October 14, 2025

Article By Nick Wade

When the Broncos take the field this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. MST at Albertsons Stadium – and the roar of Bronco Nation – this won’t feel like a midseason game. It will feel like a playoff. Boise State enters 4‑2, 2‑0 in Mountain West play, riding the momentum of a 15‑game home winning streak, while UNLV struts into Boise undefeated at 6–0 and 2–0 in league, touting a signature win over a surging UCLA. The stakes are unmistakable. The MWC title defense is on the line, and for all the talk of dominance, Boise State will need to deliver a complete game in every phase.

Bronco Nation must fill Albertsons Stadium, create what we call “Blue Chaos,” and stay loud and relentless for four quarters. The energy of this place will be part of the game plan—especially when UNLV brings everything they have. Head Coach Spencer Danielson doesn’t mince words about the threat UNLV poses. “That offense is rolling,” he said. “I think they’re a top‑20 offense in every category. First downs, touchdowns, yards, they’re a very, very explosive offense. Obviously Dan Mullen is an offensive guy, you see that. You see the explosive bones.”

Dan Mullen, the former Power 4 coach now leading UNLV, brings pedigree and offensive acumen to the Rebel program. His arrival has helped supercharge a unit that is already lethal. At the heart of their attack is Virginia transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who has thrown for 1,403 yards and 10 touchdowns, with 3 interceptions, posting a 65.1 QBR. He’s comfortable operating under pressure, extending plays with his legs, and pulling the trigger on deep shots. His ability to balance passing and time-of-possession control makes him a dangerous dual-threat orchestrator in Mullen’s system.

The Rebels’ ground attack is balanced and dangerous. Jayden Thomas has carried 72 times for 577 yards and six touchdowns, including a long 51‑yard burst against Air Force. That balance with the passing game allows Colandrea to set up play‑action and open space for his receivers. Wideout Jaden Bradley has become Colandrea’s favorite target, hauling in 28 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns. Together, they have elevated UNLV to one of the most efficient offenses in the country.

This is a unit built to challenge around every corner. They run fast, and scheme pressure tempo. Boise State’s defense must remain assignment‑sound, disciplined, and physical. The front seven must control the line of scrimmage and disrupt the running game while pressuring Colandrea. The secondary must continue to play the ball and generate takeaways.

From Boise State’s side, the offense has grown more consistent, and the stat sheet backs it up. Quarterback Maddux “Maddog” Madsen is 122 of 200 passing for 1,570 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. His ability to manage pressure, read defenses, and spread the ball to multiple receivers gives the Broncos flexibility. Dylan Riley has become the heart of the rushing attack, with 71 rushes for 494 yards and 5 touchdowns, including a long of 77. Sire Gaines complements him with 69 carries for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns, his 46‑yard run earlier this season showing his burst. Chris Marshall adds 19 catches for 344 yards and a touchdown, Latrell Caples has 21 receptions for 292 yards and two scores, and Ben Ford continues to be a red‑zone weapon with 20 catches, 299 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

The Broncos’ offensive line must be celebrated for what they produced in the second half against New Mexico after struggling early with penalties and inconsistent lane creation. That surge in the second half, where the line opened holes and gave Madsen time, will need to become the standard, not the exception. Against a Rebel defense coached by Mullen and staff, Boise State must leverage that line dominance to establish the run, shorten the game, and open play‑action opportunities.

On defense, Boise State will rely on Buck Benefield (42 tackles, 2 interceptions), Braxton Fely (14 tackles, 4.5 sacks), and Jayden Virgin‑Morgan (27 tackles, 2.5 sacks) to anchor the front. Marco Notarainni adds 34 tackles. Meanwhile, A’Marion McCoy has made plays in the secondary—15 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a pick‑six already. Their collective burden will be to stay disciplined in gap integrity, not overrun counters or misdirection, and to rally around the ball carrier quickly.

Special teams deserve its share of attention. In the New Mexico game, coverage broke down, allowing a touchdown return that threatened to shift momentum. That cannot repeat. Conversely, the kicking game has earned confidence: Colton Boomer hit a 50‑yard field goal, and Oscar Doyle’s improvisational touchdown pass to Troy Grizzle after a botched FG sequence showed creativity and nerves of steel. Still, the coverage units must tighten up. Mullen’s special teams will look to capitalize on any breakdown in that phase.

This matchup is not just a game; it’s the fulcrum for the season. If Boise State wins, they’ll hand UNLV its first blemish and bolster their case as the team to beat in the Mountain West. If UNLV wins, the balance of power shifts, and Boise State’s title defense will be under serious pressure. Bronco Nation’s role matters more than ever. The crowd must be relentless, the noise unyielding, and the energy constant. The Blue Chaos should shake open lanes, rattle passing windows, and fuel the home team’s spirit.

If the game remains tight late in the first half, I believe OC Nate Potter should consider unlocking some trick plays—well‑timed misdirections or gadget plays to steal points or flip field position. Against a defense expecting physical dominance, surprises can be the difference.

When the ball kicks at 1:30 p.m. MST on FS1, two stunning seasons collide. Boise State’s home streak, offensive balance, defensive threats, and crowd energy set the stage. UNLV arrives loaded with confidence, speed, and creative intent. But this is Boise State’s domain. Execute the turnover margin, run effectively, control the clock, disrupt their offense, and the Broncos will reaffirm themselves not just as contenders in 2025, but as the standard in the Mountain West.

Bronco Nation, get ready. This is your biggest chance of the year to tilt momentum toward a three‑peat.