Madsen Magic

By Brad Wilson | AP News Updated: Dec. 20, 2025, 1:00 a.m.

BOISE, Idaho — Maddux Madsen threw for 585 yards and a conference-record 11 touchdown passes, and Boise State erupted for 28 points in the fourth quarter to pull away from UTSA for a 77-35 victory Friday night at Albertsons Stadium.

What was a competitive game through three quarters turned into a rout late, as the Broncos capitalized on turnovers and repeatedly beat the Roadrunners deep down the field. Boise State led just 49-35 entering the fourth quarter before closing the game on a 28-0 run.

Madsen completed 29 of 38 passes and finished with more touchdown throws than incompletions. He also threw two interceptions, but neither slowed an offense that totaled 681 yards, including 585 through the air.

“We just stayed aggressive,” Madsen said. “They made a run and we knew we had to answer. The guys around me made plays all night.”

Latrell Caples caught nine passes for 136 yards and four touchdowns for Boise State (2-0). Chris Marshall added six receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown, averaging more than 30 yards per catch. Chase Penry caught two touchdown passes, and Dylan Riley accounted for 113 total yards and two scores as the Broncos spread the ball across the field.

UTSA (1-1) briefly threatened to turn the game into an upset. The Roadrunners scored 21 points in the third quarter, highlighted by three touchdown passes from Owen McCown, to cut the deficit to 14.

McCown finished with 446 passing yards and five touchdowns, but he also threw five interceptions, four of which came in the second half. Those mistakes proved decisive.

“You can’t turn the ball over like that against a team like Boise,” UTSA coach Mark Hammerstone said. “Our kids fought, but the margin for error was gone.”

Willie McCoy led UTSA with 10 catches for 167 yards and three touchdowns. Devin McCuin added five receptions for 184 yards, consistently gaining yards after the catch. Robert Henry Jr. scored a touchdown and totaled 64 yards from scrimmage.

Boise State’s defense allowed 550 yards but made timely plays, forcing five interceptions and repeatedly halting UTSA’s momentum in the fourth quarter.

The win capped a high-scoring night that saw Boise State cover the 21½-point spread and easily surpass the projected total. With a loss by Hawaii earlier in the week, the Broncos strengthened their claim as the top-ranked team in the conference.

UTSA is expected to fall in the rankings, but the Roadrunners showed they remain dangerous offensively if they can clean up their turnover issues.

For Boise State, the night belonged to Madsen, who delivered one of the most prolific passing performances in college football history.

“When you score like that, it’s special,” Boise State coach Devon Grade said. “That’s one we’ll remember for a long time.”