Every ESPN College GameDay panelist makes picks for Boise State over Oregon State, No. 24 in the rankings

Panelists back Boise State

The GameDay panel made a unanimous choice for Boise State, with guest picker Ian Johnson joining the show’s regular panelists. The Broncos were 8-1 overall and 5-0 in the Pac-12; Oregon State stood at 5-4 and 3-2.

Nick Saban pointed to Oregon State’s scoring ability but predicted Boise State would score more. Kirk Herbstreit cited Boise State’s home field and physical play, while Pat McAfee praised receiver Jesse Legree before choosing the Broncos.

A large Boise broadcast

A massive crowd came out for College GameDay’s first broadcast from Boise since 2010. The morning followed a rainy, windy night, but skies were sunny during the show.

The festivities featured a flyover and McAfee’s entrance on horseback. Leighton Vander Esch also made a second-chance field goal that secured $1 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Danielson highlights program impact

Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson called GameDay’s visit “huge for our program.” He said the immediate focus for players and coaches was preparing to play their best at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Danielson also described the broadcast as important for Boise State’s future and said he expected students and fans to create a strong experience for the visitors. He expressed confidence in the community, Bronco Nation and the team.

Kickoff follows late arrival

The Broncos and Beavers are scheduled to play at 4 p.m. Mountain time Saturday at Albertsons Stadium. The game will air nationally on USA Network. Oregon State was among the college football teams affected by Friday’s Federal Aviation Administration ground stop. The Beavers arrived in Boise at about 9:45 p.m. Mountain time Friday.