SCOUTING REPORT

Oklahoma State at Boise State

❚ When: 8 p.m. Saturday

❚ Where: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho

❚ TV: FS1 (Cox 67/HD 728, DirecTV 219, Dish 150, U-verse 652/HD 1652) ❚ Radio: KXXY-FM 96.1

❚ Line: Boise State by 4. Over/under: 541⁄2.

Scouting Boise State

❚ Record: 1-1

❚ Best player: Wide receiver Khalil Shakir has been the Broncos’ best player through two games, catching 12 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 21.4 yards per reception, showing off a big-play ability under first-year head coach Andy Avalos. In Friday’s win over UTEP, Shakir had seven receptions for 166 yards, including multiple onehanded snags. In the Week 1 loss to UCF, Shakir was limited by a leg injury but still caught five passes for 91 yards and two TDs.

❚ The case for Boise State: The Broncos are a tough, physical team capable of wreaking havoc on both sides of the ball, but especially defense. Boise State has already forced eight turnovers in two games, including five interceptions. It has a deep defensive line, too, which is problematic for an OSU offensive line that has struggled overall through two games. Mix that defense with an offense capable of big plays through the air and a deafening stadium, and it’s a recipe that could be trouble for the Cowboys.

❚ The case for OSU: The Cowboys offense has been underwhelming through two games, so this one might rest on the shoulders of the defense once again. And OSU’s stout unit is prepared for that. The Cowboys are again menaces on third down, they rush the quarterback well and they stop the run. That could be enough once again to overcome offensive struggles, should they continue for a third straight week.