LAS VEGAS — Ashton Jeanty, the top rusher in the country, did not meet his usual performance levels during the game, yet he managed to rush for 128 yards and score the decisive touchdown, leading No. 17 Boise State to a 29-24 victory over UNLV on Friday night. This matchup held significant implications for the College Football Playoff picture.
Jeanty’s crucial 1-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-goal with 12:38 remaining secured the Broncos’ lead permanently. Boise State’s Maddux Madsen contributed by throwing for 209 yards and a touchdown, helping the team maintain its playoff hopes. The Broncos also extended their remarkable streak to 27 consecutive seasons of bowl eligibility, marking the longest active run in the nation, and improved to 28-1 following bye weeks since 2001.
For the Rebels, with a record of 6-2 and 2-1 in conference play, this defeat hindered their aspirations of remaining in the playoff conversation. However, Jeanty’s overall performance, while substantial, was one of his lower outputs this season, narrowly exceeding his yardage from a previous game against Portland State. Jeanty typically averaged over 7 yards per carry, but he faced stiff competition from the Rebels’ defense, finishing with only 3.9 yards per attempt.
UNLV’s Hajj-Malik Williams stood out as well, throwing for 179 yards and two touchdowns while also adding a rushing touchdown and 105 yards on the ground. The game was attended by a record-breaking crowd of 42,228 at Allegiant Stadium, surpassing the previous attendance record set in 2022. This marked an impressive turnout since UNLV moved to Allegiant Stadium from their former home at Sam Boyd Stadium in 2020.
In a flurry of action before halftime, the Broncos managed to gain momentum, scoring two touchdowns in the last 1:50 of the second quarter to take a 20-10 lead. Madsen capitalized on a gap in the defense for a 7-yard touchdown run, followed by an interception by linebacker Andrew Simpson, leading to a 2-yard touchdown pass from Madsen to tight end Matt Lauter on fourth-and-goal. This marked just the second time this season that the Rebels allowed a touchdown after a turnover.
The Rebels quickly responded, narrowing the deficit to three points as the second half commenced, but they remained a step behind throughout. They briefly reclaimed the lead at 24-23 in the third quarter, courtesy of a 34-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Jaden Bradley. Nonetheless, the Broncos quickly regained the upper hand early in the final quarter.
In the first half, UNLV wide receiver and return specialist Jacob De Jesus left the game due to an undisclosed injury.
Moving forward, Jeanty is currently the 2-1 favorite for the Heisman Trophy according to BetMGM, though his performance might have affected his standing, especially with voters historically reluctant to support players from schools outside power conferences. The last such player to win was BYU’s Ty Detmer in 1990. Jeanty still has opportunities to prove himself to voters in upcoming games.
For UNLV, penalties played a pivotal role in both of their losses this season, including untimely calls against Boise State that proved costly. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during the game significantly derailed one drive, while a defensive holding penalty extended a Boise State possession that could have concluded with a punt.
Regarding polling implications, the Broncos ensured their place in the rankings with this win, while UNLV might have missed a chance to appear in the Top 25 if they had secured a victory.
Looking ahead, Boise State will host San Diego State next Friday, while UNLV will travel to Hawaii on November 9.
