Every panelist backs No. 24 Boise State as ESPN College GameDay makes picks against Oregon State

Panel backs Boise State

The GameDay panel unanimously picked Boise State to defeat Oregon State. Guest picker Ian Johnson joined Nick Saban, Kirk Herbstreit and Pat McAfee in choosing the Broncos. Saban cautioned that Oregon State could score plenty, but predicted Boise State would score more. Herbstreit pointed to the blue turf and physical play, while McAfee praised Oregon State receiver Jesse Legree before backing Boise State.

Crowd and show highlights

A large crowd gathered for College GameDay’s first broadcast from Boise since 2010. The festivities featured a flyover and McAfee arriving on horseback. Leighton Vander Esch made a second-chance field goal, securing $1 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Coach welcomes GameDay

Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said the broadcast’s visit was significant for the program. He said the team and coaches were focused on playing their best, while the event could also benefit the program’s future. Danielson said he expected students and fans to give the crew a strong welcome and show off the community, Bronco Nation and Boise.

Beavers arrive before kickoff

Oregon State was among the teams affected by a Federal Aviation Administration ground stop on Friday. The Beavers arrived in Boise at about 9:45 p.m. Mountain time that night.

The teams are scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. Mountain time Saturday at Albertsons Stadium. USA Network will carry the game live nationally.