Boise State and Western Michigan are heading into Saturday’s Group of Six matchup with more than a few health questions hanging over both sidelines.
For Boise State, the biggest concern comes out of last week’s win over South Dakota, where running back Sire Gaines, offensive guard Roger Carreon and edge rusher Jayden Virgin-Morgan all came away banged up. Broncos coach Spencer Danielson didn’t offer much in the way of firm answers when he met with local media on Thursday.
“Obviously, we had some guys banged up in the (South Dakota) game,” Danielson said. “Still kind of working through that.
There’s some guys that were able to come back and practice, there’s some guys that are going to be a little bit limited. We’re going to be working through that over the next couple of days.
I’m going to kind of leave it there.”
Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. Mountain time Saturday at Waldo Stadium, with Boise State entering at 2-1 and Western Michigan also sitting at 2-1. Both teams are 0-0 in conference play.
Gaines is the headliner among Boise State’s injury concerns. He has been part of the Broncos’ backfield rotation with Dylan Riley, and his numbers have been a real factor: 45 carries, 234 yards and three total touchdowns. Riley, meanwhile, has been one of the most productive runners in the country, ranking third in FBS with 454 rushing yards.
Gaines appeared to hurt his left hand or wrist in the fourth quarter against South Dakota State, and Danielson said the sophomore has at least been able to get back on the field in some capacity.
“He’s been able to work through some stuff, was able to be out there and practice,” Danielson said of Gaines. “We’re still working through it.”
If Gaines can’t go, Boise State figures to lean on a pair of Power Four transfer backs in Juelz Goff and Harry Stewart III. Goff arrived from Pittsburgh and has three carries for 22 yards this season. Stewart III, a Kansas transfer, has nine yards on two carries.
“Harry and JG both came here to play, are really good football players, really good running backs,” Danielson said. “Next man up, carry the flag.
I’m sure Western Michigan is going to have some guys that don’t play. That’s our mentality.
We brought you here to play. Your part of this is how you prepped since you’ve stepped foot on campus for this time.
And, here we go.”
Western Michigan has its own availability issues to monitor. The Broncos could be without leading receiver Aveion Chenault and starting safety Micah Davis.
Chenault has been a key piece for Western Michigan through three games, catching 13 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown while also adding three carries for 35 yards. His 16.6 yards per reception puts him inside the top 100 nationally.
Davis, who was one of Western Michigan’s top tacklers last season, has opened this year with 15 total tackles and one pass breakup.
The Broncos’ updated depth chart released Thursday still had Chenault listed as a starting receiver, but Davis was not included. Daeh McCullough was listed as the starter in Davis’ spot.
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