On Saturday night, Boise State Broncos will host Appalachian State Mountaineers at Albertsons Stadium in an exciting collegiate football clash. This match marks only the second meeting between these two programs, offering fans a rare glimpse into this cross-conference encounter.
The Broncos are coming off an impressive victory over the Air Force Falcons, led by the remarkable performance of sophomore running back Dylan Riley. With an outstanding 255-yard total, which included 171 rushing yards and 84 receiving yards, Riley was instrumental, accounting for a significant portion of the team’s points and earning the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week distinction. His four rushing touchdowns and one receiving score underscored his crucial role in Boise State’s success.
In addition to Riley’s contributions, quarterback Maddux Madsen played a pivotal role despite a brief exit due to an injury scare. After sophomore Max Cutforth briefly stepped in and managed to guide the team to a touchdown, Madsen returned to the field with vigor, throwing for 276 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating the team’s depth and resilience.
Appalachian State presents a formidable challenge for Boise State, mainly due to their high-octane aerial game. The Mountaineers’ offense is averaging an impressive 357.7 passing yards per game, placing them third in the nation among FBS teams. This poses a particular challenge for Boise State’s pass defense, which ranks 86th and allows an average of 225.7 passing yards per game.
With Appalachian State boasting a strong record since joining the FBS in 2014—comparable to Boise State’s—Saturday’s game is set to be a competitive showdown of strategic prowess and athletic skill. Each team will aim to capitalize on its strengths while addressing its vulnerabilities in what promises to be a thrilling fixture for college football enthusiasts.