Boise State University has emerged victorious in the Mountain West Conference Championship, securing a solid 21-7 win against UNLV. This triumph places the No. 10 Broncos in a favorable position for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. The game, held at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, highlighted the incredible talent of running back Ashton Jeanty, who delivered an impressive performance with 209 rushing yards, including a standout 75-yard touchdown run just before halftime.
Jeanty’s exceptional game further solidified his candidacy for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, as he surpassed the 2,499-yard mark for the season, now ranking fourth for the most rushing yards in a single season. His scoring run capped off a dominant Broncos performance, giving them a 14-0 lead before the half.
In contrast, UNLV struggled to find an offensive rhythm throughout the game. Despite having a few opportunities, such as a near-touchdown after an 86-yard run by Kylin James, the Rebels were unable to capitalize. James was ultimately stopped short by Boise State linebacker Seyi Oladipo, and UNLV failed to score on subsequent plays. After finally finding the end zone in the fourth quarter, the Rebels could not narrow the gap due to a critical turnover on downs shortly before the 2-minute warning.
With their significant win against UNLV, Boise State has positioned itself well in the upcoming College Football Playoff rankings. It is expected that they will maintain their spot ahead of the upcoming Big 12 title game winners and secure a high seed in the playoff bracket. If Clemson defeats SMU in the ACC Championship, Boise State might even rise to the No. 3 seed. Following only one loss this season, to the undefeated Oregon, the Broncos have displayed resilience and dominance throughout the remainder of their schedule.
UNLV, on the other hand, despite their second 10-win season in history, is likely to head to a non-playoff bowl. This would mark the first time since 1984 that the team would participate in back-to-back bowl games, with the LA Bowl being a potential destination.
Overall, Boise State’s performance not only underscores their capability as serious contenders but also highlights the impact that strong leadership and talent can have in college football.
