No. 10 Boise State Claims Mountain West Title, Secures CFP Berth With Win Over No. 20 UNLV

Boise State took another step toward college football immortality Friday night, defeating No. 20 UNLV 21–7 in a game that blended dominance, flair, and just the right amount of chaos. Behind Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty and a defense that vacuumed up Rebels’ hopes like lint on blue carpet, the Broncos secured the Mountain West Championship and a berth in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

First Half: Jeanty Shines, Boise Roars

From the opening whistle, Ashton Jeanty showed why he’s not just a running back but a human highlight reel. Breaking tackles like a stud, Jeanty carried the Broncos’ offense on his shoulders—and occasionally on his dazzling footwork. The game’s defining moment came late in the second quarter when Jeanty ripped off a jaw-dropping 75-yard touchdown run, sending Albertsons Stadium into a frenzy. His touchdown dance could’ve had even Michael Jackson tipping his hat and saying, “hee-hee!”

But Jeanty wasn’t the only one making magic. Quarterback Maddux Madsen proved his legs were just as lethal as his arm. On a brilliant QB draw, Madsen dashed 15 yards into the end zone, capping off a run so clean it needed a replay to confirm his knee never hit the ground. Boise punctuated their first-half dominance with a Jeremiah Earby interception, ensuring UNLV trudged into the locker room with heavy helmets and a lot to think about.

UNLV Fights Back, but Boise Holds Firm

The Rebels didn’t lay down easily. In the third quarter, speedster Kylin James electrified the field with an 86-yard burst up the middle, showcasing the UNLV offensive line’s ability to open holes with a masterful double team. Seyi Oladipo, however, wasn’t about to let James celebrate in the end zone, dragging him down just short of pay dirt. Unfortunately for UNLV, the drive ended like so many others—with frustration, as a fourth-down pass sailed incomplete.

Even when the Rebels finally got on the board late in the third, it came with a side of “what ifs.” Hajj-Malik Williams and Greg Burrell combined for a gutsy drive, exposing some cracks in Boise’s secondary tackling. Still, when it mattered most, Boise State’s defense flexed its playoff-worthy muscle, snuffing out any hopes of a dramatic comeback.

Boise’s Closing Act: Jeanty and the Show Must Go On

In the fourth quarter, Boise State leaned on their best player to seal the deal. Jeanty, already on his way to cementing himself as one of the greatest college running backs ever, chewed up yards and clock, picking up key first downs to bury any remaining Rebel hopes.

Jeanty finished the game with 209 rushing yards, surpassing Marcus Allen for the fourth-most single-season rushing yards in college football history. It’s safe to say Boise fans left the stadium chanting his name—and likely Googling “bronze statue costs” for future considerations.

And just when you thought Jeanty was done for the night, he delivered an encore—a floor routine on the Old Trapper logo that had Olympic judges somewhere debating a perfect score.

It Wasn’t All Jeanty: Key Moments and Notable Performances from Other Players

• Latrell Caples’ Corner Grab: Madsen threw a beauty to Caples in the corner of the end zone for Boise’s first score. Caples showed remarkable strength and concentration, securing the ball while the defender swiped at it and he simultaneously hit the ground.
• Lauter Finds the Seam: Tight end Matt Lauter was Madsen’s go-to on big plays, slicing through the Rebels’ defense for clutch catches.
• Rebels’ Kicking Woes: UNLV kicker Caden Chittenden clanked a field goal off the crossbar, adding to the Rebels’ frustrations—but offering an oddly satisfying acoustic highlight for fans who appreciate a good, resounding “clang.”.
• Boise D-Line Dominance: The Broncos’ defensive front made life miserable for Hajj-Malik Williams, sacking him six times and smothering the Rebels’ passing game.
• UNLV’s Defensive Standouts: Despite the loss, Jackson Woodard and Alexander Whitmore were bright spots for the Rebels’ defense. Woodard racked up 10 tackles, including six solo stops, while Fisher Camac made an impact with a sack and two tackles for loss.
• Oladipo’s Game-Saving Hustle: Seyi Oladipo delivered one of the game’s most impressive defensive efforts, chasing down Kylin James after his 86-yard burst and preventing a touchdown. His hustle and determination set the tone for Boise State’s defense in critical moments.
• Benefield Breaks Through: Ty Benefield was a disruptive force for Boise State, recording eight tackles and showcasing his ability to sniff out plays, including a key stop in the backfield that derailed a potential UNLV scoring drive.

Postgame Celebration

Before the final whistle even blew, Boise State players gave head coach Andy Avalos an early celebratory bath, drenching him in orange electrolytes and glory as the victory became inevitable. But Coach wasn’t the only one getting wet—enter the goal post, as fans stormed the field and carried it to the Boise River, adding a splash of tradition to cap off the Broncos’ triumphant night.

What’s Next for Boise State?

The Broncos’ playoff seeding will be revealed Sunday at noon ET on ESPN. With only one loss—to undefeated Oregon—Boise State looks poised to earn a first-round bye and a chance to make history. Whether Jeanty’s next touchdown dance happens on the blue turf or a neutral site remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this Boise team is ready to roll.

The road to the national championship starts now, and Boise State is driving full speed ahead.

Ben Watson

Ben, Chief Editor and Business Consultant at WCSM, is also the Chief Creative Officer at two multi-million-dollar businesses, where he has driven growth and innovation. A summa cum laude graduate with degrees in Statistics and Business Computer Information Systems, Ben has helped small businesses double their revenue, launched YouTube channels with over 50K followers, and created websites for high-profile clients in TV and film. His expertise spans content creation, video production, advertising, analytics, web design, and data analysis. Ben is eager to bring his skills to WCSM, turning their vision into impactful realities while fostering sustainable growth.