Boise State football defeated Western Michigan 32-7 on Saturday in Kalamazoo, Mich., strengthening the Broncos’ position for a College Football Playoff berth. The victory marks Boise State’s third win of the season, improving its record to 3-1 as it prepares for Pac-12 conference play.
The matchup featured two teams competing for one of the Group of Six’s automatic playoff spots. By securing this win, Boise State has now defeated two CFP hopefuls by a combined margin of 43 points. The Broncos previously beat Memphis 38-20 on Sept. 12.
Offensive Performance and Key Stats
Quarterback Maddux Madsen led the offense with 204 passing yards and three touchdowns. Running back Dylan Riley carried the ball 28 times for 138 yards, stepping up while Sire Gaines was sidelined due to an injury sustained in the previous week’s game.
Boise State opened the scoring on a 75-yard, seven-play drive. Madsen connected with Matt Wagner on a 34-yard touchdown pass. Zeke Martinez ran for a two-point conversion in the wildcat formation, extending the lead early in the contest.
Riley added a five-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter, helping Boise State take a 15-0 lead into halftime. Later in the game, Madsen threw to Ford for his first score of the year and first touchdown since an ACL injury last season. Canaan Moore kicked a 25-yard field goal, and Wagner scored on another two-yard reception from Madsen to make it 32-0.
Defensive Stand Against Mid-American Champion
The Boise State defense held Western Michigan to just 223 total offensive yards, the lowest amount allowed by the Broncos through four games this season. The team did not turn the ball over for the third time in four games, maintaining possession control throughout the contest.
Western Michigan entered the game as a 2-2 team and the defending Mid-American Conference champion. Their only previous loss came against Michigan on Sept. 5, a game decided by a controversial Hail Mary after one second was added back to the clock. Boise State coach Spencer Danielson had considered Western Michigan an unbeaten team that won against Michigan prior to this matchup.
The Broncos were within a minute of recording their first shutout since 2021 and first road shutout since 2010. However, Western Michigan running back Cole Cabana scored on a two-yard run with 1:03 remaining in the game, preventing the blanking.
Looking Ahead to Pac-12 Play
Boise State enters conference play with a three-game winning streak after victories over South Dakota and Memphis, following a seven-point loss to Oregon. The Broncos are in their first season in the Pac-12 after winning the last three Mountain West titles.
The team opens Pac-12 play next Saturday against Utah State. With this decisive win over Western Michigan, Boise State has solidified its standing among Group of Six contenders for a College Football Playoff spot.