The No. 10 ranked Boise State Broncos achieved a decisive victory over No. 20 UNLV, clinching the Mountain West Conference championship and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. In a dominant performance, the Broncos emerged with a 21-7 win in Boise, Idaho, highlighted by Ashton Jeanty, who showcased his outstanding talent with 209 rushing yards, including a spectacular 75-yard touchdown run just before halftime.
Jeanty’s impressive performance keeps him in the spotlight as a Heisman contender, bringing his season total to 2,499 rushing yards, placing him fourth for the most in a single season, surpassing legendary running back Marcus Allen from USC. The play of the game came when Jeanty’s lengthy run capped off a scoring spree, contributing to a 14-0 lead following a clever quarterback draw touchdown from Maddux Madsen.
Despite being positioned for success, UNLV struggled to maintain momentum, missing a field goal in the first half and failing to convert key opportunities, including a crucial fourth down play that resulted in turnover on downs. Although the Rebels managed to score in the fourth quarter, they could not reduce the deficit due to missed opportunities.
Boise State’s victory strengthens their case for a top seed in the College Football Playoff rankings, potentially landing them as high as the No. 3 seed if circumstances favor them in other conference championships. With their only loss of the season coming from an undefeated Oregon team, the Broncos have rebounded strongly, winning several games by significant margins, further demonstrating their readiness for the playoff.
On the other hand, UNLV can take pride in their season, as this marks their second 10-win campaign in history and first since 1984. As they look ahead, the Rebels anticipate possibly heading to the LA Bowl, aiming for back-to-back bowl appearances—an achievement they have yet to accomplish.
This outcome is a hopeful indicator of the evolving landscape in college football, showcasing how non-power conference teams can compete at the highest levels, bringing excitement and unpredictability to the playoff race. Boise State’s success reflects its strong program and resilience, providing a motivating blueprint for other programs in similar conferences.