BOISE STATE’S OFFENSE VS. WASHINGTON’S OFFENSE

OK, so they won’t exactly go head to head.

Still, the winner of this game likely will be the team that is able to get something going on offense against two strong defenses.

In both cases, there are serious question marks.

Boise State has lacked explosive plays in the pass game and has not played well offensively in big games other than the regular-season finale against Nevada, a poor defensive team.

The Broncos will face a Washington defense that ranks 16th against the pass.

“They are really, really good against the pass,” Boise State offensive coordinator Robert Prince said. “... That’s probably the strength of their defense.”

Washington features a battered offensive line, a quarterback who has fallen off since his impressive breakout sophomore season in 2011 and a one-man wide receiver crew. Tailback Bishop Sankey and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins will be counted on to do much of the damage against a Boise State defense that ranks ninth in total defense and sixth in scoring defense.

“Their secondary doesn’t give up deep plays,” Washington quarterback Keith Price told The Seattle Times. “So when we have our opportunities to go up top I have to make throws and our receivers are going to have to do a great job of making plays for me. But they are an excellent football team, very disciplined and they don’t mess up.”