When: Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. EST
Watch: CBS Sports Network
Listen: KBOI 670 AM (Boise State) or KOGO 600 AM (San Diego State)
Betting Line: Boise State -18
Who Might Not Play for Boise State: CB Jamar Taylor
The junior defensive back from San Diego could likely miss the game with a hamstring injury suffered in the loss to TCU last week. Taylor has 24 tackles and one interception to his name this season.
Who Might Not Play for San Diego State: RB Ronnie Hillman
The sophomore tailback is questionable for Saturday's game with a high ankle sprain. Hillman is by far the Aztecs' best backfield option and has rushed for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns on 223 carries this season.
Key Storyline: Can Boise State get back up after such a crushing loss a week ago?
The Broncos were up seven points at home with a little over a minute to play last week, and then they gave up an improbable TD pass and two-point conversion to the TCU Horned Frogs, losing a heartbreaker 36-35.
The loss ended Boise State's hopes of appearing in the title game and very likely a BCS bowl game. The Aztecs have won two in a row and three out of five home games this season, providing a difficult challenge for a slumping Broncos team.
BCS Implications:
Boise State is ranked 10th in the current BCS standings and is hanging on to a potential BCS bowl game berth this winter. A loss to the Aztecs would eliminate the Broncos' slim chances of winning the Mountain West and ultimately send them to a disappointing bowl game.
What They're Saying:
Boise State head coach Chris Petersen is confident his team can rebound from its first loss of the season on the road in week 12 (via ESPN).
"We'll see what these guys are made of. This is real-life football, you don't win all of your games all the time—as much as we've done that around here. So, we'll see. We have some pretty mature guys, a lot of seniors that do a good job and so we have to go down to a good San Diego State team on the road."
San Diego State head coach Rocky Long had less to say but still had high praise for the Broncos' prolific passing attack this week and expects an excellent challenge for his football team (via ESPN).
"(Our defensive backs are) going to get their best test of the year this week."
Boise State Player To Watch: QB Kellen Moore
Without question, Broncos' senior quarterback Kellen Moore is the one player to watch on Saturday night. Moore is still among the top Heisman Trophy favorites as the end of the season nears. Moore has passed for nearly 2,600 yards and 31 touchdowns in just nine games in 2011. His five interceptions make him one of the most efficient passers in college football.
San Diego State Player To Watch: RB Ronnie Hillman
Although Hillman could miss this matchup with a bum ankle, his backup Walter Kazee has been lost for the season, meaning that redshirt freshman Adam Muema would likely be the starter in the backfield. The Aztecs are likely aware of this and doing everything in their power to play the nation's second-leading rusher in Hillman. He is averaging 5.7 yards per carry this season.
Key Matchup: RBs Doug Martin and D.J. Harper vs. Aztecs' Rush Defense
Both dynamic Broncos' backs are dealing with nagging leg and ankle injuries that could limit them against San Diego State on Saturday. Kellen Moore will likely have little trouble finding his receivers this week, but if Boise State's ground attack is hampered by injury, the Aztecs could be in business.
Prediction: Boise State 45, San Diego State 31
