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No. 20 Boise State Broncos survived a dramatic second-half collapse to defeat Texas State Bobcats 46-45 on Saturday, October 31, at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
The Broncos surrendered a 25-point halftime lead before backup quarterback Max Cutforth delivered three late touchdown passes to secure the victory.
However, starting quarterback Maddux Madsen’s left knee injury added to the drama.
Boise State Blows 25-Point Halftime Lead
Boise State appeared firmly in control after taking a 28-3 lead into halftime. However, Texas State produced an extraordinary comeback, scoring 22 points in the third quarter and another 20 in the fourth.
The Bobcats scored 36 unanswered points to turn their 25-point deficit into a 39-28 advantage with 8:58 remaining.
Jayden Bradley also returned Madsen’s first interception of the season for a 20-yard touchdown.
The Broncos suddenly faced a potentially damaging defeat at home before mounting a remarkable late response.
Maddux Madsen Injury: Boise State QB Leaves Game
Madsen suffered a left knee injury with 8:19 remaining in the fourth quarter after completing a 22 yard pass to Akeem Wright. Texas State defender Jo’Laison Landry made contact with the quarterback, who immediately reached for his knee.
Madsen walked off with assistance from trainers and was later spotted on crutches with ice on his knee.
Before leaving, the three-year starter completed 24 of 33 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown.
He also scored twice on the ground. No official diagnosis or recovery timeline was immediately available.
Max Cutforth Leads Boise State To Dramatic Victory
Backup quarterback Max Cutforth stepped in and delivered when Boise State needed him most. He completed eight of 13 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns.
The game witnessed three lead changes in the final five minutes before Cutforth connected with Akeem Wright for an 18-yard touchdown with 2:40 remaining.
Boise State took a 46-45 lead and held on for the victory.
Boise State Keeps College Football Playoff Hopes Alive
The victory improved Boise State’s record to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in Pac-12 play, keeping the Broncos firmly in contention for the College Football Playoff berth reserved for the highest-ranked Group of Six conference champion.
Texas State dropped to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play despite an impressive performance from quarterback Brad Jackson, who threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns.
Boise State will next face Colorado State on November 7, while Texas State travels to Oregon State.
Madsen’s injury status will remain a major storyline heading into the Broncos’ next game.