Amber Aniston • October 25, 2024

Boise State Holds Off UNLV 29-24 in a Thrilling Showdown

Boise State survived a late surge by UNLV to secure a hard-fought 29-24 victory in front of a record-setting crowd at Allegiant Stadium. Ashton Jeanty, the nation's leading rusher, capped his performance with a game-winning 1-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal in the fourth quarter, pushing the Broncos to a 6-1 record and keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive.


Though Jeanty was held to 128 yards on 33 carries, below his season average, his timely touchdown was crucial to Boise State's victory. UNLV, entering the game with only one loss, gave the Broncos a serious challenge, even briefly taking the lead late in the third quarter.


Boise State’s Strong Finish Before Halftime

UNLV started strong, jumping out to a 10-3 lead, but Boise State quickly regained control late in the second quarter. Quarterback Maddux Madsen engineered two key drives in the final minutes before halftime. Madsen scored on a 7-yard run, and after an interception by linebacker Andrew Simpson, he connected with tight end Matt Lauter for a 2-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal. Those two scores gave Boise State a 20-10 lead heading into halftime.


Madsen’s composure was key, as Boise State capitalized on the single turnover of the game. Simpson’s interception provided a momentum shift, and Madsen wasted no time in turning it into points. The Broncos’ ability to make the most of their opportunities was critical in the tightly contested first half, as UNLV’s defense had largely kept the high-powered Boise State offense in check up until that point.


UNLV Fights Back

The Rebels came out strong in the second half, cutting Boise State’s lead to 20-17 with a touchdown drive early in the third quarter. Hajj-Malik Williams, who finished with 179 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 105 rushing yards, led the charge for UNLV. His dynamic play both through the air and on the ground kept Boise State’s defense on its heels. Late in the third quarter, Williams found wide receiver Jaden Bradley for a 34-yard touchdown, giving UNLV a 24-23 lead and bringing the crowd to its feet.


Williams’ performance was especially noteworthy. His 71-yard run in the first quarter was the longest offensive play of the season for UNLV and set the tone for what appeared to be a statement game. He later connected on the second-longest pass of the year for the Rebels, a 50-yard strike to Casey Cain, demonstrating his ability to make big plays when needed.


Jeanty’s Game-Winner

Boise State responded in the fourth quarter, reclaiming the lead when Jeanty powered into the end zone from 1 yard out on a fourth-down play. Despite UNLV’s best efforts, Boise State’s defense held firm in the final minutes, preventing any further scoring from the Rebels and securing the victory.


Boise State’s offensive line stepped up when it mattered most, allowing Jeanty just enough room to convert the crucial fourth-and-goal. Although Jeanty had been held to 3.9 yards per carry—one of his lowest averages of the season—his tough running paid off in the game's most critical moment. Madsen’s 209 passing yards and the Broncos' ability to control the clock late in the game helped seal the win.


Costly Mistakes Hurt UNLV

UNLV’s valiant effort was hampered by critical mistakes. Two penalties in the fourth quarter—the first an unsportsmanlike conduct call on left tackle Jalen St. John and the second a defensive holding call—proved costly, stalling one drive and extending a Boise State possession that allowed the Broncos to run off valuable time on the clock.


The Rebels had multiple chances to regain the lead but failed to convert on key possessions. Their inability to force turnovers or create momentum-shifting plays in the second half, combined with those untimely penalties, ultimately cost them the chance at an upset victory.


Record-Breaking Crowd

The game saw a record attendance of 42,228 fans, surpassing UNLV’s previous home game record of 42,075. The electric atmosphere added to the intensity of the matchup, with both teams battling for postseason positioning. Fans witnessed a high-stakes contest that showcased the quality and competitiveness of Mountain West football.


The large crowd highlighted the growth of football in Las Vegas and the city’s increasing support for UNLV’s program. The atmosphere added an extra layer of excitement, as the Rebels aimed to prove they could compete with one of the conference’s best teams.


Defensive Battle

While both teams were known for their offensive firepower, the game featured several key defensive plays that shaped the outcome. Boise State’s defense was able to stop UNLV on multiple crucial third downs, and the Broncos converted all four of their fourth-down attempts, demonstrating their ability to handle high-pressure situations. On the other side, UNLV’s defense limited Jeanty’s production, holding him to one of his least productive games of the season.


Boise State also benefited from strong play by their linebacker corps, particularly Andrew Simpson, whose interception late in the first half led to a touchdown that swung the game’s momentum. The Broncos held UNLV to just 3-of-15 on third-down conversions, a testament to their defensive resolve.


Looking Ahead

Boise State’s win keeps them in the hunt for a Mountain West title and a possible spot in the College Football Playoff. Their next matchup against San Diego State will be critical as the Broncos continue their push for the postseason.


For UNLV, the loss complicates their bid for a spot in the Top 25, but with a bye week ahead, they’ll have time to regroup before traveling to Hawaii for their next game. Despite the defeat, UNLV remains in contention for a strong bowl game, and their performance against Boise State showed they can compete with the best.



In the end, Boise State’s ability to execute in critical moments and Jeanty’s clutch touchdown sealed the game and pushed the Broncos one step closer to their postseason goals.

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