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Boise State clinches College Football Playoff bid: First-round bye likely after Mountain West title win

No. 10 Boise State defeated No. 20 UNLV 21-7 in the Mountain West Championship Game on Friday, presumably punching its ticket to the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Broncos held off a late rally from the Rebels to shore up their case to receive a first-round bye in the CFP as one of the four highest-ranked conference champions heading into this weekend's selection show.

Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty ran for 209 yards on 32 attempts. The Heisman Trophy contender scored on a 75-yard touchdown run in the final moments of the first half to help his team take a 21-0 lead into the intermission. Jeanty passed former USC star running back Marcus Allen for the fourth-most rushing yards in a single season on the play.

While Jeanty made highlight plays on the ground, Boise State's defense stole the show. The Broncos sacked Hajj-Malik Williams six times and held UNLV to a season-low seven points to win the program's fifth Mountain West title.

UNLV finished with 327 yards of offense, with 86 of those yards coming on a single run by Kylin James in the third quarter. Running back Greg Burrell scored a 31-yard touchdown with 9:06 remaining on fourth-and-short to get the Rebels on the board.

The Broncos entered the week ranked ahead of both teams (Arizona State and Iowa State) playing for the Big 12 title. Boise State could be seeded as high as No. 3 behind the conference champions from the SEC and Big Ten depending on how the rest of the weekend shakes out.

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Missed opportunities haunt UNLV

Last season, UNLV lost to Boise State at home in the Mountain West title game. Just over a calendar year later, Boise State dashed UNLV's hopes of winning the conference title and securing a berth in the CFP. The Rebels had a season to remember under coach Barry Odom, but losing what amounted to a play-in game to the CFP will sting for a long time. UNLV had its chances to get back in this game and made things interesting down the stretch, but Boise State's defense was simply too much to overcome.

 
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Ashton Jeanty makes one final push for the Heisman Trophy

FINAL: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 7

The Heisman Trophy race is essentially down to Colorado's Travis Hunter and Jeanty. Hunter entered the week as the heavy betting favorite to capture the most prestigious individual award in the sport. Jeanty's advantage? He got a chance to make a final impression on undecided voters in the Mountain West title game. Jeanty ran for 209 yards on 32 carries and caught two passes for 14 yards in the 21-7 win over UNLV. It was redemption for Jeanty, who struggled against UNLV in the first matchup back in late October. The fact he will be playing for a team in the College Football Playoff may also sway some voters. Hunter remains the favorite, but this performance should make the race more interesting. 

 
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Boise State makes case for first-round bye in CFP

FINAL: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 7

When the College Football Playoff Selection Committee unveils its bracket on Sunday, Boise State should receive a first-round bye. The Broncos entered the weekend well ahead of potential Big 12 winners Arizona State or Iowa State and did nothing to hurt that standing. There's also a possibility (if Clemson upsets SMU in the ACC title game) that Boise State could even move up to the No. 3 seed. Boise State should be feeling good about its chances of not having to play in the first round of the CFP. The Broncos' overall body of work is enough to avoid playing in the first round later this month.

 
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Boise State beats UNLV for the Mountain West title 

FINAL: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 7

No. 10 Boise State defeated No. 20 UNLV 21-7 in the Mountain West Championship Game on Friday to presumably punch its ticket to the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Broncos held off a late rally from the Rebels to shore up their case to receive a first-round bye in the CFP as one of the four highest-ranked conference champions heading into this weekend's selection show.

Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty ran for 209 yards on 32 attempts. Jeanty scored on a 75-yard touchdown run in the final moments of the first half to help his team take a 21-0 lead into the intermission. Jeanty passed former USC star running back Marcus Allen for the fourth-most rushing yards in a single season on that explosive play.

While Jeanty made highlight plays on the ground, the story of this game was Boise State's defense. The Broncos sacked Hajj-Malik Williams six times and held UNLV to a season-low seven points to win the program's fifth Mountain West title.

UNLV finished with 327 yards of offense, with 86 of those yards coming on a single run by Kylin James in the third quarter. UNLV running back Greg Burrell scored a 31-yard touchdown with 9:06 remaining on fourth-and-short to extend the game.

The Broncos entered the week ranked ahead of both teams (Arizona State and Iowa State) playing for the Big 12 title. Boise State could be seeded as high as No. 3 behind the conference champions from the SEC and Big Ten depending on how the rest of the weekend shakes out.

 
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Boise State's defense comes up big again

LATE 4Q: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 7

Boise State can taste it. The Broncos' defense came up with another huge stop on fourth-and-long and will get the ball back with 2:07 left. UNLV has two timeouts remaining.

 
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UNLV scores

MID 4Q: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 7

Here comes UNLV. On fourth-and-short, Greg Burrell burst up the middle for a 31-yard touchdown. UNLV trails Boise State 21-7 with 9:06 remaining in regulation. This game isn't over yet, but UNLV will need to get some stops on defense to keep it interesting.

 
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Boise State in control heading into the fourth

END 3Q: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 0

We have reached the end of the third quarter from Boise. The Broncos are 15 minutes away from capturing the Mountain West title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. The third quarter was scoreless for both teams. Jeanty is up to 172 rushing yards on 24 attempts heading into the fourth quartrer.

 
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Boise State gets the stop

LATE 3Q: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 0

UNLV's chances of winning this game are on life support after failing to convert on fourth-and-goal. Williams threw a pass over the head of his wide receiver to give Boise State the ball back with 3:25 remaining in the third quarter. Expect a heavy dose of Jeanty during this upcoming series as Boise State looks to burn some clock.

 
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UNLV punts

EARLY 3Q: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 0

UNLV converted on fourth-and-1 to move the sticks but couldn't muster up any offense after. The Rebels were forced to Punt, and now Boise State will take over with a three-score advantage with 9:51 remaining in the third quarter.

 
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UNLV gets a much needed stop

EARLY 3Q: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 0

Boise State couldn't pick up a first down on its opening series of the second half and will be forced to punt. UNLV needs to string some offense together to get back in this game.

 
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Jeanty's incredible season continues

On Jeanty's long touchdown run right before halftime, he passed former USC star running back Marcus Allen for the fourth-most rushing yards in a single season. Here is where Jeanty's historic season stacks up against some of the best in college football history.

Most yards rushing, single season:

1. Barry Sanders -- Heisman Trophy
2. Melvin Gordon -- (Marcus Mariota won Heisman)
3. Kevin Smith -- (Tim Tebow won Hesiman)
4. Ashton Jeantry -- ???????
5. Marcus Allen -- Heisman Trophy

 
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Boise State leads UNLV at HT

HALF: No. 10 Boise State 21, No. 20 UNLV 0

No. 10 Boise State leads No. 20 UNLV 21-0 at halftime of Friday's Mountain West Championship Game. Broncos quarterback Maddux Madsen and running back Ashton Jeanty each ran for touchdowns to give the Broncos a three-score halftime advantage.

Jeanty scored a 75-yard touchdown to stretch the lead to 21 points just before halftime. The Broncos racked up 315 yards of total offense, while UNLV only mustered 78. The Broncos opened the scoring in the first quarter when Madsen connected with Latrell Caples for a 22-yard touchdown. Madsen finished the opening half 12 of 14 for 107 yards and a touchdown.

UNLV's offense struggled to get anything going against Boise State's defense. The Rebels drove into Broncos territory midway through the second quarter, but UNLV kicker Caden Chittenden missed a 48-yard field goal short.

As the highest-ranked Group of Five conference champ, the winner of this game is almost assured a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. If Boise State wins this game, the Broncos could receive a first-round bye, depending what happens rest of the weekend.

 
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Jeanty scores

LATE 2Q: No. 10 Boise State 14, No. 20 UNLV 0

What a way to end the first half for Boise State. On Boise State's second play of the drive, Jeanty went down the sidelines for a 75-yard touchdown to increase the lead to 21. Jeanty now has 132 yards on 14 attempts on the day.

 
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Boise State extends lead

LATE 2Q: No. 10 Boise State 14, No. 20 UNLV 0

After UNLV missed a 48-yard field goal, Boise State marched right down the field to extend its lead. Madsen went up on middle on a QB draw and scored from 14 yards out to extend Boise State's lead to 14. Madsen has been sharp through the first 28 minutes so far. UNLV will get the ball back with about 2:47 left in the first half.

 
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UNLV can't capitalize

EARLY 2Q: No. 10 Boise State 7, No. 20 UNLV 0

After UNLV went on an impressive 9-play, 50-yard drive, the Rebels couldn't capitalize. UNLV kicker Caden Chittenden missed a field goal short that bounced off the front of the post. Boise State will take over at its own 30 to start the drive.

 
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UNLV gets a stop

EARLY 2Q: No. 10 Boise State 7, No. 20 UNLV 0

Good start to the second quarter for UNLV. The Rebels tackled Cameron Bates for a 6-yard loss off a jet sweep and sacked Madsen on third-and-long to force a punt. 

 
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All Boise State so far

END 1Q: No. 10 Boise State 7, No. 20 UNLV 0

We have reached the end of the first quarter from Boise and the home team is fully in control. Boise State's defense has come to play and that's been the story so far. The Broncos have allowed just 14 total yards of offense to UNLV and recorded two sacks on third-and-long to get off the field. Jeanty has seven carries for 29 yards.

 
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Boise State's defense is showing up

LATE 1Q: No. 10 Boise State 7, No. 20 UNLV 0

Boise State's defense has done an excellent job thus far. On third-and-long, Boise State sacked Williams for a 7-yard loss. UNLV has only 14 yards of total offense in its first three drives.

 
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Boise State strikes first

LATE 1Q: No. 10 Boise State 7, No. 20 UNLV 0

On Boise State's first play of its second possession, quarterback Maddux Madsen connected with Matt Lauter for a 40-yard gain. Three plays later, Madsen found Latrell Caples in the back of the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown. Boise State has racked up 97 yards of offense, while UNLV only has 22.

 
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Two possessions, two punts

MID 1Q: No. 20 UNLV 0, No. 10 Boise State 0

UNLV will punt the football again after failing to pick up a first down on its second drive. The Rebels fumbled twice during the series but recovered both. 

 
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Boise State punts

EARLY 1Q: No. 20 UNLV 0, No. 10 Boise State 0

Similar to UNLV's opening series, Boise State's first drive started with promise. Ashton Jeanty gained 18 yards on his first touch. That's a positive development for Boise State and Jeanty after UNLV did a great job of containing him in the first matchup. The Broncos couldn't muster up anything else after reaching midfield.

 
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UNLV punts on first drive

EARLY 1Q: No. 20 UNLV 0, No. 10 Boise State 0

UNLV's opening drive of the game started with promise. On the very first play, UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams went up the middle for a 14-yard gain. On third-and-14 near midfield, Boise State's pass rush got home and sacked Williams for a huge loss. 

 
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Here we go!

We are underway from Boise. Boise State wins the toss and will defer to the second half. UNLV will get the football first.

 
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What to know about UNLV

UNLV is firmly in the mix to reach the CFP and would likely get into the field as the No. 12 seed with a win over Boise State. The Rebels lost to Syracuse in nonconference play earlier this season and fell home to Boise State last month. UNLV has won its last four games since losing to the Broncos.

The Rebels season started with some controversy. Starting quarterback Matthew Sluka left the program due to a name, image and likeness dispute after guiding UNLV to a 3-0 start. Fellow transfer quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams stepped in during his absence and helped steer the ship. Between his running and passing, Williams has scored 23 combined touchdowns since taking over as the starter. UNLV wide receiver Ricky White lll will be a player to watch.

 
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What to know about Boise State

Unless you have been living under a rock, you have probably seen Ashton Jeanty light up defenses this season. The Boise State star running back is putting together a historic season and should be one of the finalists for the Heisman trophy. Jeanty finished the regular season with 2,288 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns and also caught 18 passes for 102 yards and another touchdown.

Boise State's lone loss this season came against No. 1 Oregon on the road. Since that loss to the Ducks, Boise State has rattled off 10 consecutive wins to put itself in a position to secure an automatic berth (and potentially a first-round bye) in the CFP with a win. Many projected former USC quarterback Malachi Nelsonto step in for Boise State this season, but that wasn't the case. Maddux Madsen won the starting job in fall camp and has thrown 21 touchdowns with just three interceptions.

2024 Mountain West Championship Game: Boise State vs. UNLV set with likely CFP berth on the line
Cameron Salerno
2024 Mountain West Championship Game: Boise State vs. UNLV set with likely CFP berth on the line
 
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QB carousel

Former UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka drew headlines after shockingly opting out of the season after only three games. However, Hajj-Malik Williams has been an ascendent star ever since. The Campbell transfer threw for 1,735 yards, rushed for 768 yards and accumulated 26 touchdowns in only nine starts. UNLV's offense has averaged 38 points per game with Williams in the lineup. 

 
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Heisman hopeful

Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty has the opportunity to make a closing statement for the Heisman Trophy against an outstanding UNLV team. The Rebels held him to only 128 yards, his worst FBS output of the season, but Jeanty still became the first running back since 2019 to clear 2,000 yards. He needs 566 yards to pass Barry Sanders' all-time record and has at least two games to accomplish the feat. Hitting 200-plus against UNLV could get him back into contention against Colorado'sTravis Hunter

 
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CFP implications

After the penultimate CFP Rankings dropped on Tuesday, UNLV and Boise State are the overwhelming favorites to reach the College Football Playoff as the Group of Five conference champion. If Boise State is able to take care of business, the Broncos are on track to earn a first-round bye in the playoff. If UNLV wins, the Rebels will likely rank behind the Big 12 champion but should still be in as the 12-seed. The winner of this game will see their national profile explode.

 
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Boise State vs. UNLV prediction, picks

These two teams match up evenly, and UNLV proved that it can at least slow down Jeanty. The Rebels offense under offensive coordinator Brennan Marion is hard to stop and the pair played a one-score game in Las Vegas earlier this season. However, Boise State will not let the moment pass them by. In a highly competitive game, Jeanty will make just one more play and help launch the Broncos to the College Football Playoff. Pick: Boise State -4