The 2024 Mountain West Championship game showcased an intense rivalry as the Boise State Broncos faced off against the UNLV Rebels. This matchup was particularly significant, as it was a rematch of last year’s championship, where Boise State emerged victorious with a convincing 44-20 win. The Broncos also secured a narrow 29-24 victory during the regular season, setting the stage for another thrilling encounter at Albertsons Stadium.
Game Summary: A Dominant Performance
Boise State jumped out to an early lead and held on for a solid 21-7 victory over UNLV, after a dominant first half and strong defense throughout the game. The Broncos struck first in the opening quarter, with Maddux Madsen connecting with Latrell Caples for a 22-yard touchdown pass, capping a quick 4-play, 55-yard drive. This set the tone for the game, with Boise State leading 7-0.
In the second quarter, the Broncos extended their lead with two more touchdowns. Madsen scored on a 14-yard touchdown run, ending a methodical 12-play, 69-yard drive. Just before halftime, Ashton Jeanty broke free for a spectacular 75-yard rushing touchdown, finishing a 2-play, 80-yard drive in under a minute. By halftime, Boise State had established a commanding 21-0 lead.
The third quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, with neither side managing to score. However, UNLV found the end zone in the fourth quarter, with Greg Burrell running for a 31-yard touchdown, capping a 9-play, 81-yard drive. Despite this effort, the Rebels fell short, and the final score stood at 21-7 in favor of Boise State.
Key Performers: Stars of the Game
Boise State: Maddux Madsen had a standout performance, throwing for 158 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for another. Jeanty’s explosive 75-yard touchdown run highlighted the Rebels’ defensive struggles and showcased the Broncos’ offensive prowess.
UNLV: Greg Burrell was the lone bright spot for the Rebels, scoring their only touchdown with an impressive 31-yard run. Despite his efforts, the UNLV offense was unable to keep pace with Boise State’s relentless attack.
UNLV vs Boise State: Box Score
The box score reflects the one-sided nature of the game. Boise State dominated the first half, scoring 21 points while holding UNLV scoreless. The Rebels managed to score only in the fourth quarter, ultimately finishing with just 7 points.
| Team | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Final |
| UNLV | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Boise State | 7 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
UNLV Rebels Stats
Despite the loss, the Rebels had some notable performances. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams completed 13 of 28 passes for 110 yards but struggled to find the end zone. The rushing game was led by Burrell, who scored the team’s only touchdown.
| Hajj-Malik Williams | 13-28-1 | 110 | 0 | 29 |
| Total | 13-28-0 | 110 | 0 | 29 |
Boise State Broncos Stats
The Broncos’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Madsen leading the charge. His ability to both pass and run effectively kept the Rebels’ defense on their heels throughout the game.
| Maddux Madsen | 18-27-0 | 158 | 1 | 40 |
| Total | 18-27-1 | 158 | 1 | 40 |
Reflections on the Championship
This victory not only solidifies Boise State’s dominance in the Mountain West but also raises questions for UNLV as they look to regroup for next season. How can they improve their offensive strategy to compete with the likes of Boise State? The Broncos, on the other hand, will be looking forward to building on this success as they aim for continued excellence in future seasons.
As the dust settles on this championship clash, one thing is clear: college football fans are in for an exciting future, with rivalries like this one fueling the passion and drama that make the sport so compelling. The Broncos have proven once again that they are a force to be reckoned with, while the Rebels will undoubtedly be motivated to rise to the challenge in the seasons to come.
