Boise, Idaho ? For a team looking to enhance its stature, the Humanitarian Bowl is just what Boise State needs.

The game is on national television, and the 18th-ranked Broncos play Iowa State, a respected opponent from the powerful Big 12.

Yet today’s game on the blue turf of Bronco Stadium might be even more important for Iowa State, which is desperately seeking a positive finish to a disappointing season. The Cyclones started the season 6-1 and were ranked ninth in the country. Now they’re 7-6, having lost five of their last six games.

Another loss could leave a hangover that coach Dan McCarney might have to spend the rest of the winter trying to cure, especially with 40 of his top 48 players returning.

“Will it be a good taste, bad taste, sugar or lemons?” McCarney said. “There’s a monumental difference between 8-6 and 7-7. That eighth win is real big.”

To get it, the Cyclones will have to slow a potent offense.

Boise State (11-1) leads the nation in scoring (46.6) and total offense (516.8). The Broncos won the Western Athletic Conference in a romp, going 8-0 and winning those games by an average of 37 points.

They did stumble in their only game against an opponent from a major conference, turning the ball over seven times and giving up seven sacks in a 41-14 loss at Arkansas. That’s not much consolation for Iowa State.

“They are so outstanding with the football,” McCarney said. “They didn’t even get a game in their conference. Nobody even slowed them down. We have to control the football.”