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When the Broncos step onto the field in Husky Stadium on August 31, 2013, they will be facing a team that is ready for a fight.

The Huskies of Washington nearly beat these same Broncos in the Las Vegas Bowl last season, and there is no doubt they will use that for motivation to attempt to topple Boise State this time around.

The question is, can they do it?

Well, anything is possible. However, Boise State head coach Chris Petersen is a master at getting his team ready to play when he has this much time to prepare. The team did falter last season in the opener against Michigan State, but the 2013 version of the Broncos is far superior to the opening-game team of 2012.

Still, it is going to be a huge challenge.

Boise State must have its offense rolling early against the Huskies. All indications are that it will be, but if the team can't get it together on opening night, Washington could get its revenge.

Prediction

If Boise State struggles on offense, Washington will take this game.

However, that just doesn't seem possible with senior quarterback Joe Southwick playing at a high level with confidence and surrounded by what is arguably the best wide receiver corps in the Mountain West Conference.

Not only that, but the ground game of the Broncos is going to be awesome.

Last season in the opener against Michigan State, the Broncos struggled in every area, but it was the lack of a rushing attack that doomed them.

In total, the Broncos rushed for 37 yards against the Spartans. That was on 24 attempts mind you, and it was impossible for Boise State to overcome.

This season, Boise State has a great stable of running backs. In fact, it might be the best overall group the Broncos have ever fielded—and that's saying a lot.

In the end, it is that ground game that should open up the passing game for Joe Southwick in Seattle. The defense will have to do its part, but with the talent the Broncos have on that side of the ball, it certainly seems feasible.

If the Boise State offense is clicking, they should take home the win. If Washington is able to shut them down, it points to another opening-night loss.