Will Boise State Ride Its Heisman Candidate to the College Football Playoff?
Mountain West Championship Preview: UNLV Rebels vs Boise State Broncos
The Mountain West Championship is set to showcase two powerhouse teams as the UNLV Rebels (10-2) face off against the Boise State Broncos (11-1) on Friday night at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET. With both teams boasting impressive records, this championship clash promises to deliver high stakes and dynamic football.
Boise State enters as four-point favorites, with the total set at 57.5 points. A win for the Broncos could propel them into the College Football Playoff conversation, while the Rebels are determined to secure a second Mountain West title and cap off an impressive season.
UNLV Rebels: A Balanced and Explosive Team
The UNLV Rebels have exceeded expectations this season, finishing with a strong 10-2 record and securing a spot in the Mountain West Championship. The Rebels come into this game on a four-game winning streak, highlighted by a dominant 38-14 victory over Nevada last week. The Rebels’ ability to balance both offense and defense has made them one of the more well-rounded teams in the conference.
UNLV’s offense has been explosive, averaging 38.7 points per game, ranking 7th in the nation. They are particularly dominant on the ground, rushing for 254.1 yards per game (4th in the FBS), led by sophomore running back Jai’Den Thomas, who has 833 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns this season. Senior quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams provides a dual-threat dynamic, with 1,735 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 9 rushing touchdowns on the season.
Williams’ top targets are senior wide receivers Ricky White (75 receptions, 1,020 yards, 11 TDs) and Jacob De Jesus (32 receptions, 456 yards, 2 TDs). This combination of a strong running game and capable aerial attack makes the Rebels difficult to stop.
UNLV’s defense has been solid as well, allowing 22.0 points per game and holding opponents to 349.3 total yards. They are particularly stout against the run, surrendering just 101.1 rushing yards per game (10th in the nation). The Rebels also excel in creating turnovers, forcing 22 turnovers (16th in the nation) and generating 86 tackles for loss (14th in the FBS). If UNLV can slow down Boise State’s powerful offense, they’ll have a strong chance to pull off the upset.
Boise State Broncos: Will Ashton Jeanty Lead the Way to the Playoff?
Boise State has been one of the most dominant teams in the Mountain West Conference this season. With an 11-1 record, the Broncos are looking to capture their second consecutive Mountain West title and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. The key to their success has been their Heisman Trophy candidate, running back Ashton Jeanty, who has had a historic season.
Jeanty has been nothing short of sensational this season. With 2,288 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, Jeanty has been the focal point of Boise State’s offensive attack. In last week’s victory over Oregon State, Jeanty carried the ball 37 times for 226 yards and scored a touchdown, further solidifying his candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. Boise State’s offense revolves around his ability to control the game on the ground, but the Broncos also boast a potent passing game led by sophomore quarterback Maddux Madsen.
Madsen has thrown for 2,556 passing yards, with 21 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. His top receiving targets include Cameron Camper (51 receptions, 811 yards, 4 TDs), Matt Lauter (38 receptions, 461 yards, 6 TDs), and Latrell Caples (32 receptions, 406 yards, 4 TDs). Boise State’s offense averages 40.6 points per game (3rd in the nation), with a balanced attack that combines 253.5 rushing yards per game (6th in the FBS) and 224.8 passing yards per game (72nd in the nation).
On the defensive side, Boise State has had its share of struggles, especially against the pass. The Broncos have given up 258.3 passing yards per game (119th in the nation), but they are stout against the run, allowing just 106.6 rushing yards per game (17th in the nation). Despite their struggles in the secondary, Boise State’s defense has been effective at forcing turnovers, totaling 93 tackles for loss (6th in the FBS) and ranking 10th in third-down defense.
Conclusion
This game should be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting styles of play. UNLV’s well-rounded attack and strong defense give them a fighting chance, but Boise State’s offensive firepower, led by Ashton Jeanty, may prove too much to handle. If Jeanty continues his historic season, the Broncos should be able to clinch the Mountain West Championship and keep their College Football Playoff aspirations alive.
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