–Battery is a waterfront Bourbon bar with “exquisite wine and elevated plates” situated within Sparkman Wharf. This is a night before the game kind of place as it is nearly 6 Miles across Tampa from Raymond James Stadium and quite sophisticated. Splash the Cool Water, Starch the Levis and iron the Sunday shirt for this place.–

The South Florida Bulls, the city of Tampa and Raymond James Stadium will welcome the Boise St Broncos August 28th at 5:30 EST on ESPN.

Boise to Tampa. That’s a haul. Desert, Mountains, rivers, plains, swamplands, coastline, and everything in between are on the long road from Western Idaho to South Florida. By road or by Air–it’s a long way to go.

Travel options for the Boise Blue Faithful:

• 36 hours drive time and 2,630 Miles from Western Idaho to Raymond James Stadium
  • Boise to Ogdon, to Cheyenne, to Lincoln, to Kansas City, to St. Louis, to Nashville, to Atlanta, to Gainesville, Ocala, Lake Magdalene, and finally Tampa
• 38 hours drive time and 2708 Miles to take the scenic route through Colorado
  • Boise to Ogdon, to Laramie, to Denver, to Raton, NM and *Climax Canyon Park (named for the abandoned Climax Mine), to Amarillo, to Dallas, to Monroe, to Jackson, Ms, to Mobile, to Tallahassee, past Orange Pond and Hancock Lake, on to Gainesville, Ocala, Lake Magdalene, and Tampa.
• 6 Hour travel time with one connecting flight from Boise Airport to Tampa International.
  • Then, 3.8 Miles from Tampa International to Raymond James Stadium
    • Take the 616 (Columbus) out of the airport, to N Himes Ave and turn North and the stadium will be on the left.
      • However, before you make the left turn North–be sure to stop by Havana 86 Inc for some “hot, flavorful” tastes from Cuba.

*”At nearly 200 Acres, Climax Canyon is a hidden gem park in New Mexico that’s ideal for a day hike.”- onlyinyourstate.com “Hidden Gem Park in NM” –On leash dogs welcomed. Explore the park, especially the remnants of the Climax Mine, enjoy the natural beauty of NM, and bring plenty of water. It might be a nice place to stretch the legs if one is on a 30+ hour road trip across the country.

Boise St Bronco Fans are no stranger to travel, and I’m sure those wearing Boise Blue will find their way to Tampa. Somehow, someway. By AIR.

Now, to the football. USF vs Boise St, Bulls hosting Broncos. Two very similar teams to begin the season.

Both of these teams are strong and competitive at every position and as experienced as any other team in the country.

Both teams are led by 3rd year Head Coaches: Alex Golesh USF and Spencer Danielson BSU

Both teams returning the lion’s share of starters from last season. USF returning 8 on offense and defense and Boise State returning 7 and 7.

Let’s meet some of these returning stand outs for each squad.

USF:

• Senior- WLB Mac Harris. Leading tackler last season (82) including 4 sacks #24
• Junior- FS Tavin Ward 3 INT last year #2
• Senior- MLB Jhalyn Shuler 61 Tackles and 2 INT last season #7
• Strong O-line unit featuring all Seniors

Boise St:

• Junior- Jayden Virgin-Morgan STUD (DE) 10 Sacks and 5.5 TFL Last season #5
• Senior- Braxton Fely DT 5.5 Sacks Last season #90
• Junior- Maddux Madsen QB 2nd on the team in rushing, including 5 td’s last season behind 6th overall pick Ashton Jeanty. Threw for 23 TD’s and 6 INT
• Senior- Matt Lauter TE 2nd on the team in receiving yards and 1st on the team with (7) touchdowns last season.

The South Florida O-Line will have a strong test against JVM, Fely and Co. Those matchups on the line may just make or break the game.

Lauter is going to be more than a handful for the South Florida D. At 6′ 3″, 240lbs with NFL level hands and footwork, he will create some mismatches that Madsen will certainly exploit.

In fact, the Broncos are built to score this season. Will the Bulls be able to keep up with their opponent’s scoring efficiency?

USF has many questions on offense. It could all work and it could just as easily completely stall early in the game. One thing is for certain, the Bulls O-Line is an elite group that will be ready for this game.

Now, this may just be one of those somehow, someway situations, but South Florida will find a way to win the game. Both teams are keenly coached and loaded with experienced, High IQ players. For me, this game is going to end far closer than the point spread would suggest.

USF +8.5 Moneyline: +280

“What do I know about diamonds? I’m a boxing promoter.” Similar to Turkish in Ritchie’s “Snatch”–what do I know about football picks? Who knows what about anything? This is just one dude’s opinion. For fun as always.

I am truthfully looking forward to this game. The Bulls O-line performing to their potential and stifling the harsh Bronco pass rush and watching what future fantasy football standout Matt Lauter can do to create space against the savvy USF defense are right at the top of the reasons why.

So, driving or flying, the Boise Blue Broncos will make the trek across the country to compete with the South Florida hosts Aug 28. 5:30 Pm EST.

It’s 97-102 degrees in Boise this week. It’ll be 90-94 degrees in Tampa on Aug 28. The Broncos will not fear the heat, but the humidity could be a factor by the 4th quarter.

Speaking of humidity, I’d advise against those starched Levis and settle for something with a bit more breathing room if you stop off at Battery.

–It’s 98 here in the valley; it was 54 in the Canyon this morning. College Football is less than 6 weeks from Dublin. Six and one half until this game. I’m in the back garden sweating through the seat cushion of the wood chair under the crepe myrtle in the corner. It’s July.

Hockey players win golf tournaments, the sun sets at 10PM, and the air feels like a baker’s walk-in oven. Although, it lacks the heavenly mouthwatering smell and that is not a fair trade in my opinion.

To finish this seemingly incoherent preview of the Bulls hosting the Broncos, I’m ready for football season and the cool weather and drama it will bring.

Oh, and don’t sleep on the Cuban Sandwich in Tampa–smash it instead.

Find the humor and keep on movin’

Whit W.