Boise State Football: With An Interim Coach, Broncos Are Still Alive In MWC Race

Boise State also secured bowl eligibility on Saturday

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Boise State travelled to Logan, Utah on Saturday to face the Utah State Aggies. The stakes were higher than the casual fan might expect for a matchup between two 5-5 teams. 

In addition to the winner gaining bowl eligibility, they would get to keep their hopes for a berth in the Mountain West title game alive. That honor goes to the Broncos, who won a chippy matchup under interim head coach Spencer Danielson 45-10.

These tidbits stood out as the most notable from the Broncos win.

Broncos *Mostly* Healthy

After working a two-quarterback system for most of the year, lost quarterback Maddux Madsen about two weeks ago for the rest of the season. Leading receiver Eric McAlister also left the team with the intent to enter the transfer portal around the same time. 

Aside from that though, the Broncos had most of their key playmakers back on both sides of the ball. 

Taylen Green played until the game was out of reach and finished with eight completions on 17 attempts with two touchdown passes. Running backs George Holani and Ashton Jeanty were also both healthy, combining for three rushing touchdowns and 263 rushing yards.

Linebacker DJ Schramm, who has also battled various injuries this season, made a significant impact with six tackles, a sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss.

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Defense Wins (The Chance To Stay Alive In The Race For) Championships

4⃣for4⃣

#⃣4⃣ Rodney Robinson's 4⃣th career INT is our 4⃣th takeaway of the night!

📺 @CBSSportsNet #Compete | #BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/hA4qbYre5F

— Boise State Football (@BroncoSportsFB) November 19, 2023

Maybe it's poetic justice that defense was such a key factor in a win led by Boiser State's defensive coordinator. The Broncos finished the night forcing four turnovers, a season high. A'Marion McCoy and Rodney Robinson each picked off a pass. Robinson also recovered a fumble, alongside Herbert Gums. 

The Broncos also sacked Utah State quarterbacks an astounding nine times and had 13 tackles for a loss.

RELATED: TAKEAWAYS: UNLV Downs Air Force, Move To First Place In Mountain West

The Title Picture

Now 5-2 in conference play, Boise State will close out the regular season by hosting an Air Force team that has lost three straight contests. The Falcons hold the second-place spot. If Boise State beats Air Force and Fresno State lose against either New Mexico or San Diego State, the Broncos will play for a league title.