Boise State Opens 2025 Season Against South Florida in Florida Showdown
The college football season is officially underway, and Boise State is right in the spotlight as they travel to Tampa to take on the South Florida Bulls. This matchup is a unique one because it marks the very first time these two programs have ever gone head-to-head. The stage is set at Raymond James Stadium, and fans are ready to see how both squads open their 2025 campaigns.
Boise State enters this game with plenty of momentum carried over from last season. The Broncos finished 2024 with a 12-2 record, went unbeaten in Mountain West Conference play, and even earned a playoff berth. Their only losses came against powerhouse programs Oregon and Penn State, both ranked in the top ten at the time. This consistency has allowed Boise State to climb into the preseason Top 25, and expectations are sky-high once again.
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Quarterback Maddux Madsen is back to lead the offense after throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns last year. His experience under center gives the Broncos stability as they try to retool some pieces around him. One of the biggest adjustments for Boise State will be life after Ashton Jeanty, their star running back who had a Heisman runner-up season before moving on. The program believes that players like Sire Gaines are ready to step up and continue the tradition of strong backfield play.
On the other side of the field, South Florida comes in hungry to prove itself. The Bulls finished 7-6 a year ago and capped their season with a thrilling 41-39 bowl game victory over San Jose State that stretched into five overtimes. That kind of resilience showed the potential this team has, especially with quarterback Byrum Brown returning. Brown had been on track for a record-setting season before a leg injury cut things short, but now he’s healthy and eager to get back on track.
Oddsmakers have given Boise State the edge going into this one. The Broncos are favored by 5.5 points, while the over/under is set at 62 total points. A big factor is South Florida’s defense, which struggled heavily against the pass last year, ranking near the bottom of the AAC by giving up nearly 279 yards per game through the air. That weakness could play right into the hands of Madsen and Boise State’s passing attack.
The SportsLine computer model, which simulated the matchup 10,000 times, projects Boise State covering the spread in well over 60 percent of outcomes. It also leans toward the under on total points, suggesting that Boise State’s improved defense and returning tacklers could limit South Florida’s ability to put up explosive plays.
Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, and for Boise State, this game is more than just an opener—it’s the start of their chase for a third straight Mountain West title and another shot at the postseason. For South Florida, it’s a chance to make a statement against a ranked opponent and show that their program is on the rise. Either way, fans are in for a competitive clash to launch Week 1 of college football.
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