Ashton Jeanty rushed for 128 yards and scored the winning touchdown, leading No. 17 Boise State to a 29-24 victory over UNLV.

 

**Boise State Stops UNLV on 3rd-and-20 with a Sack in the Fourth Quarter**

**LAS VEGAS** — Ashton Jeanty, the nation's leading rusher, may not have played up to his usual standards, but he still managed to rush for 128 yards and score the winning touchdown, helping No. 17 Boise State defeat UNLV 29-24 in a game with College Football Playoff implications.

Jeanty's 1-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-goal with 12:38 left in the game gave the Broncos (6-1, 3-0 Mountain West) the lead for good. Maddux Madsen contributed with 209 passing yards and a touchdown, keeping Boise State's playoff hopes alive. The victory also marked the Broncos' 27th consecutive season of bowl eligibility, the second-longest active streak in the nation, just behind Georgia.

“That UNLV team is legit,” Madsen said. “Their defense played hard and fast until the end. We knew it would be a tough game.”

UNLV (6-2, 2-1) was looking for a win to remain in the playoff hunt. “I’m devastated for our team that we couldn’t find a way to win,” said UNLV coach Barry Odom. “We battled hard, but ultimately, we lost.”

Although Jeanty’s performance was below his usual level—his second-lowest of the season—Boise State coach Spencer Danielson praised him, saying, “Every single yard was earned. He’s the best football player in the country.”

UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams passed for 179 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown.

The game drew a record crowd of 42,228 at Allegiant Stadium, surpassing the previous attendance record for a UNLV home game.

Boise State gained momentum late in the first half with two touchdowns in under two minutes, taking a 20-10 lead. Madsen's 7-yard rushing touchdown and a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Matt Lauter followed an interception by linebacker Andrew Simpson, setting up the Broncos near the goal line.

The Rebels quickly responded in the second half, narrowing the gap, but were unable to maintain the lead after briefly going up 24-23 with a touchdown from Williams to Jaden Bradley in the third quarter.

Boise State regained the lead early in the fourth, and UNLV’s wide receiver Jacob De Jesus left the game in the first half with an unspecified injury.

**Takeaway:**

- **Boise State:** Jeanty remains a top contender for the Heisman, although his performance might raise questions among voters. He has opportunities ahead to impress and solidify his candidacy.

  

- **UNLV:** Untimely penalties proved costly, particularly in the fourth quarter. Key penalties hindered drives and extended Boise State's possession, allowing them to run out the clock.

**Poll Implications:**  

Boise State secured their position in the rankings, while UNLV’s chances of breaking into the Top 25 have significantly diminished with this loss. 

**Up Next:**  

Stay tuned for upcoming matchups as both teams continue their seasons.