BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Maddux Madsen delivered four first-half touchdowns and Boise State claimed its third straight Mountain West Conference championship, overpowering UNLV 38–21 on Saturday in the final title game the Broncos will play before leaving for the rebuilt Pac-12 in 2026.
Madsen tore through the Rebels early. He stacked up 196 total yards, opening with a 10-yard keeper and adding touchdown throws to Dylan Riley, Cameron Bates and Malik Sherrod as the Broncos (9-4) built a 28–14 lead. Sherrod’s 39-yard score came one snap after a UNLV fumble.
UNLV (10-3), in its first season under head coach Dan Mullen, fought back behind quarterback Anthony Colandrea. He led a 95-yard march capped by his 5-yard touchdown run and later found Troy Omeire from 11 yards out to keep the Rebels within two scores at the half. JoJo Earle’s 7-yard run cut the deficit to 28–21 late in the third.
The Broncos forced three consecutive stops to open the fourth quarter and turned a 78-yard drive into Sire Gaines’ 1-yard touchdown run for a 35–21 cushion with 13:21 left. Colton Boomer’s 50-yard field goal sealed the margin.
Madsen finished with 289 yards passing, while the Broncos outgained UNLV 460–409 and never trailed.
Boise State also beat the Broncos, 56–31, in October.
___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up hereand here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
-
Sieh Bangura runs for 149 yards and a score, helps Ohio beat UNLV in Frisco Bowl
Sieh Bangura rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown and Ohio beat UNLV 17-10 on Tuesday night to win the Frisco Bowl.
UNLV Rebels feel holiday spirit at opening postseason practice for upcoming game
The Fertitta Football Complex had holiday music blaring as the UNLV Football felt festive preparing for their upcoming bowl game.
UNLV fans reflect on program’s revival after Mountain West Championship loss
UNLV fans say pride outweighs disappointment after the Rebels’ Mountain West title loss, pointing to the program’s dramatic rise from past struggles and a newfound belief in the team’s future.
UNLV Football ready to win conference title
For the third straight year, UNLV Football is facing Boise State for the Mountain West championship.
