Boise State Holds Off San Diego State In Instant Classic, Keeps West Race Unsettled

Keith Groller, The Stateline Gazette

SAN DIEGO — Boise State left Southern California unbeaten but hardly untested.

Quarterback Maddux Madsen accounted for five total touchdowns and No. 1 Boise State survived a furious second-half rally to beat No. 2 San Diego State 42–35 on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium, a result that keeps the Broncos perfect while ensuring the West Division race remains unresolved with two weeks left in the regular season.

Boise State (7–0, 4–0 West) built a two-touchdown halftime lead, watched it disappear in the third quarter, then leaned on Madsen’s dual-threat playmaking late to hold off the Aztecs (5–2, 3–1).

“This was two elite teams trading punches for four quarters,” Boise State coach Devin Grade said. “We didn’t play perfect, but we played tough when it mattered.”

Broncos strike fast, Aztecs respond

After a scoreless opening quarter, Boise State seized control in the second. Madsen directed three touchdown drives as the Broncos surged to a 21–7 halftime advantage, using tempo and vertical throws to stress the San Diego State defense.

The Aztecs answered decisively after the break. Quarterback Jayden Denegal was nearly flawless in the third quarter, guiding San Diego State to three touchdowns and tying the game 28–28 entering the fourth. The rally was fueled by a physical rushing attack from Lucky Sutton and Christian Washington, who combined for 203 rushing yards.

“We showed we belong on the field with anyone,” San Diego State coach Chad Gruver said. “Now we have to finish.”

Madsen delivers late

When the game turned into a fourth-quarter shootout, Boise State leaned fully into Madsen’s high-risk approach.

Madsen threw for 408 yards on 29-of-41 passing and rushed for three touchdowns, overcoming three interceptions with explosive plays at critical moments. His final rushing score restored a seven-point cushion, and the Broncos’ defense sealed the game with a late stop.

Boise State finished with 501 total yards, including 408 through the air. Tight end Matt Lauter led all receivers with 10 catches for 130 yards, while Latrell Caples added a 97-yard receiving night and a touchdown.

San Diego State totaled 444 yards and converted efficiently, but the Aztecs’ inability to force a final stop proved costly. Denegal completed 18 of 21 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns, though he also threw three interceptions.

West Division implications

Despite the loss, San Diego State remains in position for a top-four playoff seed and a potential first-round bye. Boise State retains control of the West Division, but the margin has narrowed.

UNLV, with just one divisional loss, still controls its own destiny. A Rebels win over Hawaii followed by a victory against Boise State in Week 8 would flip the division standings.

“This win keeps us where we want to be,” Grade said. “But nothing’s guaranteed yet.”

Team Stats

Boise State: 501 total yards; 93 rushing (24 carries), 408 passing

San Diego State: 444 total yards; 204 rushing (23 carries), 240 passing

Individual Stats

Passing

Boise State — Maddux Madsen 29-41, 408 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs

San Diego State — Jayden Denegal 18-21, 204 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs

Rushing

Boise State — Maddux Madsen 10 carries, 24 yards, 3 TDs; Dylan Riley 10 carries, 45 yards, TD; Malik Sherrod 4 carries, 24 yards

San Diego State — Lucky Sutton 17 carries, 112 yards, TD; Christian Washington 4 carries, 91 yards, TD; Denegal 2 carries, 1 yard

Receiving

Boise State — Matt Lauter 10 catches, 130 yards; Latrell Caples 4 catches, 97 yards, TD; Malik Sherrod 6 catches, 48 yards, TD; Chris Marshall 3 catches, 47 yards; Matt Wagner 2 catches, 44 yards

San Diego State — Jacob Bostick 6 catches, 81 yards; Jordan Napier 2 catches, 62 yards, TD; Jackson Ford 5 catches, 44 yards, 2 TDs; Donovan Brown 5 catches, 44 yards