Boise State, ranked No. 10, claimed the Mountain West Conference title and secured a spot in the College Football Playoff by defeating No. 20 UNLV 21-7 in a commanding performance. The game, held in Boise, Idaho, showcased the incredible talent of running back Ashton Jeanty, who rushed for 209 yards and a touchdown, enhancing his Heisman candidacy.
Jeanty’s standout moment came just before halftime, where he capped off a two-touchdown surge by the Broncos with a spectacular 75-yard run. This performance brought his season total to an impressive 2,499 rushing yards, surpassing the legendary Marcus Allen for the fourth-most yards in a single season.
The Broncos established a strong lead with another touchdown from quarterback Maddux Madsen, pushing the score to 14-0 shortly before the half. Despite UNLV’s efforts, including an impressive 86-yard run by Kylin James, they struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, missing a field goal and failing to convert on crucial downs.
With this victory, Boise State’s position in the College Football Playoff is secured, likely earning them a first-round bye. Their only loss this season was a narrow defeat to undefeated Oregon, showcasing their dominance in subsequent games, winning by three scores or more. Looking ahead, Boise State could potentially earn a No. 3 seed, depending on other championship results.
In contrast, UNLV experiences disappointment despite achieving its second 10-win season in the program’s history. They may still be headed for a non-playoff bowl, aiming for back-to-back bowl appearances for the first time in school history, which could be a positive step for the program’s future.
This victory for Boise State not only underscores their impressive season but also marks a historic moment as a non-power conference champion poised to make an impactful statement in the playoffs.
The hopeful narrative here is that Boise State’s success could inspire other programs from non-power conferences to strive for excellence, proving that they too can compete at the highest levels of college football.