Boise State coach Andy Avalos congratulated his team in the locker room after finishing off a 9-3 regular season, including a perfect 8-0 mark in Mountain West play, with a 42-23 win over Utah State on Friday afternoon at Albertsons Stadium.
But he had a message: we’re not done yet.
The Broncos, who are in the midst of an incredible turnaround following a 2-2 start, host Fresno State in the Mountain West title game on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. on FOX.
“It was a good win but we really haven’t accomplished anything yet,” senior captain Scott Matlock said. “We protected The Blue which we always want to do, but we have another great challenge coming back next week. … Our focus is on Fresno. It’s championship week.”
Taylen Green again led the way for Boise State offensively, accounting for five touchdowns – including the longest run from scrimmage in Boise State history, a 91-yard run late in the fourth quarter to seal the game. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 220 yards and four touchdowns while adding 91 yards on six carries and a touchdown on the ground.
Fellow redshirt freshman Eric McAlister had three catches for 40 yards and two touchdowns, while Latrell Caples added four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Boise State led 21-0 late in the second quarter before Utah State rallied to cut the deficit to 28-23. The Aggies were threatening to take the lead in the final minutes when Gabe Hunter came up with a huge interception in the red zone. Green went 91 yards on the next play, and Seyi Oladipo added a pick-six with 31 seconds left to account for the 42-23 final score.
The Broncos honored 25 seniors prior to the game, although many of them may come back next season. One who likely won’t be back is Matlock, who had four tackles – including 1.5 tackles-for-loss – to go along with his second career touchdown in his final regular season home game.
“Winning on The Blue, touchdown in the south end zone on offense, a couple plays on defense – sounds pretty good,” Matlock said.
Complete postgame coverage is below:
