Saturday, October 4
South Bend, Ind.
1:30 p.m. MT
Boise State
at
Notre Dame
Boise State Heads to South Bend for Showdown with No. 21/21 Notre Dame with No. 21/21 Notre Dame
10/2/2025 1:30:00 PM | Football
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State will conclude nonconference play with a road contest against No. 21/21 Notre Dame on Saturday, Oct. 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. MT with Dan Hicks (play-by-play), Jason Garrett (analyst) and Zora Stephenson (Sideline) calling the action on NBC/KTVB 7. 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.
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OPENING KICKOFF
Historic Programs
The matchup between Boise State and Notre Dame consists of two of the winningest programs in the country. The opponents are among the top five in winning percentage as an FBS program, with the Broncos ranked first (76.7%) and the Fighting Irish ranked fifth (72.5%). Both are ranked in the top 20 in win percentage since 2000, with Boise State sitting in second (80.7%) and Notre Dame at 18th (65.4%).
Playoff Potential
Saturday's showdown between Boise State and Notre Dame will mark the third time two teams meet in a nonconference, regular season matchup the year after both programs earned a College Football Playoff berth. Michigan and Texas played on Sept. 7, 2024 after both teams made the 2023 CFP. The Longhorns won, 31-12, on their way to a CFP return. Texas was also part of the other matchup, meeting Ohio State in the 2025 season opener after battling in the 2024 CFP Semifinals. The Buckeyes won both games. There have been four instances of teams meeting in conference contests the year after making the playoff.
Three In A Row
Boise State's win over App State gave the Broncos a three-game win streak for the 27th consecutive season, extending the nation's second-longest streak. Georgia is the lone team ahead of Boise State, holding a 28-year streak after its 3-0 start to the season. Ohio State (24) and Alabama (22) are the next-closest teams. Fresno State (6) has the longest streak among Mountain West teams.
Independence
Since joining the FBS ranks in 1996, Boise State is 7-7 against independent teams. The first games consisted of the Broncos suffering losses in back-to-back seasons in 1997 and 1998 against Louisiana Tech, followed by a 63-38 victory over Utah State Sept. 28, 2002. Boise State holds a 6-5 series lead over BYU as an independent.
To The House (X2)
Boise State returned two interceptions for touchdowns against App State on Sept. 27, with A'Marion McCoy recording a 26-yard interception return in the opening quarter and Boen Phelps taking a 33-yard interception to the house in the fourth quarter. The feat marks the first time the Bronco defense has returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a game since Sept. 25, 2015, when Mercy Matson and Justin Taimatuia did so in a 56-14 win over Virginia. The Broncos are one of four FBS teams that have accomplished the feat this season joining SMU (vs. East Texas A&M, Aug. 30), Oregon (vs. Oklahoma State, Sept. 6), and Louisiana Tech (vs. UTEP, Sept. 27).
Taking It To The House
Boise State recorded multiple pick-sixes against App State, marking the second consecutive season the Broncos have notched two interception returns for a touchdown in the same season. The Broncos have recorded multiple interception returns for touchdowns in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2014-15. Last season, both touchdowns were recorded by players returning to the Bronco roster this season: A'Marion McCoy returned an interception 35 yards for a score against San Diego State on Nov. 1 while Davon Banks had a 70-yard interception return in a win over San Jose State on Nov. 16.
Generating Takeaways
Boise State forced App State into four turnovers in the contest, the most turnovers the program has forced since recording four against San Jose State last season on Nov. 16. Three of those turnovers were interceptions, marking the first game Boise State has notched 3+ interceptions since picking off Wyoming three times on Nov. 19, 2022.
Claiming The Air
Boise State held App State to 65 passing yards, the lowest total the Broncos have allowed in the air since holding Wyoming to 64 passing yards on Dec. 12, 2020. The total was also the lowest passing game the Mountaineers have recorded since throwing for 62 yards against Georgia State on Oct. 19. App State threw for only 2 yards passing in the second half, marking the second consecutive game the Broncos have 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).
Big Day For Boen
Boen Phelps was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against App State. He made his first career interception, returning it 33 yards for a touchdown, while adding six tackles and one quarterback hurry. The redshirt sophomore had a 94.1 PFF defensive grade, second-highest among FBS defenders.
McCoy Is A Menace
A'Marion McCoy returned an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter, marking his second pick-six as a Bronco. He is the first Bronco to do since Davon Banks against San Jose State on Nov. 16, 2024. McCoy is the first Bronco with pick-sixes in back-to-back seasons since Marty Tadman, who did so 2005-06. The only other Boise State player to achieve this feat in the program's FBS era is Shaunard Harts (1999-2000).
Benefield's Been Ballin'
Ty Benefield became the first Bronco to be the team's leading tackler in three of the first four games of the season since JL Skinner pulled off the feat in 2021. The junior safety led Boise State in tackles against Eastern Washington (9), Air Force (11) and App State (7). Benefield recorded six tackles in the season-opener against USF, trailing team-leader Jayden Virgin-Morgan by two tackles.
Defensive Dominance
Saturday was Boise State's sixth time since 1996 recording 3+ interceptions and 5+ sacks in a game. The last occurrence was Nov. 6, 2021 at Fresno State. None of the previous five games featured an interception return for touchdown. Last week, the Broncos had two (A'Marion McCoy and Boen Phelps).
Lighting Up The Board
The Broncos have scored 47+ points in three straight games, the team's eighth time since 1996 scoring 47+ in three-straight games. This ties the longest single-season streak in Mountain West history. The 47 points Boise State scored against App State are the most the team has scored without a rushing touchdown in the FBS era. 147 are the most points over a three-game stretch since scoring 163 against Portland State (56), Washington State (45) and Utah State (62) last season. The Broncos haven't combined for at least 145 points over a three-game stretch in back-to- back seasons since doing so in 2014-15. Boise State totaled 153 points against BYU (55), New Mexico (60) and San Diego State (38) in 2014 and 163 combined points against Idaho State (52), Virginia (56) and Hawai'i (55) the following season. Boise State's 147 points over the last three contests are the second-highest three-game total in the last 10 seasons.
Winning By Wide Margins
Boise State's 47-14 win over App State marked the team's second 30+ point win of the season. This is the 23rd time in the last 27 seasons the Broncos have recorded multiple 30-point victories. They are one of six Group of 5 teams with multiple 30-point wins this season (East Carolina, North Texas, San Diego State, Temple, Toledo).
On The Offensive
The Broncos notched 473 yards of offense against App State, bringing their season average to 520.0 yards per game, the ninth-most across the nation. Boise State has generated 1,702 yards over the past three games, marking the ninth time the program has generated over 1,700 yards in a three-game span since 2000, and the last time since totaling 1,738 yards against Connecticut, Oklahoma State and Wyoming from Sept. 8-29, 2018. Boise State hasn't totaled 470+ yards in a three-game stretch since the 2018 season, when it did so against Nevada (502 yards, Oct.13), Colorado State (472 yards, Oct. 19), and Air Force (530 yards, Oct. 27).
Aerial Assault
Boise State has recorded over 300 yards of passing offense in three consecutive games, passing for 309 yards against Eastern Washington (Sept. 5), 310 against Air Force (Sept. 20) and 321 against App State (Sept. 27). The feat marks the first time the Broncos have recorded three-straight games with over 300 yards passing since a four-game stretch to open the 2018 season. Boise State has only recorded the accomplishment on seven other occasions since joining the FBS era.
Model Of Consistency
Maddux Madsen had a career-day against App State on Sept. 27. The redshirt junior quarterback threw for a career-high 321 passing yards, and matched his career-high with four touchdown passes. Madsen had previously thrown for four touchdowns against San Diego State on Nov. 1, 2024. The Lehi, Utah native recorded his fourth career game with over three touchdown passes. He has thrown for 275 yards in three consecutive contests, the first Boise State quarterback to do so since Brett Rypien in 2018, and has thrown for over 200 yards in five-straight matchups, the most since Taylen Green did so in six consecutive games from Oct. 22-Nov. 25, 2022.
Spreading The Love
Maddux Madsen connected on 25 of his 37 pass attempts against App State, matching his career-high in completions, and found 10 different receivers in the contest, matching the career-high he set in the season opener against USF. Madsen has found at least eight different receivers in every game so far this season.
Moving Up The Ranks
Maddux Madsen moved up in the program record in several career categories against App State. The redshirt junior became the ninth Bronco in program history to eclipse 40 career touchdowns, finishing the game with 41. Madsen is tied with Hank Bachmeier (2019-22) for the eighth-most touchdowns in program history. He also became the 10th Bronco to throw for over 5,000 career yards, entering the game against the Fighting Irish with 5,381 in his career. He also sits at 10th place all-time in total completions (410). After his career-high 321-yard performance against the Mountaineers, Madsen is tied for eighth-place all-time with four career 300+ yard passing games and tied for ninth all-time with 13 200+ yard passing performances. The Lehi, Utah native has thrown for over 200 yards in all four games this season.
Caples Connection
Latrell Caples caught a pair of touchdown passes against App State, marking the third multi touchdown game of his career. The Lancaster, Texas native had previously caught three touchdown passes in the first half against San Diego State on Nov 1, 2024, becoming the first Bronco to catch three touchdowns in a half since Cedrick Wilson did so on Oct. 7, 2016. Caples also caught a pair of touchdown passes against New Mexico on Sept. 9, 2022. Caples surpassed 100 career receptions against Air Force, and enters the Notre Dame game with 108 in his career. He also has recorded 11 touchdowns in his career.
First Year Firsts
Five first-year Broncos notched a first in the win over App State. Freshman wide receiver Quinton Brown made a spectacular 29-yard touchdown catch, the first of his career. EDGE Sterling Lane II, a redshirt junior transfer from Arizona, notched his first career sack. Cornerback Sherrod Smith, a transfer from College of San Mateo, made his first interception at the FBS level. Defensive end Malakai Williams, a sixth year transfer from Idaho, forced a fumble for the first time as a Bronco. It was recovered by freshman linebacker Mana Tuioti, the first of his career.
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OPENING KICKOFF
- Saturday's matchup consists of two of the winningest programs in the country at the FBS ranks. The Broncos rank first all-time in winning percentage at the FBS level (76.7%), while the Fighting Irish are ranked fifth (72.5%). The contest also consists of two returning College Football Playoff participants competing in a nonconference bout, marking the third time such a matchup has occurred in college football history.
- Boise State's defense was in complete control on Saturday against App State. The Broncos held the Mountaineers to just 184 yards of offense and forced four turnovers. Boise State became the first school in the nation this season to record three interceptions, five sacks and hold an opponent to under 100 yards passing, and became the seventh team to do so in the last four seasons.
- Specifically, the Broncos' passing defense was out in full force on Saturday. Boise State held the Mountaineer passing attack, which entered the game ranked third nationally, to just 65 yards passing in the air, including just two yards in the second half. The Broncos recorded two pick-sixes in the victory, becoming one of four FBS programs to return a pair of interceptions for touchdowns in the same game this season.
- The Boise State offense has been a machine as of late, averaging 520.0 yards of offense a game, the ninth-most in the country. The Broncos have totaled over 1,702 yards in their previous three contests and recorded over 300 yards of passing in three consecutive games.
- Quarterback Maddux Madsen had one of his most efficient games against the Mountaineers. The redshirt junior threw for a career-high 321 passing yards and matched his previous-best with four passing touchdowns. Madsen completed 25 of his 37 attempts, also matching a career-high, and found 10 different receivers for the second time in his career.
Historic Programs
The matchup between Boise State and Notre Dame consists of two of the winningest programs in the country. The opponents are among the top five in winning percentage as an FBS program, with the Broncos ranked first (76.7%) and the Fighting Irish ranked fifth (72.5%). Both are ranked in the top 20 in win percentage since 2000, with Boise State sitting in second (80.7%) and Notre Dame at 18th (65.4%).
Playoff Potential
Saturday's showdown between Boise State and Notre Dame will mark the third time two teams meet in a nonconference, regular season matchup the year after both programs earned a College Football Playoff berth. Michigan and Texas played on Sept. 7, 2024 after both teams made the 2023 CFP. The Longhorns won, 31-12, on their way to a CFP return. Texas was also part of the other matchup, meeting Ohio State in the 2025 season opener after battling in the 2024 CFP Semifinals. The Buckeyes won both games. There have been four instances of teams meeting in conference contests the year after making the playoff.
Three In A Row
Boise State's win over App State gave the Broncos a three-game win streak for the 27th consecutive season, extending the nation's second-longest streak. Georgia is the lone team ahead of Boise State, holding a 28-year streak after its 3-0 start to the season. Ohio State (24) and Alabama (22) are the next-closest teams. Fresno State (6) has the longest streak among Mountain West teams.
Independence
Since joining the FBS ranks in 1996, Boise State is 7-7 against independent teams. The first games consisted of the Broncos suffering losses in back-to-back seasons in 1997 and 1998 against Louisiana Tech, followed by a 63-38 victory over Utah State Sept. 28, 2002. Boise State holds a 6-5 series lead over BYU as an independent.
To The House (X2)
Boise State returned two interceptions for touchdowns against App State on Sept. 27, with A'Marion McCoy recording a 26-yard interception return in the opening quarter and Boen Phelps taking a 33-yard interception to the house in the fourth quarter. The feat marks the first time the Bronco defense has returned two interceptions for touchdowns in a game since Sept. 25, 2015, when Mercy Matson and Justin Taimatuia did so in a 56-14 win over Virginia. The Broncos are one of four FBS teams that have accomplished the feat this season joining SMU (vs. East Texas A&M, Aug. 30), Oregon (vs. Oklahoma State, Sept. 6), and Louisiana Tech (vs. UTEP, Sept. 27).
Taking It To The House
Boise State recorded multiple pick-sixes against App State, marking the second consecutive season the Broncos have notched two interception returns for a touchdown in the same season. The Broncos have recorded multiple interception returns for touchdowns in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2014-15. Last season, both touchdowns were recorded by players returning to the Bronco roster this season: A'Marion McCoy returned an interception 35 yards for a score against San Diego State on Nov. 1 while Davon Banks had a 70-yard interception return in a win over San Jose State on Nov. 16.
Generating Takeaways
Boise State forced App State into four turnovers in the contest, the most turnovers the program has forced since recording four against San Jose State last season on Nov. 16. Three of those turnovers were interceptions, marking the first game Boise State has notched 3+ interceptions since picking off Wyoming three times on Nov. 19, 2022.
Claiming The Air
Boise State held App State to 65 passing yards, the lowest total the Broncos have allowed in the air since holding Wyoming to 64 passing yards on Dec. 12, 2020. The total was also the lowest passing game the Mountaineers have recorded since throwing for 62 yards against Georgia State on Oct. 19. App State threw for only 2 yards passing in the second half, marking the second consecutive game the Broncos have 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).
Big Day For Boen
Boen Phelps was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against App State. He made his first career interception, returning it 33 yards for a touchdown, while adding six tackles and one quarterback hurry. The redshirt sophomore had a 94.1 PFF defensive grade, second-highest among FBS defenders.
McCoy Is A Menace
A'Marion McCoy returned an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter, marking his second pick-six as a Bronco. He is the first Bronco to do since Davon Banks against San Jose State on Nov. 16, 2024. McCoy is the first Bronco with pick-sixes in back-to-back seasons since Marty Tadman, who did so 2005-06. The only other Boise State player to achieve this feat in the program's FBS era is Shaunard Harts (1999-2000).
Benefield's Been Ballin'
Ty Benefield became the first Bronco to be the team's leading tackler in three of the first four games of the season since JL Skinner pulled off the feat in 2021. The junior safety led Boise State in tackles against Eastern Washington (9), Air Force (11) and App State (7). Benefield recorded six tackles in the season-opener against USF, trailing team-leader Jayden Virgin-Morgan by two tackles.
Defensive Dominance
Saturday was Boise State's sixth time since 1996 recording 3+ interceptions and 5+ sacks in a game. The last occurrence was Nov. 6, 2021 at Fresno State. None of the previous five games featured an interception return for touchdown. Last week, the Broncos had two (A'Marion McCoy and Boen Phelps).
Lighting Up The Board
The Broncos have scored 47+ points in three straight games, the team's eighth time since 1996 scoring 47+ in three-straight games. This ties the longest single-season streak in Mountain West history. The 47 points Boise State scored against App State are the most the team has scored without a rushing touchdown in the FBS era. 147 are the most points over a three-game stretch since scoring 163 against Portland State (56), Washington State (45) and Utah State (62) last season. The Broncos haven't combined for at least 145 points over a three-game stretch in back-to- back seasons since doing so in 2014-15. Boise State totaled 153 points against BYU (55), New Mexico (60) and San Diego State (38) in 2014 and 163 combined points against Idaho State (52), Virginia (56) and Hawai'i (55) the following season. Boise State's 147 points over the last three contests are the second-highest three-game total in the last 10 seasons.
Winning By Wide Margins
Boise State's 47-14 win over App State marked the team's second 30+ point win of the season. This is the 23rd time in the last 27 seasons the Broncos have recorded multiple 30-point victories. They are one of six Group of 5 teams with multiple 30-point wins this season (East Carolina, North Texas, San Diego State, Temple, Toledo).
On The Offensive
The Broncos notched 473 yards of offense against App State, bringing their season average to 520.0 yards per game, the ninth-most across the nation. Boise State has generated 1,702 yards over the past three games, marking the ninth time the program has generated over 1,700 yards in a three-game span since 2000, and the last time since totaling 1,738 yards against Connecticut, Oklahoma State and Wyoming from Sept. 8-29, 2018. Boise State hasn't totaled 470+ yards in a three-game stretch since the 2018 season, when it did so against Nevada (502 yards, Oct.13), Colorado State (472 yards, Oct. 19), and Air Force (530 yards, Oct. 27).
Aerial Assault
Boise State has recorded over 300 yards of passing offense in three consecutive games, passing for 309 yards against Eastern Washington (Sept. 5), 310 against Air Force (Sept. 20) and 321 against App State (Sept. 27). The feat marks the first time the Broncos have recorded three-straight games with over 300 yards passing since a four-game stretch to open the 2018 season. Boise State has only recorded the accomplishment on seven other occasions since joining the FBS era.
Model Of Consistency
Maddux Madsen had a career-day against App State on Sept. 27. The redshirt junior quarterback threw for a career-high 321 passing yards, and matched his career-high with four touchdown passes. Madsen had previously thrown for four touchdowns against San Diego State on Nov. 1, 2024. The Lehi, Utah native recorded his fourth career game with over three touchdown passes. He has thrown for 275 yards in three consecutive contests, the first Boise State quarterback to do so since Brett Rypien in 2018, and has thrown for over 200 yards in five-straight matchups, the most since Taylen Green did so in six consecutive games from Oct. 22-Nov. 25, 2022.
Spreading The Love
Maddux Madsen connected on 25 of his 37 pass attempts against App State, matching his career-high in completions, and found 10 different receivers in the contest, matching the career-high he set in the season opener against USF. Madsen has found at least eight different receivers in every game so far this season.
Moving Up The Ranks
Maddux Madsen moved up in the program record in several career categories against App State. The redshirt junior became the ninth Bronco in program history to eclipse 40 career touchdowns, finishing the game with 41. Madsen is tied with Hank Bachmeier (2019-22) for the eighth-most touchdowns in program history. He also became the 10th Bronco to throw for over 5,000 career yards, entering the game against the Fighting Irish with 5,381 in his career. He also sits at 10th place all-time in total completions (410). After his career-high 321-yard performance against the Mountaineers, Madsen is tied for eighth-place all-time with four career 300+ yard passing games and tied for ninth all-time with 13 200+ yard passing performances. The Lehi, Utah native has thrown for over 200 yards in all four games this season.
Caples Connection
Latrell Caples caught a pair of touchdown passes against App State, marking the third multi touchdown game of his career. The Lancaster, Texas native had previously caught three touchdown passes in the first half against San Diego State on Nov 1, 2024, becoming the first Bronco to catch three touchdowns in a half since Cedrick Wilson did so on Oct. 7, 2016. Caples also caught a pair of touchdown passes against New Mexico on Sept. 9, 2022. Caples surpassed 100 career receptions against Air Force, and enters the Notre Dame game with 108 in his career. He also has recorded 11 touchdowns in his career.
First Year Firsts
Five first-year Broncos notched a first in the win over App State. Freshman wide receiver Quinton Brown made a spectacular 29-yard touchdown catch, the first of his career. EDGE Sterling Lane II, a redshirt junior transfer from Arizona, notched his first career sack. Cornerback Sherrod Smith, a transfer from College of San Mateo, made his first interception at the FBS level. Defensive end Malakai Williams, a sixth year transfer from Idaho, forced a fumble for the first time as a Bronco. It was recovered by freshman linebacker Mana Tuioti, the first of his career.
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EDGE
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