In a decisive victory, the Boise State Broncos clinched their second consecutive Mountain West Championship, overpowering the UNLV Rebels 21-7 in Boise, Idaho. Ashton Jeanty was in exceptional form, rushing for 209 yards and scoring a touchdown, propelling Boise State to a qualifying spot in the College Football Playoff. With this win, the Broncos solidify their position at No. 10 in the CFP rankings.
Boise State, boasting a record of 12-1, is poised to secure a first-round playoff bye if they maintain their rank among the top four conference champions. Head coach Spencer Danielson remarked on the team’s aspirations, stating, “They wanted to win a conference championship and make it to the college playoffs, and they worked for that.”
Highlighting Jeanty’s remarkable performance, he delivered a spectacular 75-yard touchdown run, marking his fifth rushing touchdown of 70 yards or more this season, which ties the FBS record set by LaDainian Tomlinson. He also moved into fourth place on the FBS season rushing list, just shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ record.
Maddux Madsen contributed with both a thrown and a rushing touchdown, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the field. Despite coming into the game with a potent offense, UNLV struggled against Boise State’s defense, which limited them to only one touchdown, scored in the final quarter.
UNLV’s coach, Barry Odom, expressed his respect for Boise State, noting how they have become a formidable team in college football, stating, “Good luck to anyone who comes here and thinks they’re going to win the game.”
Looking ahead, Boise State eagerly anticipates the College Football Playoff selection show on Sunday, where they will discover their opponent and schedule for the upcoming rounds.
This victory marks a significant achievement for both teams, with Boise State aiming to make a deep playoff run and UNLV showing promise under Odom’s leadership after securing their first 10-win season in four decades. With strong recruiting and development strategies, UNLV is set on a path to regain competitiveness in the Mountain West.
In summary, Boise State’s triumphant performance reflects their hard work and determination to excel, while UNLV’s progress under a new regime provides hope for the future of their program. The landscape of college football remains thrilling, as both teams look to build on this season’s success.