Boise State is walking into Saturday’s non-conference finale with a clear edge in one place that can swing a game: moving the ball through the air.
The Broncos have gotten efficient quarterback play from Maddux Madsen, who has completed 54 of 88 passes for 610 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions. Western Michigan has been sharp too, with Broc Lowry going 43 of 61 for 417 yards, four touchdowns and zero picks, but Boise State’s passing production stands out when you stack the numbers side by side.
That matters against a Western Michigan defense that has built its identity on keeping scores down. The Broncos allow just 16 points per game, a mark that is tied with Appalachian State and UCF for No. 31 nationally.
Last season, Western Michigan was even tighter, finishing No. 9 nationally by giving up 17.4 points per game. The team started 0-3, then turned around and won 10 of its final 11 games to claim its first MAC championship since 2016.
Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. Mountain time Saturday at Waldo Stadium, with Boise State entering at 2-1 and Western Michigan also at 2-1.
The numbers also show Boise State has a different kind of balance offensively. Dylan Riley has carried the load on the ground with 62 rushes for 454 yards and two touchdowns, while Sire Gaines has added 45 carries for 234 yards and two scores. Western Michigan’s top rushing threat is Jalen Buckley, who has 42 carries for 207 yards and four touchdowns, followed by Lowry’s 36 carries for 114 yards and one touchdown.
In the passing game, Rasean Jones leads Boise State with 15 catches for 232 yards and one touchdown. Akeem Wright has six receptions for 107 yards and a score, and Matt Wagner has seven catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. For Western Michigan, Aveion Chenault has 13 receptions for 216 yards and one touchdown, while Baylin Brooks has nine catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Boise State has been helped by Travis Anderson, who has 18 total tackles, three interceptions and one pass breakup. Boen Phelps has 21 total tackles and one sack. Western Michigan’s defensive leaders include Dillon Moore, with 20 total tackles, one interception and a half sack, and Domanick Moon, who has 17 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.
In Other News...
Boise State May Have Found A New Difference Maker On Offense
Boise States 38-24 win over South Dakota came with the usual kind of postgame spotlight on the players who helped tilt the night, but the offense may have also found a new piece it can lean on going forward. Rasean Jones stood out with eight catches for 95 yards and a touchdown, giving the Broncos a reliable target who could do more than just move the chains.
The production around him was just as important, with Canaan Moore staying perfect on field goals and extra points, Boen Phelps leading the team in tackles while making disruptive plays, and Kyle Hall coming up with key stops including a critical pass breakup. Lopez Sanusi also earned an honorable mention for his work up front, and the mix of contributions suggests Boise State is beginning to build real depth on both sides of the ball. [Read more 🡒]
Ashton Jeanty Just Gave Boise State Fans A New NFL Reason To Watch
Ashton Jeantys first few weeks with the Raiders have already given Boise State fans another Sunday connection to follow, and Week 2 added a little something different. In a 26-14 road win over the Chargers, the former Bronco handled 21 carries and added four catches, continuing to fit into Las Vegas offense as more than just a straight-ahead runner.
The most eye-catching moment came on a flea-flicker, when Jeanty completed a pass to Kirk Cousins that turned into a 27-yard gain and helped set up a touchdown. For Boise State followers keeping tabs on the NFL pipeline, it was the kind of play that stands out even in a busy slate, especially with other former Broncos also turning in their own performances around the league in Week 2. [Read more 🡒]
Boise State Is Walking Into A Bigger Test Than Western Michigan's Record Shows
Western Michigans record says 2-1, but Boise State is preparing for a team that feels a lot closer to undefeated. The Broncos are getting ready to face the defending Mid-American Conference champions, and Spencer Danielson has taken note of a roster that brings back plenty of key pieces from last season and leans on a rushing attack that can control a game if it gets rolling.
For Boise State, the challenge goes beyond the standings and into how quickly its defense can adjust to a physical opponent with real continuity. Western Michigans controversial loss to Michigan still hangs over the matchup, and Danielsons view of the Broncos from Kalamazoo is clear enough: this is not a trip to treat lightly, even if the record says otherwise. [Read more 🡒]