As expected, the Boise State Broncos had no trouble defeating the Portland State Vikings in their home opener on Saturday night, with Spencer Danielson’s team ultimately winning 56-14 to move to a record of 2-1.
The Broncos totaled 609 yards on offense, while their opponents in the Big Sky Conference totaled 277 yards.
Starting quarterback Maddux Madsen (13/18 for 188 yards, three touchdown passes, one rushing touchdown) was taken off the field in the third quarter, along with most of the Broncos’ starters. That opened the door for celebrated USC transfer quarterback Malachi Nelson to make his Broncos debut. Nelson completed five passes on eight attempts for 66 yards and led two touchdown drives in the second half.
Nampa quarterback Max Cutforth, the third freshman, also played and completed two passes on two attempts for 13 yards.
Star running back Ashton Jeanty also played only limited games, but still ran 11 times for 127 yards. Backup Dylan Riley and fullback Tyler Crowe and Sire Gaines got additional work. Riley scored the first two touchdowns of his college career and Crowe his first since 2021.
Next week, the Broncos will host Washington State, their future Pac-12 conference partner, on the Blue Turf on FOX. Kickoff time will be announced later this week.
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