October 27, 2025

Article By Nick Wade

The Blue Turf in Boise, Idaho, will once again host one of the Mountain West Conference’s most tradition-rich rivalries as the Boise State Broncos, now standing at 6–2 overall and 4–0 in conference play, prepare to defend The Blue against the 5–3, 2–2 Fresno State Bulldogs. With the coveted Milk Can Trophy at stake, Saturday’s 1:30 p.m. MST kickoff on FS1 promises to deliver a hard-fought battle between two proud programs with deep ties, rich history, and mutual respect born out of years of memorable clashes.

While the Broncos are in a strong position within the conference and continue to surge under the leadership of head Coach Spencer Danielson, the buildup to this game comes with its share of adversity and uncertainty—particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The Broncos’ receiving corps, already thin, has taken a major blow following the season-ending injury to standout receiver Ben Ford sustained in the UNLV game. Making matters more challenging, dynamic wideout Chris Marshall will be unavailable for this week’s matchup after being suspended by Coach Danielson for disciplinary reasons.

Danielson, measured yet firm in his remarks, addressed the situation early in the week: “The standards that we have here and how you act and how you interact with coaches and players matters, and I hope he uses this time to learn and grow from it.” His words carried the tone of both discipline and belief—a coach who values accountability but also development, seeing lessons beyond the field as integral to building the culture Boise State stands for.

That culture, built on resilience and depth, will be tested this weekend. The loss of two of the team’s most explosive receivers places a renewed emphasis on the ground game and the ability of quarterback Maddux Madsen to command an offense that has steadily evolved into one of the most dynamic in the Mountain West. Madsen’s progression this season has been both steady. Entering this week, he’s completed 151 of 251 passes for 1,997 yards with 15 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.  With his current total, Madsen now sits eighth in all-time passing yards in Boise State history, trailing Hank Bachmeier by 356 yards—a milestone that could be easily passed within a game or two should he continue his current pace.

Madsen’s season is not just about the statistical production but the command and confidence he’s shown in high-pressure situations. Whether orchestrating long, clock-draining drives or gritty runs on third down to move the chains, Madsen’s poise has become the stabilizing heartbeat at times for Boise State’s offense. Against a Fresno State defense that ranks in the top half of the conference but has been inconsistent in red-zone coverage, that composure could be the difference between a win and a stumble.

Still, even the best quarterbacks rely on balance, and the Broncos’ offensive engine continues to be powered by one of the most dynamic running back tandems in the Mountain West—led by the relentless, explosive Dylan Riley. Riley’s physicality, vision, and top-end burst have transformed the Boise State offense into a multi-dimensional force. Through eight games, Riley has rushed for 729 yards and seven touchdowns on 98 carries, including a season-long 77-yard run that showcased his breakaway speed. He’s on pace to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the season, which would place him among Boise State’s elite backs—a group that includes legends like Ashton Jeanty, Ian Johnson, Jay Ajayi, and Doug Martin, whose recent passing has been deeply felt throughout Bronco Nation.

Riley’s performance, however, has not existed in isolation. Sire Gaines has emerged as the perfect complement—shifty, quick, and fearless between the tackles. Gaines has racked up 435 yards and five touchdowns on 92 carries, with a long run of 46 yards, consistently proving his ability to pick up crucial yardage and break defenses open in space. The one-two punch of Riley and Gaines will need to be at their absolute best this Saturday, as the Broncos will look to establish the ground game early and use it to dictate tempo, control the clock, and set up play-action opportunities for Madsen.

The challenge for the passing game will be significant without Ford and Marshall, two of the team’s most experienced and productive targets. Before his suspension, Marshall had tallied 24 receptions for 467 yards and two touchdowns, showing flashes of the 4–5 star potential that made him one of Boise State’s most highly anticipated recruits in years. Ford, meanwhile, was having a breakout year with 21 catches for 325 yards and five touchdowns, becoming a reliable threat and emotional leader for the offense. Their absences open the door for others to step up in the receiving room—veterans like Latrell Caples, Matt Lauter, and Chase Penry, along with younger contributors such as Cam Bates, Quinton Brown, Qumonte Williams, and Demetric Whitlock.

Caples, who has been quietly consistent all season, will need to become Madsen’s go-to target in this matchup. His 25 receptions for 334 yards and three touchdowns reflect a steady presence who runs crisp routes and rarely drops passes. Expect Caples to be used heavily in short-to-intermediate routes, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. Chase Penry, who has flashed in limited action, could also play a pivotal role in the slot, and helping create space underneath for tight ends and running backs to contribute in the passing game.

The offensive adjustments, however, cannot succeed without the continued dominance of Boise State’s defense—a unit that has been the backbone of this team’s 4–0 start in Mountain West play. Led by safety Buck Benefield, who has tallied 55 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble, the Broncos’ defense has steadily climbed the national rankings. They currently sit 28th in the nation against the pass and 42nd overall in total defense, a testament to both the talent on the field and the coaching staff’s ability to scheme effectively against a variety of offensive styles.

Benefield’s leadership has been invaluable, but the defense’s success extends across every level of the unit. In the trenches, Braxton Fely has been a disruptive force with 17 tackles and five sacks, consistently winning one-on-one matchups and collapsing pockets from the interior. Jayden Virgin-Morgan has developed into one of the most complete edge defenders in the conference with 34 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles, while linebacker Marco Notarainni continues to anchor the second level with 46 tackles and 1.5 sacks, setting the tone with his physical play and high football IQ.

Perhaps the most exciting storyline on defense this season has been the emergence of cornerback A’Marion McCoy, whose instinctive playmaking has changed games. McCoy’s four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns have made him one of the most dangerous defensive backs in the country when the ball is in the air. Alongside Jeremiah Erby, who has 38 tackles, two interceptions, and half a sack, Boise State’s secondary has become one of the most reliable units in the Mountain West. When paired with the consistent effort of Jaden Mickey, who’s added 18 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble, the Broncos’ defensive backfield looks ready to challenge Fresno State’s passing attack.

Fresno State enters the matchup with talent of its own, even as its season has been uneven. Senior quarterback E.J. Warner, son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, has thrown for 1,486 yards with ten touchdowns and nine interceptions, posting a 55.8 QBR, but may still be out so in his place you could see Sophomore Carson Conklin who’s completed 20 of 42 passes for 142 yards. With the lack of film on it could make him a dangerous opponent if given time to operate. His primary weapons include running back Bryson Donelson, who has accumulated 428 yards and three touchdowns on 92 carries, and wide receiver Joshiah Freeman, who leads the Bulldogs with 27 receptions for 326 yards and four scores.

The Bulldogs’ defensive front is led by senior Finn Claypool, a relentless pass rusher with 30 tackles and four sacks, while linebacker Jadon Pearson leads the team in total tackles with 65. Pearson’s sideline-to-sideline range and tackling ability will be critical in trying to contain Boise State’s dynamic rushing duo. Fresno’s defensive unit, while capable of flashes of dominance, has struggled at times against the run—an area Boise State will undoubtedly look to exploit early and often.

In many ways, this matchup feels like a classic Boise State-Fresno State showdown—two programs with pride, grit, and plenty of history, now fighting not only for bragging rights but also for critical positioning in the Mountain West race. The Milk Can Trophy adds an emotional dimension that transcends standings and statistics. Both fanbases understand the stakes; both understand that records mean little when the Can is on the line.

For Boise State, this game represents more than just another step toward a conference title. It’s a test of depth, leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity. The Broncos have built their reputation on the ability to adapt and overcome, whether it’s losing key players, adjusting to changing game plans, or facing ranked opponents on national stages. This week, that mentality will once again be called upon.

For Fresno State, it’s about redemption. A chance to spoil Boise State’s momentum and reassert themselves as a contender. With Warner’s arm and a veteran defense, the Bulldogs are more than capable of making this a four-quarter battle.

But The Blue has a way of bringing out the best in Boise State football. The home-field mystique, the roar of the crowd, and the energy that pulses through Albertsons Stadium create an atmosphere unlike any other in the Mountain West. If the Broncos can control the line of scrimmage, limit turnovers, and maintain composure in the passing game despite the absence of two key receivers, they’ll be in prime position to keep the Milk Can in Boise for another year.

As the final stretch of the season approaches, the Broncos find themselves on the verge of something special. Madsen continues to write his name among Boise State’s elite quarterbacks, Riley is chasing a 1,000-yard season, and a defense filled with emerging stars like McCoy and Virgin-Morgan continues to suffocate opponents. Saturday’s matchup isn’t just another game—it’s a statement opportunity, a chance for Boise State to prove that its standard remains unchanged no matter who takes the field.

When the clock strikes 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the Milk Can glistens on the sideline awaiting its rightful owner, Boise State will have an opportunity to show once again why The Blue isn’t just a field—it’s a legacy.