Third Quarter:

Both teams started off slowly in their first possessions of the second half, trading short drives and punts. Colorado State did get rolling on their next possession, taking advantage of some missed plays from the Boise State linebacker crew. Izzy Matthews got the ball and ran right through the middle of the Bronco defense for 56 yards, getting the Rams to the Boise State 31 yard line.  

The drive was capped off with an incredible one-handed, contested, 8-yard touchdown catch from Carta-Samuels to Warren Jackson. Boise State did respond accordingly, scoring on their next possession. Brett Rypien picked apart the Ram defense, rushing for 16 yards and going 2-3 for 31 passing as well. The drive was capped off with a 4-yard touchdown run by Tight End Garrett Collingham.

Boise State 42, Colorado State 14

Fourth Quarter:

After one long quarter of nobody visiting the Turnover Throne, Boise State’s defense notched another turnover.  On an 11 play drive that had started in the 3rd quarter, Colorado State was once again moving the ball well against the Bronco defense. With the Rams approaching midfield, Carta-Samuel completed an 8-yard pass to Olabisi Johnson for 8 yards and Avery Williams closed in and stripped the ball while making the tackle.  

The fumble was recovered by Kekoa Nawahine for the 3rd turnover of the game. The Broncos responded with a 25-yard touchdown pass From Rypien to Sean Modster for his second touchdown reception of the game.

In a quick back and forth, both teams added another score.  Colorado getting on the board with Carta-Samuel’s third touchdown pass, this time to Warren Jackson, and Avery Williams returned Colorado State’s onside kick attempt for a touchdown. The Ram’s were the final team to add to their score getting Matthews into the end zone from 4 yards out, completing a 13 play, 75-yard drive.

Final Score: Boise State 56, Colorado State 28

Key Moment:

Kaniho’s fumble recovery for a touchdown.  Getting the bounce and being able to return it for a touchdown was an early body shot to Colorado State.

Player of the Game:

As easy as it would be to go with Brett Rypien, Player of the Game goes to A.J. Richardson. Richardson had 6 catches for a career-high 137 yards and 2 touchdowns. With the first 2 touchdown receptions of the game, he was key in opening up the game quickly.

Final Thoughts:

Offensively this was a game that Bronco fans were looking for.  Brett Rypien was efficient and accurate, the running game is showing some signs of life, and the receivers were winning their contested matchups. Defensively was a bit of a mixed bag.  The three turnovers were a great showing, but they were also gouged for several big plays. With teams like Fresno State and Utah State still on the schedule, that will have to be cleaned up to come away with those victories.

Next Up:

Boise State travels to Colorado Springs to face Air Force and their triple-option offense next Saturday at 5:00 PM (MT). ESPN’s Power index gives Boise State a 75.8% chance of coming away with the victory.