Boise State Secures CFP Spot with Dominant Win Over UNLV

7 Dec at 8:44 am

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Boise State/ College Football Playoff/ UNLV/ Ashton Jeanty/ Mountain West Championship/ Maddux Madsen/ CFP selection show/ BOISE, Idaho/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ No. 10 Boise State earned a College Football Playoff berth with a 21-7 victory over No. 19 UNLV in the Mountain West Championship. Ashton Jeanty ran for 209 yards, including a record-tying 75-yard touchdown, to secure the Broncos’ second consecutive conference title. The Broncos now await their playoff matchup, while UNLV reflects on a historic 10-win season under Coach Barry Odom.

Boise State safety Seyi Oladipo, left, the defensive player of the game, and running back Ashton Jeanty, right, the offensive player of the game, celebrate with the Championship Trophy after their matchup against UNLV in the Mountain West Championship NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)

Boise State Clinches Playoff Spot: Quick Looks

Game MVP: Ashton Jeanty rushed for 209 yards and a record-tying 75-yard touchdown.
Broncos’ Domination: Boise State led 21-0 at halftime and stifled UNLV’s top-10 offense.
Historic Season: UNLV achieved its first 10-win season in 40 years under Barry Odom.
Playoff Implications: Boise State is set for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
Next Steps: Broncos await Sunday’s playoff selection show for their first matchup.

Boise State Secures CFP Spot with Dominant Win Over UNLV

Deep Look

Boise State capped off a stellar season Friday night by defeating No. 19 UNLV 21-7 in the Mountain West Championship, clinching both the conference title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Running back Ashton Jeanty stole the show with 209 rushing yards, including a highlight-reel 75-yard touchdown run that secured the Broncos’ dominance.

Jeanty’s Historic Performance

Jeanty solidified his case for the Heisman Trophy, breaking records and leading Boise State’s offense with sheer power and agility. His 75-yard touchdown marked his fifth scoring run of 70 yards or more this season, tying an FBS record held by LaDainian Tomlinson. Jeanty also moved past Marcus Allen to claim fourth place on the FBS all-time single-season rushing list, needing just 132 more yards to surpass Barry Sanders’ iconic record.

Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson praised Jeanty’s impact, noting the team’s collective effort that began long before the season.

“In January, these guys set a goal to win this championship and make the playoffs. They worked tirelessly, and tonight’s performance is proof of that determination,” Danielson said.

Boise State’s Strong Start

The Broncos wasted no time establishing their dominance. Quarterback Maddux Madsen delivered an early 22-yard touchdown pass to Latrell Caples, followed by a 14-yard scramble into the end zone, giving Boise State a commanding 14-0 lead. Jeanty’s 75-yard dash just before halftime extended the lead to 21-0, leaving UNLV scrambling for answers.

While UNLV’s offense entered the game averaging 38.7 points per contest, the Broncos’ defense was unyielding, holding the Rebels to just seven points. UNLV’s sole touchdown came in the fourth quarter, a 31-yard run by Greg Burrell, but it was too little, too late.

UNLV’s Resilience

Despite the loss, UNLV achieved a historic 10-win season under first-year head coach Barry Odom. The Rebels displayed glimpses of their offensive prowess, particularly during an 86-yard run by Kylin James, but Boise State’s defense proved too strong.

Odom expressed optimism about UNLV’s future, crediting his players’ efforts and commitment.

“Boise State is one of the best teams in college football,” Odom said. “But I’m proud of what our program accomplished this season. We’ll continue building and aim to return stronger.”