By Garin Turner — SkyBoat.org
Boise State capped its postseason push with authority, defeating UNLV 38–21 to secure the Mountain West Championship. Quarterback Maddux Madsen delivered a standout performance, throwing for 289 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. The win reinforces Boise State’s recent dominance over the Rebels and positions the Broncos for a strong bowl placement.
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How It Happened
Boise State seized control early, capitalizing on UNLV’s miscues and winning the efficiency battle on third down. The Rebels converted just 4 of 16 attempts, while the Broncos went 10 of 16 — a defining difference in the championship matchup.
UNLV’s opening drive ended with a costly fumble, though Boise State initially failed to turn it into points. After trading three-and-outs, the Broncos finally broke through when Madsen scored on a 10-yard keeper for a 7–0 lead.
A missed UNLV field goal set the stage for another Broncos drive, this time ending in a nine-yard touchdown pass from Madsen to Dylan Riley. Boise State continued to roll early in the second quarter when Cameron Bates hauled in a seven-yard touchdown to make it 21–0.
UNLV briefly responded with a 95-yard scoring drive, capped by quarterback Anthony Colandrea’s five-yard run. But Madsen answered quickly, firing a pass to Malik Sherrod, who broke free for a 39-yard touchdown. The Rebels trimmed the deficit again before halftime as Colandrea found Troy Omeire for an 11-yard score, cutting the Broncos’ advantage to 28–14.
UNLV made it a one-possession game late in the third quarter when JoJo Earle scored from seven yards out, pulling the Rebels within 28–21. But Boise State’s defense tightened, and the Broncos offense delivered the knockout blow. Sire Gaines punched in a one-yard touchdown early in the fourth to extend the lead, and Boise State’s defense shut the door from there.
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Boise State Team Leaders
Passing: Maddux Madsen — 289 yards, 3 TDs
Rushing: Dylan Riley — 21 carries, 75 yards
Receiving: Chase Penry — 3 receptions, 96 yards
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UNLV Team Leaders
Passing: Anthony Colandrea — 225 yards, 1 TD
Rushing: Anthony Colandrea — 12 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD
Receiving: JoJo Earle — 2 receptions, 45 yards
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What’s Next
Boise State will now await its bowl destination, entering the postseason with serious momentum and championship hardware. UNLV, while falling short of its title hopes, remains bowl eligible and will also learn its postseason fate on Selection Sunday.
