Boise State Secures Mountain West Title and CFP Spot Behind Ashton Jeanty’s Dominance

BOISE, Idaho – The Boise State Broncos, led by the unstoppable Ashton Jeanty, secured their second consecutive Mountain West Conference title with a commanding 21-7 victory over UNLV on Friday night. The win not only earned the Broncos (12-1, ranked No. 10 in the CFP standings) another championship trophy but also solidified their place in the College Football Playoff (CFP), positioning them among the top four conference champions eligible for a first-round bye.

Jeanty’s Record-Breaking Performance

Jeanty continued his stellar season with 209 rushing yards and a breathtaking 75-yard touchdown run that electrified the crowd. This marked his fifth touchdown run of over 70 yards this season, breaking the single-season FBS record set by LaDainian Tomlinson. Jeanty’s total rushing yards for the season also moved him past Marcus Allen into fourth place on the all-time FBS single-season rushing list, putting him within striking distance of Barry Sanders’ record.

Speaking about the Heisman Trophy buzz surrounding him, Jeanty remained humble, stating, “This team is not only one of the best in the nation, but it also has one of the best players in the nation.”

Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson was more direct in his praise, making a strong case for Jeanty’s Heisman candidacy. “If you’re a Heisman candidate, you should be playing in a championship game,” Danielson said. “What Jeanty did tonight in a title game speaks volumes about his dominance. He’s the best football player in the country, and it’s not even close.”

Dominant Broncos Defense

While Jeanty stole the spotlight, the Broncos’ defense played a critical role in stifling UNLV’s high-powered offense. Entering the game as the seventh-highest scoring team in the nation (averaging 38.7 points per game), UNLV (10-3, ranked No. 19 CFP) was held to a single touchdown, marking their lowest offensive output of the season.

Boise State’s defensive highlight came late in the third quarter when Seyi Oladipo chased down Kylin James after an 86-yard run, stopping him at the Broncos’ 5-yard line. The Rebels were unable to capitalize, losing four yards over four plays and turning the ball over on downs.

Madsen Shines in Supporting Role

Quarterback Maddux Madsen contributed to Boise State’s win with a balanced performance, throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to Latrell Caples and rushing for a 14-yard touchdown in the first half. His dual-threat capabilities forced UNLV to adjust their defensive strategy early, creating opportunities for Jeanty to take over the game.

A Tough Loss for UNLV

Despite the loss, UNLV head coach Barry Odom praised Boise State’s resilience and dominance. “Good luck to anyone thinking they can come here and win,” Odom said. “They are one of the best teams in college football right now, and they are built to go the distance.”

Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams led UNLV’s offense with 110 passing yards and 56 rushing yards. Running back Greg Burrell scored the Rebels’ lone touchdown on a 31-yard run in the fourth quarter.

What’s Next for Boise State?

Boise State now turns its attention to the CFP, where they are expected to receive a first-round bye. With Jeanty’s record-breaking season and a defense firing on all cylinders, the Broncos are poised to make a deep playoff run.

For head coach Danielson, this season’s success is a testament to the team’s commitment. “From day one, these players talked about winning a conference title and making it to the College Football Playoff. They’ve worked tirelessly to achieve that goal, and they deserve every bit of recognition coming their way,” he said.

As Boise State prepares for its next challenge, their Mountain West title victory serves as a reminder of their dominance and determination to represent their conference on the national stage. The Broncos are proving they’re not just contenders—they’re champions.