LAS VEGAS – It wasn’t the undefeated Fiesta Bowl seasons in 2006 or 2009, or one of the many 10, 11 or 12-win seasons the Broncos have accumulated over the years.
It may still go down as one of the most memorable.
Boise State, at one point having one of its worst seasons since joining the FBS in 1996, stood on the podium and celebrated an improbable Mountain West Championship on Saturday night.
The Broncos, who according to ESPN had a 0.1 percent chance of even reaching the Mountain West title game following a loss to Fresno State on Nov. 5, topped UNLV 44-20 at Allegiant Stadium to win a record fifth Mountain West title.
“It’s amazing,” wide receiver Austin Bolt told BNN. “It’s the best feeling I’ve ever felt before.”
Boise State became the first team in college football history to win a conference championship with an interim coach. The win was the third in a row for Spencer Danielson, who took over after coach Andy Avalos was stunningly fired the morning after a 42-14 win over New Mexico three weeks ago.
“I can’t describe how I’m feeling right now,” defensive lineman Ahmed Hassanein said. “It’s a great feeling. I can’t describe it. I’m super grateful. To be a champion after everything we went through, it’s a blessing. Nobody can take this from us. We’re champions.”
The Broncos were playing in the title game for the sixth time in the past seven years, while UNLV was playing in its first ever Mountain West Championship Game. And it showed. The Broncos dominated from start to finish, completing the most unexpected conference title in program history.
With the win Boise State will advance to the L.A. Bowl at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 17th against a team from the PAC-12.
“It makes everything worth it,” Boise State sixth-year wide receiver Billy Bowens. “It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. It’s been a roller coaster for sure. We’ve been through valleys, and we’ve been through mountaintops. … This should tell you about Boise State and this culture and how we ride for reach other.
“It means the world, especially for the other guys in this locker room. I want them to know hard work does pay off. The message behind this season is finish what you started … I’m speechless. There’s not one word. With everything we’ve been through, we deserved it.”
Quarterback Taylen Green was named Offensive Player of the Game after accounting for 316 total yards and four touchdowns.
Boise State rushed for 301 yards as a team. Ashton Jeanty added 153 yards and a touchdown, while George Holani had 76 yards.
Boise State started fast offensively and never really slowed. The Broncos went 75 yards on the opening drive of the game and took a 7-0 lead on an 8-yard run from Green, who dove and hit the pylon before falling out of bounds.
After UNLV tied the game at 7, the Broncos used another impressive drive to go back in front at 14-7 on a 5-yard touchdown run from Jeanty out of the wildcat formation.
Boise State had a chance to extend the lead after the defense forced a punt, but Green was intercepted by UNLV’s Fred Thompkins near midfield and returned for a touchdown to even the score at 14.
How did the Broncos respond? With a 57-yard touchdown strike from Green to a wide open Bolt on a flea flicker just three plays later to go back in front 21-14.
Boise State’s defense then went to work. Hassanein forced a fumble and Alexander Teubner picked it up. On Boise State’s first offensive play following the turnover, Green went 70 yards, weaving his way through the middle of the field before turning on the jets, to push Boise State’s lead to 28-14 early in the second quarter.
The defense forced another turnover on UNLV’s next possession, this one on an interception from A’marion McCoy. The Broncos turned it into points on a 31-yard field goal from Jonah Dalmas to make it 31-14.
UNLV added a 51-yard field goal with 3:35 remaining in the half to make it 31-17.
The teams traded field goals in the third quarter before Boise State put the game away with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Green to Matt Lauter late in the third quarter, and a short field goal by Jonah Dalmas in the fourth quarter. After that, the party was on.
Confetti flew. Tears followed. It was a celebration nobody saw coming – not even the most optimistic Boise State homer.
Players danced, hugged and soaked in a moment that will be talked about for years to come.
“It feels crazy because of everything we’ve been through this season,” freshman Ty Benefield said. “There was a lot of doubt in our minds but we kept persevering and that’d what is is all about. … It’s amazing, really. It’s a dream come true. It’s surreal right now. It’s crazy.”
