Boise State Makes History with Mountain West Championship Victory and CFP Berth
The recent Mountain West Championship game held on December 6, 2024, featured an exciting matchup between the Boise State Broncos and the UNLV Rebels. This game was crucial for the conference title and served as a pathway to the College Football Playoff, creating high anticipation for this rematch following their earlier encounter in October.
In a decisive victory, Boise State defeated UNLV 21-7 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The Broncos, ranked No. 10, improved their season record to 12-1, while UNLV finished at 10-3. This win marked Boise State's second consecutive Mountain West title and secured their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Ashton Jeanty, a standout running back and Heisman Trophy candidate, played a central role in Boise State's success. He rushed for an impressive 209 yards and scored one touchdown, including a remarkable 75-yard run just before halftime that extended the Broncos' lead to 21-0. This performance not only showcased Jeanty's talent but also broke the school’s all-time rushing record that had stood for 44 years.
Quarterback Maddux Madsen also made significant contributions, completing 18 of 27 passes for 158 yards, including a touchdown pass to Latrell Caples. Madsen's effective game management was instrumental in maintaining Boise State's offensive momentum against a strong UNLV defense.
The game began with Boise State establishing dominance early on. They scored first with a touchdown pass from Madsen to Caples, followed by Madsen's rushing touchdown that doubled their lead. By halftime, Boise State had built a commanding 21-0 lead.
UNLV struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game, ultimately unable to overcome Boise State's early advantage.