Boise State Dominates UNLV for Mountain West Title and College Football Playoff Berth

Boise State capped off an impressive season with a commanding 21-7 victory over No. 20 UNLV in the Mountain West Championship game, propelling the Broncos into the College Football Playoff. With the win, Boise State not only earned its place as one of the top contenders in the country but also secured a first-round bye in the upcoming CFP bracket.

Ashton Jeanty Shines with a Historic Performance

The game was largely decided in the first half, with Boise State’s running back Ashton Jeanty delivering a performance that will go down in history. Jeanty, a Heisman contender, rushed for 209 yards and sealed the game with a thrilling 75-yard touchdown run just before halftime. The highlight reel play came at a crucial moment, helping Boise State extend their lead to 14-0.

Jeanty’s 75-yard touchdown capped a dominant second-quarter performance that saw Boise State score two touchdowns in the final three minutes. This electrifying run brought his season rushing total to 2,499 yards, surpassing the legendary Marcus Allen for the fourth-most rushing yards in a single season. Jeanty’s dazzling performance was enough to get the Boise State crowd chanting his name long after the game was decided.

Defensive Dominance by Boise State

While Jeanty’s offensive brilliance stole the show, Boise State’s defense was equally responsible for the victory. UNLV struggled to get anything going offensively throughout the game. The Rebels were unable to capitalize on key opportunities, including missing a field goal in the first half and failing to convert a crucial fourth-and-goal situation in the third quarter after Kylin James had ripped off an 86-yard run.

James appeared poised to break the game open with a long run, but Boise State’s Seyi Oladipo made a remarkable chase-down from behind to prevent a touchdown. The Rebels would get another shot in the fourth quarter to cut the Broncos’ lead to seven points, but once again, their offense faltered. On a crucial goal-to-go possession, UNLV failed to score, turning the ball over on downs, essentially sealing their fate.

Boise State’s Road to the Playoff

This decisive win all but guarantees Boise State a place in the College Football Playoff as one of the top four seeds. With their victory in the Mountain West Championship, the Broncos are now poised to receive a first-round bye. The CFP format guarantees spots to the five highest-ranked conference champions, and Boise State’s dominance, including an impressive 12-1 record, should earn them the No. 3 or No. 4 seed.

The Broncos’ only loss of the season came in Week 2 to Oregon, the nation’s only remaining undefeated team. Despite losing that game 37-34 on a last-second field goal, Boise State has since rolled through its competition, winning six games by three scores or more. This includes their second victory over UNLV this season, having previously won 29-24 in Las Vegas in October.

UNLV’s Season Ends on a Disappointing Note

While the Rebels fell short in the Mountain West Championship, their historic season deserves recognition. With their second 10-win campaign in school history—first since 1984—UNLV will still head to a non-playoff bowl. They’re expected to face off in the LA Bowl, which would be their second consecutive bowl game appearance—a program first.

For UNLV, this season marked a major step forward under head coach Barry Odom, but their hopes for a playoff berth were dashed by Boise State’s overpowering performance. However, a solid finish to the season provides hope that the Rebels will continue to build and could become a force in the coming years.

Conclusion: A Breakthrough Year for Boise State

Boise State’s victory in the Mountain West Championship game serves as a testament to their consistency, skill, and resilience. With Ashton Jeanty leading the charge, and a defense that stifled UNLV at every turn, the Broncos are more than deserving of their spot in the College Football Playoff. Whether they’re seeded No. 3 or No. 4, Boise State will enter the playoff bracket as a formidable contender.

Their only loss came early in the season against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks, and since then, they’ve proven themselves against everyone else. For fans of the Broncos, this is a season to remember, with high expectations for a deep playoff run.