Saturday, October 18
Boise, Idaho
1:30 p.m. MT
Boise State
vs
UNLV
Boise State Hosts UNLV in Rematch of Past Two MW Title Games
10/16/2025 1:30:00 PM | Football
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State hosts UNLV on Saturday, Oct. 18 in a rematch of the past two Mountain West Championship games. The two teams have met three times over the past two seasons, with the Broncos coming out victorious in all three meetings. Boise State boasts an 11-3 all-time advantage over the Rebels, including a perfect 9-0 mark since joining the MW. Â
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. MT with Dan Hellie (play-by-play) and Petros Papadakis (analyst) calling the action on FS1. Bronco Nation can tune in to hear Bob Behler (play-by-play) and Pete Cavender (analyst) call the action on the Bronco Radio Network (Flagship: KBOI 93.1 FM/670 AM) and on SiriusXM Channel 385.
OPENING KICKOFF
1.) Saturday's matchup will feature a rematch of the previous two Mountain West Championship Games. Boise State won both contests, defeating the Rebels 21-7 last year and 44-20 in 2023 to claim back-to-back crowns. The game will be the fifth time in league history the two teams in the conference championship game meet in the regular season the following year. The defending champion has won all four matchups.
2.) Boise State's 45-21 victory over New Mexico on Oct. 11 marked the Broncos' 15th consecutive victory on The Blue, tying Alabama for the longest active winning streak in the nation. The Bronco offense has been churning during the streak, averaging 41.3 points and 477.9 yards per game in home games over that span. Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson boasts an 11-0 mark at Albertsons Stadium.
3.) Boise State's defense has had an incredible three-game stretch. The Broncos limited New Mexico to 231 yards of total offense on Saturday, the fewest yards the Lobo offense has recorded on the year. New Mexico only mustered 49 yards on the ground, the lowest rushing performance the Lobos have recorded since Nov. 16, 2022. Boise State has also claimed the air as of late, limiting the opposing quarterback to their lowest passing yards output of the season in three consecutive games.
4.) Ben Ford had another standout performance on Saturday, recording his second multi-touchdown game of the season against New Mexico. The Eagle, Idaho native currently leads the team in receiving touchdowns (5) and is second on the team in receptions (20), yards (299), and yards per game (49.8). All five of his touchdowns have occurred on The Blue, tying him for third in the nation in receiving touchdowns at home.
5.) Jayden Virgin-Morgan was a force defensively against New Mexico, finishing with a career-high 3.5 TFLs, a team-high six tackles, a strip sack and four quarterback hurries. Virgin-Morgan is the only player in the country to record at least six tackles, 3.5 TFLs, one sack and one forced fumble in a single game this season.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Championship Rematch
Saturday's contest will mark the fifth time in Mountain West league history featuring a rematch of the previous season's conference championship game in the regular season. The defending champion has won all four of the regular season rematches. The Broncos, who have defeated UNLV in back-to-back championship games to claim the conference crown, defeated UNLV 29-24 in Las Vegas last season. Since the conference began playing a championship game in the 2013 season, Boise State has been a part of all four rematches. Boise State has played in eight conference championships, winning five of them. In 2012, the Broncos were regular season co-champions.
One-Sided Affair
The Broncos and Rebels have gotten familiar with each other over the past few seasons, having met three times over the past two seasons. Two of those matchups have included the Mountain West title game, with Boise State defeating UNLV in back-to-back title games. The Broncos hold an 11-3 all-time advantage over the Rebels and enters Saturday's matchup having won nine straight, with the last loss occurring on Nov. 6, 1976. Boise State is an undefeated 7-0 at home against UNLV.
The 700-Club
Saturday's matchup marks a significant milestone for the Boise State program. The game against UNLV will be Boise State's 700th game as a 4-year school, having transitioned from a junior college prior to the 1968 season. In that time frame, the Broncos hold a 507-190-2 (.727) mark.
Defense Been Feeling It
Boise State's defense held New Mexico to 231 yards, the lowest total yardage the Lobos have recorded in a game this season. The total marks the second opponent this season who has recorded their lowest outing of the season against the Blue and Orange, following App State's 174-yard performance on Sept. 27.
Home Wins
Boise State's victory over New Mexico marked its 15th consecutive victory at home, tying Alabama for the longest active home winning streak in the nation. Oregon entered Week 7 of the streak, but suffered a home loss to Indiana, while Missouri, who was tied with Alabama with 15 straight home wins, coincidentally lost to the Crimson Tide. Head coach Spencer Danielson boasts an undefeated 11-0 record on The Blue. Boise State last lost on The Blue on Sept. 9, 2023 against UCF.
Success in the Mountain West
Boise State is in its 15th season as a member of the Mountain West. The Broncos are 92-17 (.844) in Mountain West league play and have won 29 of their past 32 games against MW teams. Of the 17 losses, only five have come by more than seven points. Boise State has posted a 47-7 (.870) record in home conference games in the Mountain West. The only teams to beat the Broncos more than once in MW play are Air Force, Fresno State and San Diego State.
Claiming The Air
The Broncos have held the opposing starting quarterback to their lowest passing total of the season in three consecutive games. New Mexico's Jack Layne threw for a season-low 115 passing yards, Notre Dame's CJ Carr threw for a season-low 189 passing yards and App State's AJ Swann totaled a season-low 64 passing yards. The Broncos held App State to 65 passing yards, its lowest total since throwing for 62 yards against Georgia State on Oct. 19, 2022. It was the lowest total the Broncos allowed in the air since holding Wyoming to 64 passing yards on Dec. 12, 2020. App State threw for only 2 yards in the second half, marking the second consecutive game the Broncos had allowed single-digit passing yards in a half, following Air Force's 1-yard of passing in the first half on Sept. 20. The Broncos are the only FBS team that has limited their opponent to two passing yards or fewer in multiple halves this season. The last team to do so in a single season was Nevada in 2024 (3).
Defense Has Stepped Up
Boise State limited New Mexico to 231 yards of total offense, the lowest the Lobos have recorded in a game this season. The Lobos generated only 49 yards on the ground, the lowest rushing yards the Broncos have allowed in a single game since San Jose State rushed for 37 yards on Nov. 16, 2024. New Mexico's 49 rushing yards are the Lobos' lowest total on the ground since recording 44 rushing yards against Air Force on Nov. 12, 2022. The Broncos' performance against New Mexico follows a stout defensive showing against Notre Dame. Boise State limited the Fighting Irish to 389 yards of offense, their second-lowest mark of the season (314 yards against Miami). The Broncos' defensive prowess extends three games back, holding App State to 174 yards of total offense, the Mountaineers' lowest total yardage since at least 2013.
Standout Safety
Ty Benefield has been one of Boise State's biggest defensive contributors, leading the unit in solo tackles (27), total tackles (44), while tying for the team-high in TFLs (5.5) and interceptions (2). He is one of two players in the nation with 40+ tackles, 5+ TFLs, two interceptions and a forced fumble, joining Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez.
Built Ford Tough
Redshirt senior wide receiver Ben Ford has broken out as one of Boise State's top targets. He is coming off his best game as a Bronco, recording two touchdown catches (6 yards and 25 yards), catching a career-high six receptions, and notching a team-high 78 yards. Ford notched the second multi-touchdown game of his career after scoring a pair of touchdowns against Eastern Washington on Sept. 5, scoring on receptions of 60 and 6 yards. The Eagle, Idaho native is currently leads the team in receiving touchdowns (5) and is second on the team in receptions (20), yards (299), and yards per game (49.8). All five of his touchdowns have occurred on The Blue, tying him for third in the nation in receiving touchdowns at home. He entered the season with four career receptions for 34 yards.
Right Where He Left Off
Returning First Team All-Mountain West EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan was a force defensively against New Mexico, finishing with a career-high 3.5 TFLs, a team-high six tackles, a strip sack (sack and forced fumble) and four quarterback hurries. The San Diego, Calif., native has recorded at least 2.0 TFLs four times in his career, and is tied with safety Ty Benefield as the team leader in TFLs (5.5). Virgin-Morgan is the only player in the country to record at least six tackles, 3.5 TFLs, one sack and one forced fumble in a single game this season. He has recorded a TFL in 11 of his last 14 games. In the season-opener against USF, the redshirt junior finished with one TFL and one forced fumble. A season ago, Virgin-Morgan's 10 sacks were good for 14th in the country, while his 15.5 tackles for loss were 17th nationally.
The Stable Holds Strong
Boise State's three-headed rushing attack has been very productive this season, with Dylan Riley (494) Sire Gaines (349) and Malik Sherrod (220) each tallying over 200 yards. The Broncos are one of four teams in the country to have one running back over 400 yards, another over 300 yards and a third over 200 yards. Boise State is joined by Missouri, Texas Tech and USC.
Connecting From Deep
Colton Boomer's 50-yard field goal in the third quarter was his longest as a Bronco. It was his fourth career kick over 50 yards. Three of those have occurred at Albertsons Stadium, with the first two happening when he played for UCF in 2023. Boomer hit four field goals in that game against the Broncos, including a 40-yard game-winner to clinch an 18-16 Golden Knights victory.
Making The Most Out Of Nothing
Oscar Doyle's 10-yard touchdown pass to Troy Grizzle in the fourth quarter against New Mexico was the first time a Boise State kicker or punter has thrown a touchdown pass in the program's FBS era. The play occurred when the Broncos were lining up for a 28-yard field goal attempt, and Doyle mishandled the snap. The junior punter rolled out to his right and found Grizzle for the 10-yard touchdown pass. Doyle is the first kicker of punter to throw a touchdown in an FBS game since Northern Illinois punter Tom Foley did so against Arkansas State on Dec. 23, 2023, and the first time a kicker or punter has thrown a touchdown in a MW contest since BYU kicker Matt Payne did so against New Mexico on Nov. 13, 2004. Doyle is one of five Bronco punters to complete a pass in the FBS era, joining Jeff Davis, Kyle Brotzman, Trevor Harman and James Ferguson-Reynolds. Grizzle is the first Bronco to score a touchdown on his first reception since Scott Matlock, who caught a 3-yard touchdown against Utah State on Sept. 25, 2021.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. MT with Dan Hellie (play-by-play) and Petros Papadakis (analyst) calling the action on FS1. Bronco Nation can tune in to hear Bob Behler (play-by-play) and Pete Cavender (analyst) call the action on the Bronco Radio Network (Flagship: KBOI 93.1 FM/670 AM) and on SiriusXM Channel 385.
OPENING KICKOFF
1.) Saturday's matchup will feature a rematch of the previous two Mountain West Championship Games. Boise State won both contests, defeating the Rebels 21-7 last year and 44-20 in 2023 to claim back-to-back crowns. The game will be the fifth time in league history the two teams in the conference championship game meet in the regular season the following year. The defending champion has won all four matchups.
2.) Boise State's 45-21 victory over New Mexico on Oct. 11 marked the Broncos' 15th consecutive victory on The Blue, tying Alabama for the longest active winning streak in the nation. The Bronco offense has been churning during the streak, averaging 41.3 points and 477.9 yards per game in home games over that span. Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson boasts an 11-0 mark at Albertsons Stadium.
3.) Boise State's defense has had an incredible three-game stretch. The Broncos limited New Mexico to 231 yards of total offense on Saturday, the fewest yards the Lobo offense has recorded on the year. New Mexico only mustered 49 yards on the ground, the lowest rushing performance the Lobos have recorded since Nov. 16, 2022. Boise State has also claimed the air as of late, limiting the opposing quarterback to their lowest passing yards output of the season in three consecutive games.
4.) Ben Ford had another standout performance on Saturday, recording his second multi-touchdown game of the season against New Mexico. The Eagle, Idaho native currently leads the team in receiving touchdowns (5) and is second on the team in receptions (20), yards (299), and yards per game (49.8). All five of his touchdowns have occurred on The Blue, tying him for third in the nation in receiving touchdowns at home.
5.) Jayden Virgin-Morgan was a force defensively against New Mexico, finishing with a career-high 3.5 TFLs, a team-high six tackles, a strip sack and four quarterback hurries. Virgin-Morgan is the only player in the country to record at least six tackles, 3.5 TFLs, one sack and one forced fumble in a single game this season.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Championship Rematch
Saturday's contest will mark the fifth time in Mountain West league history featuring a rematch of the previous season's conference championship game in the regular season. The defending champion has won all four of the regular season rematches. The Broncos, who have defeated UNLV in back-to-back championship games to claim the conference crown, defeated UNLV 29-24 in Las Vegas last season. Since the conference began playing a championship game in the 2013 season, Boise State has been a part of all four rematches. Boise State has played in eight conference championships, winning five of them. In 2012, the Broncos were regular season co-champions.
One-Sided Affair
The Broncos and Rebels have gotten familiar with each other over the past few seasons, having met three times over the past two seasons. Two of those matchups have included the Mountain West title game, with Boise State defeating UNLV in back-to-back title games. The Broncos hold an 11-3 all-time advantage over the Rebels and enters Saturday's matchup having won nine straight, with the last loss occurring on Nov. 6, 1976. Boise State is an undefeated 7-0 at home against UNLV.
The 700-Club
Saturday's matchup marks a significant milestone for the Boise State program. The game against UNLV will be Boise State's 700th game as a 4-year school, having transitioned from a junior college prior to the 1968 season. In that time frame, the Broncos hold a 507-190-2 (.727) mark.
Defense Been Feeling It
Boise State's defense held New Mexico to 231 yards, the lowest total yardage the Lobos have recorded in a game this season. The total marks the second opponent this season who has recorded their lowest outing of the season against the Blue and Orange, following App State's 174-yard performance on Sept. 27.
Home Wins
Boise State's victory over New Mexico marked its 15th consecutive victory at home, tying Alabama for the longest active home winning streak in the nation. Oregon entered Week 7 of the streak, but suffered a home loss to Indiana, while Missouri, who was tied with Alabama with 15 straight home wins, coincidentally lost to the Crimson Tide. Head coach Spencer Danielson boasts an undefeated 11-0 record on The Blue. Boise State last lost on The Blue on Sept. 9, 2023 against UCF.
Success in the Mountain West
Boise State is in its 15th season as a member of the Mountain West. The Broncos are 92-17 (.844) in Mountain West league play and have won 29 of their past 32 games against MW teams. Of the 17 losses, only five have come by more than seven points. Boise State has posted a 47-7 (.870) record in home conference games in the Mountain West. The only teams to beat the Broncos more than once in MW play are Air Force, Fresno State and San Diego State.
Claiming The Air
The Broncos have held the opposing starting quarterback to their lowest passing total of the season in three consecutive games. New Mexico's Jack Layne threw for a season-low 115 passing yards, Notre Dame's CJ Carr threw for a season-low 189 passing yards and App State's AJ Swann totaled a season-low 64 passing yards. The Broncos held App State to 65 passing yards, its lowest total since throwing for 62 yards against Georgia State on Oct. 19, 2022. It was the lowest total the Broncos allowed in the air since holding Wyoming to 64 passing yards on Dec. 12, 2020. App State threw for only 2 yards in the second half, marking the second consecutive game the Broncos had allowed single-digit passing yards in a half, following Air Force's 1-yard of passing in the first half on Sept. 20. The Broncos are the only FBS team that has limited their opponent to two passing yards or fewer in multiple halves this season. The last team to do so in a single season was Nevada in 2024 (3).
Defense Has Stepped Up
Boise State limited New Mexico to 231 yards of total offense, the lowest the Lobos have recorded in a game this season. The Lobos generated only 49 yards on the ground, the lowest rushing yards the Broncos have allowed in a single game since San Jose State rushed for 37 yards on Nov. 16, 2024. New Mexico's 49 rushing yards are the Lobos' lowest total on the ground since recording 44 rushing yards against Air Force on Nov. 12, 2022. The Broncos' performance against New Mexico follows a stout defensive showing against Notre Dame. Boise State limited the Fighting Irish to 389 yards of offense, their second-lowest mark of the season (314 yards against Miami). The Broncos' defensive prowess extends three games back, holding App State to 174 yards of total offense, the Mountaineers' lowest total yardage since at least 2013.
Standout Safety
Ty Benefield has been one of Boise State's biggest defensive contributors, leading the unit in solo tackles (27), total tackles (44), while tying for the team-high in TFLs (5.5) and interceptions (2). He is one of two players in the nation with 40+ tackles, 5+ TFLs, two interceptions and a forced fumble, joining Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez.
Built Ford Tough
Redshirt senior wide receiver Ben Ford has broken out as one of Boise State's top targets. He is coming off his best game as a Bronco, recording two touchdown catches (6 yards and 25 yards), catching a career-high six receptions, and notching a team-high 78 yards. Ford notched the second multi-touchdown game of his career after scoring a pair of touchdowns against Eastern Washington on Sept. 5, scoring on receptions of 60 and 6 yards. The Eagle, Idaho native is currently leads the team in receiving touchdowns (5) and is second on the team in receptions (20), yards (299), and yards per game (49.8). All five of his touchdowns have occurred on The Blue, tying him for third in the nation in receiving touchdowns at home. He entered the season with four career receptions for 34 yards.
Right Where He Left Off
Returning First Team All-Mountain West EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan was a force defensively against New Mexico, finishing with a career-high 3.5 TFLs, a team-high six tackles, a strip sack (sack and forced fumble) and four quarterback hurries. The San Diego, Calif., native has recorded at least 2.0 TFLs four times in his career, and is tied with safety Ty Benefield as the team leader in TFLs (5.5). Virgin-Morgan is the only player in the country to record at least six tackles, 3.5 TFLs, one sack and one forced fumble in a single game this season. He has recorded a TFL in 11 of his last 14 games. In the season-opener against USF, the redshirt junior finished with one TFL and one forced fumble. A season ago, Virgin-Morgan's 10 sacks were good for 14th in the country, while his 15.5 tackles for loss were 17th nationally.
The Stable Holds Strong
Boise State's three-headed rushing attack has been very productive this season, with Dylan Riley (494) Sire Gaines (349) and Malik Sherrod (220) each tallying over 200 yards. The Broncos are one of four teams in the country to have one running back over 400 yards, another over 300 yards and a third over 200 yards. Boise State is joined by Missouri, Texas Tech and USC.
Connecting From Deep
Colton Boomer's 50-yard field goal in the third quarter was his longest as a Bronco. It was his fourth career kick over 50 yards. Three of those have occurred at Albertsons Stadium, with the first two happening when he played for UCF in 2023. Boomer hit four field goals in that game against the Broncos, including a 40-yard game-winner to clinch an 18-16 Golden Knights victory.
Making The Most Out Of Nothing
Oscar Doyle's 10-yard touchdown pass to Troy Grizzle in the fourth quarter against New Mexico was the first time a Boise State kicker or punter has thrown a touchdown pass in the program's FBS era. The play occurred when the Broncos were lining up for a 28-yard field goal attempt, and Doyle mishandled the snap. The junior punter rolled out to his right and found Grizzle for the 10-yard touchdown pass. Doyle is the first kicker of punter to throw a touchdown in an FBS game since Northern Illinois punter Tom Foley did so against Arkansas State on Dec. 23, 2023, and the first time a kicker or punter has thrown a touchdown in a MW contest since BYU kicker Matt Payne did so against New Mexico on Nov. 13, 2004. Doyle is one of five Bronco punters to complete a pass in the FBS era, joining Jeff Davis, Kyle Brotzman, Trevor Harman and James Ferguson-Reynolds. Grizzle is the first Bronco to score a touchdown on his first reception since Scott Matlock, who caught a 3-yard touchdown against Utah State on Sept. 25, 2021.
Players Mentioned
S
/ Football
K
/ Football
P
/ Football
P
/ Football
RB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
EDGE
/ FootballFB | Marco Notarainni Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, November 01
FB | Chase Penry Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, November 01
Spencer Danielson Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, November 01
FB | Highlights Against Fresno State
Saturday, November 01
