October 11, 2026

Article By Nick Wade  

FRESNO, California. — Boise State finally has the Milk Can back, and the road to reclaiming it ran through a rivalry game that demanded explosive offense, a punishing ground attack and one more fourth-quarter response than Fresno State could produce.

The No. 23 Broncos defeated Fresno State 38–31 on Saturday night at Valley Children’s Stadium, snapping a three-game losing streak against the Bulldogs and opening a new chapter in the rivalry as PAC-12 opponents. In front of 43,086 fans, Boise State improved to 5–1 overall and 2–0 in conference play, while reclaiming a trophy that had been in Fresno’s possession through the previous three meetings.

For Boise State, the victory meant more than adding another win to the standings. The Broncos had entered the night needing to prove they could finish against a familiar opponent that had repeatedly found ways to beat them. A fourth consecutive Fresno State victory would have extended the Bulldogs’ recent dominance over the series, making Boise State’s ability to close out a tense game especially important.

Head coach Spencer Danielson captured the significance of the result after the game. “Huge win for our program,” Danielson said, acknowledging how long it had been since Boise State had beaten Fresno State and reclaimed the Milk Can.

The Broncos earned that win with an offense that produced 512 total yards, controlled possession for 38 minutes and 56 seconds, and repeatedly leaned on a running game that wore down Fresno State as the contest progressed. But while the offensive performance offered plenty of reasons for optimism, Boise State’s defensive secondary again surrendered too many explosive plays, leaving a clear area of concern despite the final result.

Dylan Riley immediately changed the tone of the evening. After Fresno State opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive capped by quarterback Jayden Mandal’s eight-yard run, Riley answered on Boise State’s second offensive play with a 72-yard touchdown run.  Zeke Martinez added the two-point conversion, giving the Broncos an 8–7 lead and delivering an early reminder of how quickly their offense could flip a game.

Riley’s first-quarter burst was only the beginning of a remarkable night. He finished with 150 rushing yards on 19 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt, and added four receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown. His 214 yards from scrimmage made him Boise State’s most productive offensive weapon, and his 44-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter proved crucial when Fresno State threatened to make the game uncomfortable again.

Madsen was efficient throughout the night, completing 23 of 34 passes for 238 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also helped sustain a ground attack that generated 274 rushing yards on 45 attempts. Boise State finished with 29 first downs, converted four of four fourth-down attempts, and gained 512 yards on 79 offensive plays. Fresno State produced 346 total yards, including 277 passing yards, but ran only 51 plays and possessed the ball for just 21:04.
Defensively, Max Stege earns Bronco Nation Updates’ Defensive Player of the Game recognition after recording a sack, two tackles for loss and three total tackles. Mikaio Edward added a sack, while Boise State finished with two sacks and four tackles for loss. The defensive front delivered enough disruption to help the Broncos win, but the overall performance was not without warning signs.

Dylan Riley’s performance against Fresno State earned him Bronco Nation Updates’ Offensive Player of the Game recognition, and the honor was well deserved. Riley delivered one of the most impactful performances of the night, finishing with 150 rushing yards on 19 carries and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 64 yards and another score. His 72-yard touchdown run immediately demonstrated the explosive potential of Boise State’s ground game, while his 44-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter provided another critical answer when the Broncos needed to maintain their advantage. Riley’s 214 yards from scrimmage showcased his versatility and ability to change a game in multiple ways. Alongside Sire Gaines, who added 120 rushing yards and a touchdown, Riley helped establish a physical running attack that repeatedly tested Fresno State’s defense and allowed Boise State to control the tempo. Maddux Madsen also deserves significant recognition for the high level of play he has maintained throughout the season. Against the Bulldogs, Madsen completed 23 of 34 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. His command of the offense, decision-making and ability to distribute the football, as he delivered passes to nine different receivers, have been important components of Boise State’s success, and his continued consistency gives the Broncos a dependable foundation as conference play intensifies.

The timing of Boise State’s upcoming bye week could hardly be more important. While the offense has demonstrated its ability to produce explosive plays and control games with its running attack, the secondary remains a significant concern that cannot be overlooked. Too often against Fresno State, overpursuit and underpursuit left defenders poorly positioned to finish tackles, allowing plays that should have been contained to become major gains. Missed tackles, inconsistent coverage and breakdowns in pursuit angles gave the Bulldogs opportunities to remain competitive despite being held to 69 rushing yards and 346 total yards. Those numbers reflect the defense’s ability to limit the overall production, but they do not erase the damage caused by the explosive plays that reached the secondary. The Broncos must use the bye week to sharpen tackling fundamentals, improve communication, reinforce disciplined pursuit angles and establish greater consistency in coverage. The upcoming matchup with Oregon State makes that work especially urgent. The Beavers possess a talented receiving corps capable of punishing defensive mistakes, and Boise State cannot afford to surrender easy yards after the catch or allow receivers to get behind the coverage. If the Broncos intend to contend for the PAC-12 championship, the bye week must become more than a chance to rest and recover; it must be an opportunity to correct the defensive weaknesses that could determine the outcome of a much bigger game.