Boise State vs Western Michigan Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 26, 2026

The Boise State Broncos visit the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, with the opening kickoff at 3:30 PM ET and televised on ESPN2. Both teams are 2-1 and have not yet played a conference game. Boise State has won two straight after beating South Dakota 38-24 and Memphis 38-20. Western Michigan also has two consecutive wins, defeating Rice 28-21 after a 49-14 victory over Monmouth. Check out our free NCAAF picks.

Boise State Broncos Building Off Back-to-Back Wins

Boise State has scored 38 points in each of its two victories after opening the season with a 34-27 loss at Oregon. Maddux Madsen has completed 54 of 88 passes for 610 yards and six touchdowns without an interception, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt. Rasean Jones has been Madsen’s leading receiver with 15 catches for 232 yards and a touchdown, averaging 15.5 yards per reception. Akeem Wright has 107 yards on six receptions, while Cam Bates has caught two touchdown passes.

The Boise State rushing attack has produced 775 yards and six touchdowns on 131 attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per rush. Dylan Riley has been the main threat with 454 yards and two touchdowns on 62 carries, an average of 7.3 yards per attempt. Sire Gaines has added 234 yards and two scores at 5.2 yards per carry. Defensively, Boise State has recorded five sacks and three interceptions. Travis Anderson has all three picks, while Boen Phelps leads the defense with 21 tackles and one sack.

Injuries: No injuries to report.

Western Michigan Broncos Finding Results After a Close Opener

Western Michigan has responded to its one-point loss at Michigan by scoring 77 points across consecutive victories. Broc Lowry has completed 43 of 61 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. His 70.5% completion rate and 6.8 yards per attempt have helped Western Michigan protect the football. Aveion Chenault has been the leading receiver with 13 catches for 216 yards and one touchdown, averaging 16.6 yards per reception. Baylin Brooks has nine receptions for 80 yards and two touchdowns.

Western Michigan has rushed for 497 yards and six touchdowns on 120 attempts. Jalen Buckley leads the ground attack with 207 yards and four touchdowns on 42 carries, while Lowry has rushed for 114 yards and one score. Lolo Mataele has added 106 yards at 5.6 yards per attempt. The Western Michigan defense has recorded three sacks and one interception. Dillon Moore has 20 tackles and the team’s only interception, while Justyce Betts also has 20 tackles. Domanick Moon has recorded 17 tackles and one sack.

Injuries: Cole Cabana (questionable), Max Dersa (questionable), Palmer Domschke (out).

Key to the Game

Boise State’s rushing attack against Western Michigan’s front can shape this matchup. Riley has averaged 7.3 yards per carry, and Boise State has reached 775 rushing yards in three games. Western Michigan needs to limit early-down gains and force Madsen into longer passing situations. On the other side, Lowry has yet to throw an interception, so Boise State’s defense will need to create pressure without opening rushing lanes. 

Boise State vs Western Michigan Game Pick

• Boise State -7.5 (-112)

Boise State is the pick at -7.5. The road favorite has scored 38 points in consecutive games and owns a clear advantage in rushing production, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt with Riley already at 454 yards. Madsen has also protected the football, throwing six touchdowns without an interception. Western Michigan has played clean offensive football as well, but its ground attack averages 4.1 yards per carry compared with Boise State’s 5.9. Boise State’s ability to create explosive rushing gains can help the visitors build a lead and cover the spread.

Boise State vs Western Michigan Over/Under Pick

• over 47.5 (-112)

The play is over 47.5. Boise State has scored 38 points in back-to-back games, while Western Michigan has produced 49 and 28 in its two victories. Both quarterbacks have avoided interceptions, and each offense has multiple ways to move the football. Boise State has 775 rushing yards and 610 passing yards, while Western Michigan has totaled 497 rushing yards and 471 through the air. With Riley averaging 7.3 yards per carry and Chenault averaging 16.6 yards per reception, explosive plays can push this matchup over the posted total.