Boise State vs. UNLV score, takeaways: Broncos make College Football Playoff statement with gritty road win

Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty carried the ball 33 times for 128 hard-earned yards in the win

No. 17 Boise State secured a massive 29-24 win over UNLV in Las Vegas on Friday to assume sole possession of first place in the Mountain West. Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty scored the go-ahead with 12:38 remaining and finished with 128 yards in a victory that is certain to impact the College Football Playoff picture.

Jeanty recorded his seventh consecutive game with at least 100 rushing yards, which set a program record. Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 18 of 33 attempts for 209 yards and a touchdown and ran for 56 yards and another score on the ground.

The Broncos were able to grind out the game's final minutes after their defense forced a punt with 8:18 remaining. Boise State amassed nearly 400 yards of offense and sacked UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams six times.

Williams threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 105 yards and another score. His 34-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Bradley gave the Rebels a 24-23 lead with 1:03 to go in the third quarter.

Boise State (6-1, 3-0 Mountain West) will play San Diego State next Friday. UNLV (6-2, 2-1) will have a bye before facing Hawaii on Nov. 9.

• Boise State is 20-2 in its last 22 games as a ranked team against unranked foes.
• UNLV has lost 28 straight games against AP-ranked opponents (third-longest Active streak in the FBS)
• Boise State leads the country in sacks with 35. 
• Jeanty set a program record with his seventh-straight 100-yard rushing game. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 2:02 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Jeanty closes the game out for Boise State

The Heisman Trophy frontrunner had (arguably) his worst statistical game of the season in the win over UNLV, but he showed up when it mattered most. With the game on the line and facing a fourth-and-goal, there was never a doubt who would get the football for the Broncos. It will only go down as a 1-yard run in the books, but Jeanty willed his way through defenders to score what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown. 

Jeanty was Boise State's closer in the fourth quarter, helping his team grind out the game's final eight minutes and keep a dangerous Rebels offense off the field. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 1:57 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

UNLV is better with Williams at QB

UNLV starting quarterback Matthew Sluka stunned the Rebels and all of college football when he stepped away from the program because of what he called unfulfilled NIL commitments. UNLV turned to Williams for a spark, and that's exactly what the former Campbell quarterback has done since taking over. Williams finished 12 of 21 for 179 yards and ran for 105 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Despite the loss, Williams is the spark that makes UNLV's Go Go offense work. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 1:56 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State's College Football Playoff outlook

Boise State's CFP hopes just got a major boost with a win over UNLV. The Broncos moved into sole possession of first place in the Mountain West and are now in the driver's seat to be the Group of Five representative in the CFP. With games remaining against San Diego State, Nevada, San Jose State, Wyoming and Oregon State, the Broncos should be favored in every game the rest of the way. If Boise State does indeed run the table and wins the MWC title, it will have as strong a case as anyone for the Group of Five's automatic CFP bid. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 1:53 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State wins 

FINAL: No. 17 Boise State 29, UNLV 24

No. 17 Boise State secured a massive 29-24 win over UNLV in Las Vegas on Friday to assume sole possession of first place in the Mountain West. Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty scored the go-ahead with 12:38 remaining and finished with 128 yards in a victory that is certain to impact the College Football Playoff picture.

Jeanty recorded his seventh consecutive game with at least 100 rushing yards, which set a program record. Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 18 of 33 attempts for 209 yards and a touchdown and ran for 56 yards and another score on the ground.

The Broncos were able to grind out the final eight minutes on the game clock after their defense forced a punt with 8:18 remaining. Boise State amassed nearly 400 yards of offense and sacked UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams six times.

Williams threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 105 yards and another score. His 34-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Bradley gave the Rebels a 24-23 lead with 1:03 to go in the third quarter.

Boise State (6-1, 3-0 Mountain West) will play San Diego State next Friday. UNLV (6-2, 2-1) will have a bye before facing Hawaii on Nov. 9.

• Boise State is 20-2 in its last 22 games as a ranked team against unranked foes.
• UNLV has lost 28 straight games against AP-ranked opponents (third-longest Active streak in the FBS)
• Boise State leads the country in sacks with 35. 
• Jeanty set a program record with his seventh-straight 100-yard rushing game. 

[Oct 26, 2024 at 1:33 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State forces a punt

MID 4Q: No. 17 Boise State 29, UNLV 24

Boise State will take over at its own 14 with 8:07 remaining after forcing a punt. UNLV went for it on fourth-and-1 — and converted — but couldn't move the ball for a positive gain after. Boise State could put this game on ice with a long drive and points on the board.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 1:21 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State answers

EARLY 4Q: No. 17 Boise State 29, UNLV 24

Was there ever a doubt on who would get the football on fourth-and-1? Boise State elected to go for it and Jeanty punched it in for a 1-yard touchdown to retake the lead with 12:38 left. Boise State reached UNLV territory with two big completions from Madsen. The 2-point conversion was no good.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 1:13 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

UNLV up heading to the fourth quarter

END 3Q: UNLV 24, No. 17 Boise State 23

We have reached the end of three from Las Vegas. UNLV will take a 24-23 lead into the final quarter. The winner of this game will be in the driver's seat to (potentially) reach the College Football Playoff. Buckle up.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 1:09 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Big play for UNLV

LATE 3Q: UNLV 24, No. 17 Boise State 23

What a response by UNLV. Williams delivered a dot down the sidelines to Jaden Bradley for a 35-yard touchdown to take the lead back with 1:03 left in the third quarter. This is shaping up to be a fantastic finish. How will Boise State answer?

[Oct 26, 2024 at 1:00 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State, UNLV trade punts

LATE 3Q: No. 17 Boise State 23, UNLV 17

Boise State will take over deep in its own territory after UNLV punted again. UNLV has zero yards of total offense since scoring a touchdown on the opening drive of the third quarter.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 12:49 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State forces another punt

MID 3Q: No. 17 Boise State 23, UNLV 17

What a potential game-swinging sequence in this game. UNLV lined up to go for it on fourth-and-1 deep in its own territory - and converted - but the play was nullified because of an illegal block in the back penalty. Instead of UNLV keeping the drive alive, Boise State will take over at midfield after the punt.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 12:42 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State answers

MID 3Q: No. 17 Boise State 23, UNLV 17

After UNLV went on an impressive drive to open the third quarter, Boise State did the same. The Broncos went on an 8-play, 64-yard drive that ended with a field goal. Jeanty broke loose on a couple of runs on that drive. He has 81 yards on 19 carries.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 12:32 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Good start for UNLV

EARLY 3Q: No. 17 Boise State 20, UNLV 17

UNLV's opening drive of the second half resulted in points. The Rebels capped a 9-play, 7-yard drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown from Williams. The UNLV star quarterback has 81 yards on the ground.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 12:25 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Second half is underway 

UNLV will get the ball to open the third quarter here shortly.

[Oct 26, 2024 at 12:03 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State up at halftime

HALF: No. 17 Boise State 20, UNLV 10

No. 17 Boise State leads UNLV 20-10 at halftime after a thrilling first 30 minutes in Las Vegas. Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen scored on a 7-yard run to give his team a 13-10 advantage with 1:56 left before intermission. On the next possession, the Broncos defense forced a turnover. Madsen cashed in on the opportunity with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Matt Lauter on fourth-and-goal.

UNLV bottled up Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty early, but the Heisman favorite got stronger as the first half wore on, finishing with 54 yards on 15 attempts. Boise State outgained UNLV 231-207 in total yards.

The winner of this game will be well-positioned in the race for the Group of Five's automatic College Football Playoff berth. 

[Oct 25, 2024 at 11:50 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Madsen gives Boise State the lead

LATE 2Q: No. 17 Boise State 13, UNLV 10

Facing fourth-and-2 from UNLV's 21-yard line, Boise State went for it and covered. Madsen connected with Matt Lauter for a 13-yard gain to move the chains, and three plays later, Boise State retook the lead before halftime. Madsen scrambled up the middle for a 7-yard touchdown for Boise State's first touchdown of the night. 

[Oct 25, 2024 at 11:31 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State responds 

EARLY 2Q: UNLV 10, No. 17 Boise State 6

After UNLV missed a field goal on its previous possession, Boise State responded with points. Jeanty broke off a few runs to up his total to 35 yards (on nine carries), and Dalmas drilled a 44-yard FG to cut the deficit to four. 

[Oct 25, 2024 at 11:20 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

UNLV can't get points

EARLY 2Q: UNLV 10, No. 17 Boise State 3

UNLV can't come away with points after kicker Caden Chittenden missed a 52-yard field goal short right. Boise State will take over at its own 34 to open up the drive.

[Oct 25, 2024 at 11:15 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

UNLV in control 

END 1Q: UNLV 10, No. 17 Boise State 3

We have reached the end of the first quarter from Las Vegas and the home team has been in control. The Rebels racked up 189 yards of total offense in the first 15 minutes. UNLV has limited Jeanty to just 12 yards on five carries. Boise State has punted on back-to-back possessions after scoring points on its first drive.

[Oct 25, 2024 at 11:09 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State punts

LATE 1Q: UNLV 10, No. 17 Boise State 3

For the second consecutive possession, Boise State will punt. The Broncos haven't been able to muster up offense since their opening drive. UNLV is doing a great job containing Jeanty.

[Oct 25, 2024 at 11:02 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

UNLV scores

MID 1Q: UNLV 10, No. 17 Boise State 3

UNLV capped a 6-play, 66-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Kaleo Ballungay to take its first lead. Williams connected with former Texas WR Casey Cain for a 50-yard gain three plays before the touchdown to set up first-and-goal. 

[Oct 25, 2024 at 10:54 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State punts

MID 1Q: No. 17 Boise State 3, UNLV 3

Boise State will punt after UNLV stopped Boise State on third-and-18. Jeanty picked up positive yards for the first time tonight and has 10 yards on four attempts.

[Oct 25, 2024 at 10:48 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

UNLV answers

Early 1Q: No. 17 Boise State 3, UNLV 3

After Madsen scrambled for a huge gain on Boise State's opening drive, UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams answered with a big play of his own. The UNLV signal caller scrambled 71 yards to set his team up inside the red zone. UNLV could only come away with a field goal after Boise State sacked Williams on third-and-goal.

[Oct 25, 2024 at 10:41 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State strikes first

Early 1Q: No. 17 Boise State 3, UNLV 0

Boise State strikes first with a 37-yard field goal by Jonah Dalmas to cap a 7-play, 55-yard drive. On third-and-9, Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen scrambled up the middle for a 49-yard gain to move deep into UNLV territory, which led to a successful field goal attempt moments later. Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty lost 5 yards on his first two carries on that drive.

[Oct 25, 2024 at 10:32 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Here we go

UNLV wins the toss and will defer to the second half. Boise State will get the football first.

[Oct 25, 2024 at 10:15 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State vs. UNLV prediction

This game will come down to UNLV containing Jeanty, which no team has come close to doing so far this year. UNLV has the 20th-ranked run defense in the FBS (104.4 yards allowed per game), which will be the best unit (statistically) Jeanty has faced all year. Having a player of Jeanty's caliber makes all the difference in a coin-flip game like this one. Betting favorite Boise State wins this game and covers on the road, taking a big step toward a College Football Playoff berth in the process. Pick: Boise State -3.5

[Oct 25, 2024 at 10:00 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

UNLV is better with Hajj-Malik Williams

UNLV starting quarterback Matthew Sluka made major headlines when he announced he was stepping away from the program because of what he called unfulfilled NIL commitments. UNLV turned to Williams, and he's provided the spark they needed to stay in the CFP picture. Williams has thrown for 838 yards and 10 touchdowns and also has 390 yards and four scores on the ground. He will be UNLV's x-factor against Boise State.

UNLV is more dangerous with QB Hajj-Malik Williams; can he put Rebels on inside track to CFP bid?

Brandon Marcello

[Oct 25, 2024 at 9:30 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Ashton Jeanty has been unstoppable

Jeanty is getting +250 betting odds to win the Heisman Trophy, according to Caesars Sportsbook. The budding superstar is trying to become the first running back to win the award since Alabama's Derrick Henry in 2015 and the first non-power conference player to do it since BYU's Ty Detmer in 1990. With 1,248 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, Jeanty is on pace to challenge Barry Sanders' single-season rushing records in both categories. To say UNLV will build its defensive game plan around stopping Jeanty would be a huge understatement. The question is, will it matter?

From Italy to Boise, Ashton Jeanty's unorthodox path to college football stardom has Broncos back in limelight

Shehan Jeyarajah

[Oct 25, 2024 at 9:00 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

CFP hopes on the line

The winner of this game will have the inside track to the Mountain West title game and potentially the CFP. UNLV, Boise State, Colorado Stateand San Diego State all enter Week 9 at 2-0 in conference play. UNLV has already notched wins over Kansas, Fresno State, Houston, and Oregon State. At No. 17, Boise State comes in as the highest-ranked Group of Five team in the AP poll.