San Jose State at Boise State Recap: Broncos come back to win over Spartans

Broncos trail early, overcome 17-0 deficit, now 2-0 in Conference

Spartans fail to hold early lead, fall to 0-2 in Conference play

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In a game that both teams are still probably trying to figure out what happened, the Broncos and Spartans played a high-stakes game where the lead only changed once. And once would prove to be enough.

In the first quarter, after exchanging punts, San Jose State recovered a fumble from Ashton Jeanty which put the Spartans on a short field. Spartans running back Kairee Robinson opened the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run.

Then, on the ensuing play for Boise State, Broncos quarterback Maddux Madsen’s first pass attempt was an interception that set up the Spartans offense at the Boise State 25-yard line. San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeirocapped this drive with an 11-yard touchdown run to put the lead at 14-0.after a three-and-out forBoise State, the Spartans added a field goal to lead 17-0 heading into the second quarter.

As Boise State has rotated two quarterbacks in their games, it was Maddux who led the initial scoring for the Broncos, with an 83-yard touchdown pass to Eric McAllister. San Jose State added a field goal to extend their lead to 20-7.

On their next drive, the Broncos even tried to go up tempo, which seemed like it was working to tire out the Spartans; however a second fumble by Ashton Jeanty lead to another touchdown for the Spartans, this one by Quali Conley, with a 27-7.

A late touchdown on a quarterback draw by Maddux Madsen left the halftime score at 27-14, including three San Jose State touchdowns off three turnovers by the Broncos.

After both punting to open the second half, Boise State’s second drive of the third quarter featured a 63-yard run by Jeanty and was finished in the end zone, closing the gap to 27-21 on an efficient bootleg run by Taylen Green.

At a one-score game, the momentum was clearly leaning in Boise State’s direction. On their next drive, San Jose State was stopped on a 4th down and 4 to go at the Boise State 29-yard line, gaining more momentum for the Broncos.

The ensuing drive by Boise State featured a 46-yard reception by Eric McAllister, finished with an 11-yard touchdown run by Taylen Green, to put the Broncos ahead 28-27 early in the fourth quarter.

Midway through the fourth, Boise State added to its lead when Taylen Green threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Riley Smith, to make the score 35-27.

Some late game suspense included an interception by Cordeiro and a missed field goal by Boise State, but nothing that changed the scoreboard. The Spartans had a late drive turnover on downs to no avail, and Boise State was able to kneel out the clock and secure the victory at the final score of 35-27 in favor of the Broncos.

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Keys to the Game:

Poise, Fortitude, whatever you want to call it, the Broncos found a way to not only remain competitive in the game, but also came back to claim a lead they would not relinquish. Despite being down three scores, Boise State kept getting big plays and eventually took over the momentum and then the game. Twenty-eight points unanswered left the Spartans looking for whatever opportunity they could find and the Boise State faithful with something to cheer about.

Final Thoughts:

San Jose State looked like they were going to run away in the first quarter, but by game’s end had no adjustments to be made to regain the lead. Boise State’s use of two quarterbacks – even alternating them in the same drive – still seems kind of questionable but was effective all the same. And with this kind of comeback, it would seem Broncos Head Coach Andy Avalos has more of a reason to continue with the rotation as he sees fit to do.

Player of the Game:

In a game of such ups and downs for both teams, Boise State’s Eric McAllister helped lead the comeback and had a few big plays. The sophomore wide receiver opened the Broncos’ scoring in the game, taking an eighty-three yard touchdown pass after San Jose State jumped out to a 17-0 lead. From there, McAllister hauled in a 46-yard reception on the drive that put Boise State ahead to stay. Overall, McAllister finished with five catches for 170 yards and one touchdown.

Next Up:

The Spartans will head out on the road to play at New Mexico next week, still in search of their first conference win. The Broncos will continue their conference play at Colorado State next Saturday.

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