The 2024 Mountain West Championship Game promises to be an exhilarating rematch between the No. 10 Boise State Broncos and the No. 20 UNLV Rebels. Scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET at Albertsons Stadium, this showdown features the Broncos boasting an impressive 10-game winning streak, with aspirations of securing a bye in the College Football Playoff with a victory. Last season, Boise State decisively defeated UNLV 44-20, a victory that secured them their third consecutive conference title.
However, the Rebels are entering this game with momentum on their side, finishing the season with a four-game winning streak and an impeccable 6-0 record on the road. A win for UNLV could significantly change the dynamics of the postseason, potentially pushing them into College Football Playoff contention and marking an end to Boise State’s season.
In the latest betting odds, Boise State is a 4.5-point favorite, with a total points over/under set at 57.5. The Broncos are also positioned with a +12000 chance to win the national title, while UNLV’s odds stand at +25000.
UNLV proved to be formidable earlier in the season, keeping a close score of 24-23 against Boise State in their last encounter. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams showcased his dual-threat capabilities, accumulating 179 passing yards and rushing for 100 despite experiencing pressure in the form of six sacks. Williams’ consistent playmaking will be vital as he aims to disrupt Boise State’s strong defense.
On the Broncos’ side, the focus will be on Heisman Trophy contender Ashton Jeanty and quarterback Maddux Madsen. While Jeanty faced challenges against the Rebels’ defensive unit, Madsen effectively utilized the passing game to compile solid yardage and scoring opportunities. This season, Boise State has shown resilience, covering the spread in all instances as a favorite by fewer than 10 points.
As fans gear up for this thrilling contest, all eyes will be on how both teams leverage their strengths. The advanced betting model used by SportsLine, which has demonstrated consistent success over the season, predicts a high-scoring match with certain probabilities favoring one side of the spread notably.
In summary, the Mountain West Championship Game not only serves as a rematch with championship implications but also highlights the resurgence of both programs. Whether you’re rooting for the Broncos to maintain their supremacy or for the Rebels to upset the defending champions, this championship clash is set to deliver excitement for college football fans.