In a thrilling display of skill, the No. 10 ranked Boise State Broncos secured their second consecutive Mountain West Championship by defeating No. 19 UNLV 21-7 on Friday night in Boise, Idaho. This victory also earned the Broncos a coveted spot in the College Football Playoffs.
Ashton Jeanty shined for Boise State, rushing for an impressive 209 yards and scoring a touchdown, including a spectacular 75-yard run that has bolstered his Heisman candidacy. This remarkable performance saw Jeanty tie the FBS record for the most runs of 70 yards or more in a season, matching the feat set by LaDainian Tomlinson. He now sits fourth on the FBS season rushing list and is closing in on Barry Sanders’ record.
Quarterback Maddux Madsen contributed to the win with a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown, effectively guiding his team to a strong lead early in the game. Boise State’s defense managed to stifle UNLV’s high-scoring offense, which had averaged nearly 39 points per game this season. Highlighting the game, UNLV head coach Barry Odom acknowledged Boise State’s strong performance despite his team’s struggles, emphasizing the learning experience that comes with such championship contests.
Even though UNLV managed to put points on the board later in the game with a 31-yard touchdown run from Greg Burrell, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit built by the Broncos in the first half.
Looking ahead, Boise State awaits the selection show on Sunday to determine their opponent in the College Football Playoffs. Their win not only solidifies their status as a competitive force in college football but also revitalizes their historical legacy, once marked by an undefeated season and a Fiesta Bowl victory in 2006.
The future looks bright for both teams; Boise State has the opportunity to make a significant playoff run, while UNLV, under Odom’s leadership, appears poised for continued growth and improvement in the upcoming seasons as they aim for contention in the Mountain West Conference.
In summary, this championship win exemplifies Boise State’s resilience and determination, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff run ahead.