Las Ve — Ashton Jeanty, the nation’s top rusher, had a quieter night by his standards but still carried Boise State to a 29-24 victory over UNLV on Friday, bolstering the No. 17 Broncos’ College Football Playoff hopes. Jeanty ran for 128 yards, including the game-winning touchdown, keeping Boise State unbeaten in conference play.
Jeanty’s decisive 1-yard touchdown came on a fourth-and-goal with 12:38 left, giving the Broncos (6-1, 3-0 Mountain West) a lead they never relinquished.
Quarterback Maddux Madsen threw for 209 yards and a touchdown, helping Boise State remain bowl-eligible for the 27th consecutive season — the second-longest active streak in the nation, trailing only Georgia (28). The Broncos also improved to 28-1 in games following bye weeks since 2001.
“That UNLV team is legit,” Madsen said after the win. “Their defense played hard and fast until the very end. We knew it would be a heavyweight fight. Their only loss was in overtime to Syracuse, so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.”
The loss dropped the Rebels (6-2, 2-1) from serious playoff contention.
“I’m devastated for our team,” UNLV coach Barry Odom said. “We battled hard, but Boise is a great team too. There’s no consolation — we lost the game.”
Despite the victory, Jeanty’s performance fell below his usual production, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry — his second-lowest output of the season. Before this game, he had averaged at least 7 yards per attempt in every contest.
“You talk about an absolute warrior,” Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said. “Every single yard was earned tonight. He’s the best football player in the country.”
UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams impressed with 179 passing yards and two touchdowns, adding 105 rushing yards and a score to keep the Rebels in the fight.
Record-Breaking Attendance at Allegiant Stadium
A crowd of 42,228 packed Allegiant Stadium, setting a new attendance record for a UNLV home game. The previous record of 42,075 was set on August 31, 2002, when UNLV faced Wisconsin at Sam Boyd Stadium — a game famously cut short by a power outage.
First-Half Drama Sets the Tone
Boise State surged ahead with two quick touchdowns late in the first half. Madsen broke free for a 7-yard rushing touchdown, and linebacker Andrew Simpson’s interception set up a 2-yard touchdown pass from Madsen to tight end Matt Lauter on fourth-and-goal, giving the Broncos a 20-10 lead at halftime.
UNLV responded immediately in the second half, closing the gap and eventually reclaiming the lead late in the third quarter. Williams connected with Jaden Bradley on a 34-yard touchdown pass, putting the Rebels up 24-23 with 1:03 remaining in the third.
However, Boise State answered early in the fourth with Jeanty’s go-ahead score, and the Broncos’ defense held firm to seal the win.
Injuries and Poll Implications
UNLV’s hopes took a hit when standout receiver and return specialist Jacob De Jesus exited in the first half with an undisclosed injury.
The win should keep Boise State steady in the Top 25 rankings, while UNLV’s hopes of re-entering the poll this season took a significant blow.
What’s Next
Boise State:Hosts San Diego State on Friday.
UNLV:Travels to play Fresno State next week.
