Saturday’s matchup between No. 24 Boise State and Oregon State could turn into a backup-quarterback game, and the injury report is already pointing that way.
Boise State starting quarterback Maddux Madsen was listed as questionable in the Broncos’ initial Week 11 player availability report, released Wednesday evening. Madsen sat out last week’s lopsided win over Colorado State because of what appeared to be a knee injury.
If he can’t go, head coach Spencer Danielson said Monday that Max Cutforth will get the start against Oregon State.
On the other side, Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson was listed as doubtful after hurting his hand last week against Texas State. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Wednesday that Atkinson will not play against the Broncos.
That would leave both teams leaning on backups in a game that already has a different feel because of the quarterback situation. Boise State enters at 8-1 overall and 5-0 in the Pac-12, while Oregon State is 5-4 and 3-2.
Cutforth has already shown he can handle the job. In five quarters filling in for Madsen, he has completed 24 of 32 passes for 448 yards, with eight total touchdowns and no turnovers.
He also made three starts for an injured Madsen last season, going 2-1 and helping the Broncos rally past Utah State in a game that clinched a Mountain West championship game spot. Madsen later returned and led Boise State to a third straight championship.
Danielson made it clear Monday that there isn’t any quarterback controversy brewing behind the scenes.
“It’s interesting that that conversation even comes up to me with how Maddux has played, who he is, the success he’s had,” Danielson said. “There’s a reason he’s our starting quarterback, and we can look at facts of the reason why. I believe in him not because I like Maddux more than Max or more than others, it’s because of what he’s done on the field.
“That takes nothing away from Max. Max has done a phenomenal job and he’s only going to get better.
And if for some reason a player on a team-any position-doesn’t play to the standard, the person behind him will take that spot. … But Maddux has done a really good job.
If he’s healthy, he’s going to be our starting quarterback.”
Madsen has thrown for 1,681 yards this season, completing 148 of 222 passes for 67 percent. He has 18 total touchdowns and one turnover, and he owns a 27-7 career record as a starter.
Boise State’s availability report also listed running back Sire Gaines and safety Travis Anderson as questionable. Left guard Carson Rasmussen was ruled out.
Gaines has missed four of Boise State’s nine games this season because of various injuries, but he still has 75 carries for 418 yards and five total touchdowns. Anderson has 37 tackles and a team-high three interceptions. Rasmussen started the Broncos’ first four games at left guard before being sidelined with an undisclosed injury.
In Other News...
Oregon State Faces A Wide Open Chance In Boise State Shootout
Boise States offense has been doing its part, but the bigger concern heading into the matchup with Oregon State is on the other side of the ball. Coach Spencer Danielson has already acknowledged the defensive issues, especially when his team is dealing with passing attacks, and that puts a little extra pressure on a Broncos group that has otherwise kept itself in the hunt with its scoring punch.
Oregon State arrives with its own urgency after consecutive losses, and the Beavers will lean on quarterback Braden Atkinson and receiver Jesse Legree to try to stress Boise State through the air. At the same time, Oregon State knows it has to do a better job slowing the Broncos rushing game, which gives this one the feel of a matchup where both teams can find openings if the other side misses a few assignments. [Read more 🡒]
Boise State Has A Rare Spotlight Chance Fans Will Be Watching Closely
ESPNs College GameDay is bringing a national spotlight back to Boise State this weekend, setting up its pregame show on campus ahead of the Broncos conference matchup with Oregon State. It is a notable stage for a program that has long been comfortable in big moments, and it adds another layer of attention to a game that already carries plenty of interest for fans around the matchup.
The timing also gives a wider audience a look at some of the young talent involved, including Boise State freshman wide receiver Rasean Jones and Oregon State freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree. For Boise State, the bigger picture is bigger than one game day segment, but the chance to host one of college footballs signature shows is the kind of event that can energize a campus and put the Broncos back in the center of the national conversation. [Read more 🡒]
Boise States Biggest Oregon State Question Is Suddenly Under Center
The quarterback picture for Boise States matchup with Oregon State has shifted in a hurry, and it now feels like the biggest storyline on either sideline. Oregon State sophomore Braden Atkinson is not expected to go because of a hand injury and is listed as doubtful, which would push senior Maalik Murphy into the starting role if the Beavers have to make a change under center.
Boise State has its own uncertainty to manage, with fifth-year quarterback Maddux Madsen questionable after a left knee injury. He missed last weeks win over Colorado State, though his coach sounded optimistic about the recovery, leaving the Broncos to track one of the most important health updates of the week as kickoff approaches. [Read more 🡒]