5 Bold Predictions for Boise State vs. Arizona in Fiesta Bowl

By Jeff Hauser

5 Bold Predictions for Boise State vs. Arizona in Fiesta Bowl

Fiesta Bowl 2014 — The No. 20 Boise State Broncos return to the Fiesta Bowl this season with upset on their minds against the No. 10 Arizona Wildcats. The Mountain West conference champions look to build on a perfect 3-0 record all time at the bowl game. This time gives a much different set of circumstances for the Broncos with an "almost" home game for Arizona. Let's break down the five bold predictions you need to know before the Fiesta Bowl.

5. Anu Solomon will throw for 300+ yards

Anu Solomon

5. Anu Solomon will throw for 300+ yards

Anu Solomon — Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon could be the most impressive freshman player in college football, but was held to just 34 yards passing before being pulled in the Pac-12 championship against No. 2 Oregon. The phenom averages a total of 266 yards passing and has the ability to be a dual-threat as well. Look for Solomon to bounce back strong against the Broncos and throw for at least 300 yards in the game.

4. Boise State's Jay Ajayi will rush for 175+ yards

Jay Ajayi

4. Boise State's Jay Ajayi will rush for 175+ yards

Jay Ajayi — Broncos running back Jay Ajayi is a prime candidate for the next level and without question should be playing on Sundays. The elusive back has quietly racked up 325 carries for 1,689 yards and 25 touchdowns this season. He's averaged the same amount of points as Heisman trophy finalist Melvin Gordon with 13.4 point per game. With ease, Ajayi will rush for 175-plus yards against Arizona, who allows 170.4 yards per game on the ground.

3. Arizona's defense will give up 30+ points to Boise State

Arizona's Defense

3. Arizona's defense will give up 30+ points to Boise State

Arizona's Defense — The strong-suit for the Wildcats this season has not been their defense, who statistically rank 116th overall and has given up 27.5 points per game to opponents. Boise State, on the other hand, is ranked sixth in the nation on offense and averages nearly 40 points per game. With no comparison for Arizona, the only reasonable analysis is can Arizona stop the Broncos' offense long enough to compete?

2. Boise State's Grant Hedrick will throw 4+ touchdowns

Grant Hedrick

2. Boise State's Grant Hedrick will throw 4+ touchdowns

Grant Hedrick — The expectations for Boise State quarterback Grant Hedrick will be set high, especially with Arizona's defense giving up 279.1 passing yards per game. Hedrick has completed 70.9 percent of his passes this season and should continue this trend to stifle the Wildcats' defense. Even though the Broncos' playmaker has only three games this season exceeding the three-touchdown mark, Hedrick should have a fourth in the Fiesta Bowl.

1. This will be Cayleb Jones' last game in an Arizona uniform

Cayleb Jones

1. This will be Cayleb Jones' last game in an Arizona uniform

Cayleb Jones — It's possible that the Fiesta Bowl will be the last game at Arizona for wide receiver Cayleb Jones, who is likely to declare eligible for the NFL Draft in the offseason. The sophomore wideout transfer from Texas led the Wildcats in receiving yards (902) and touchdowns (nine) at his position, but could benefit from taking his game to the next level. If Jones does decide to go pro, head coach Rich Rodriguez would have big shoes to fill.

Teams in this article »

Arizona Wildcats

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Boise State Broncos

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