Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
- Stream: Fubo, YouTube TV
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