Where Legends Are Made- CFB26

[Deuce2223]

The PAC-10 will be a fun challenge and it's only the right thing to add back the older teams. Your QB room is pretty loaded, will be interesting to see how many leave

Yeah. I thought about leaving Oregon and USC in the Big Ten but it just makes more sense to bring them all back and then expand still and with Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno still making the move. However it means I have to beat Oregon, if I want to play for a Pac-12 title and I didn't.

I did a quick sim over the final 2 weeks just to get a look at what coaches leave and what openings Miller might get offered and St Clair and Mack actually boh stayed to compete for the starting job to replace Madsen, but Applewhite (FSU transfer) and the 4* Recruit I signed last year (Keizer) both joined the Portal.. Also the Brown the Alabama CB who transfers in only stays for 1 year and the Minnesota FS transfer leaves early for the NFL. I also lose a couple of my WR's including Bickham who was huge for me last year but hurt all this year.

[Deuce2223]

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BRONCOS VS BUFFS ON SENIOR DAY!!

Colorado rolled into Boise for a Week 12 matchup with Boise State as the Broncos honored the 21 Seniors who would be playing their last official game on "The Blue" (Odds are we will host a playoff game in Week 1 if we win out). For Senior QB Maddux Madsen the end is near as the 3rd year starter looks to lead his team back to the playoffs for a 3rd straight season. For starting LT Kage Casey returning for his Senior appears to have been a solid decision. as he has started all 10 games and has given just 1 sack on the season. For DE Jayden Virgin-Morgan the decision also appears solid as the star DE is just 3 sacks away from posting his 3rd straight season with 10 or more sacks as he once again leads the team with (15 TFL and 7 Sacks). Chris Marshall's return to Boise for his Senior year hasn't produced the same type of #'s as he did last season (93-1396 yds 13 TD vs 59 rec 825 yds 4 TD) his year isn't done and with a couple solid games to close it out he still has a solid chance of repeating a 1000 yd season, but for fellow SR Chase Penry, his final year has been a showcase. Penry leads the team in receptions with 60, yards with 878 and TD's (8).. Another player having a big year is SR TE Austin Terry. Originally the #2 TE to start the year, Terry has shined with the injury to Matt Wagner producing 30 rec for 361 yds and 2 TD over the past 5 games.

Well Boise at (7-1) has gotten alot of Media attention with the #9 ranking and potential playoff berth, don't count out the Buffalo's as a roll over. Colorado enters the game with the same (6-1) record in Pac-12 play.. The Buffs were actually undefeated at 6-0 going into Week 11 and still had a chance to knock off Oregon for a spot in the Pac-12 title game but a (22-21) loss to the Washington Huskies will force Colorado to beat both Boise State and Oregon to close out the season.

It's been a great year for RS FR QB Julian Lewis (85 ovr). Lewis has thrown for 3043 yds with 28 TD and just 4 INT this season. He is also currently the leading rusher with 272 yds and 2 TD with SR RB Simeon Price (85 ovr) on the IR after leading the team with 601 yds and 6 TD.

Lewis has a trio of WR's who are among the nation's best and all 3 are future NFL Draft picks. SR Deandre Moore (96 Ovr) leads the team with 66 rec for 979 yds and 13 TD. after transfering over from Texas. SR Makai Lemon (96 Ovr/USC transfer) has 56 rec for 705 yds and 5 TD after posting 88 1156yds and 4 TD last year for the Trojans and former USC/Georgia Transfer Zachariah Branch (96 Ovr) has 42 rec for 573 yds and 2 TD after posting 107 rec for 1682 yds and 11 TD last year as a Bulldog.

GAME RECAP

Colorado had no answer for RB Sire Gaines who is putting up Heisman type #'s showcasing his ability to be a featured #1 back game after game.. Gaines added to his team leading touchdown #'s as he looks to surpass former teammate Aston Jeanty in the record books as he rushes or (3) 1st half scores to give Boise State a (21-0) lead at the half.

With Gaines already over 100 yds and 3 scores on the day, Iowa State transfer SR Abu Sama III saw some carries in the 2nd half finishing the day with 7 carries for 45 yds well also catching a 4 yd TD pass from Madsen to give Boise State a (28-0) lead before Colorado finally found the endzone making it (28-7) going into the 4th.

Madsen opened up the 4th with a another passing Touchdown finding SR TE Austin Terry for a 15 yd score. Colorado answers back with another score as Lewis finds Moore Jr on a 45 yd bomb to make it (28-14) but SR PK Colton Boomer would tack on his 18th FG of the season to close out the game's scoring..

FINAL SCORE BOISE STATE-38 COLORADO-14

KEY PLAYERS

QB M. Madsen-21/30 (70%) 219 yds 2 TD, 8 carries 46 yds
RB S. Gaines-28 carries 148 yds 3 TD
RB A. Sama III-7 carries 45 yds, 1 rec 4 yds 1 TD
WR E. Fogg-7 rec 81 yds
WR C. Marshall-5 rec 50 yds
WR C. Penry-2 rec 11 yds
TE A. Terry-5 rec 63 yds

QB J. Lewis-23/37 (62%) 290 yds 2 TD, 27 yds rushing
WR Z. Branch-7 rec 111 yds
WR D. Moore Jr-8 rec 95 yds 1 TD
WR J. Williams-3 rec 49 yds 1 TD


UP NEXT

Boise State moves up to 8 in the rankings with the win.. Boise State will now travel to (3-8) Washington for their final regular season game of the season. At this point unless Colorado can pull off a upset and beat Oregon next week the Broncos will have no shot at a Pac-12 title this season But keeping their 10 game win streak alive and a spot in the playoffs should be all the motivation Boise State needs to close out the season with a win.

[Deuce2223]

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BRONCOS MAKE IT 11 IN A ROW!!!

Boise State is headed back to the College Football Playoffs for a 3rd straight season. The Broncos closed out their 2026 regular season with their 11th straight victory finishing 11-1 after a disappointing Week 1 loss to Oregon. After years of dominating the Mountain West, the Broncos have proven to the nation they are just as capable of competing for Pac-12 Championships and on the national state in the College Football playoffs but now the question is who will be their leader moving forward?

Boise State closed out their Week 13 schedule with a trip to Seattle, which was somewhat awkward as both Head Coach Spencer Danielson and Offensive Coordinator Matt Miller on the top of the Huskies wish list for their next HC after a disappointing 3-9 finish.

Neither coach has commented on their future and we won't know more until the Broncos finish out the Playoffs, but with former Boise State Head Coach Chris Peterson working for the University, reports are someone from the Bronco sideline will be in Seattle next season.

GAME RECAP

Washington kept things close in the 1st Quarter trailing (14-10) but Boise State exploded in the 2nd Quarter scoring 20 points well holding the Huskies to just 3 points to take a commanding (34-13) lead into the locker room.

RB Sire Gaines continues to chase history as the Redshirt Sophomore scores 3 TD's in the 1st half well rushing for 78 yds on 16 carries. For Gaines it gives him 1530 yds on the season and 26 Touchdowns, trailing his former teammate Ashton Jeanty's school record of 29 by 3 and the Pac-12 record of 28 held by Standords Toby Gerhart.

With a 3 score lead the Broncos offense looked much different in the 2nd half as Gaines and SR QB Maddux Madsen were both on the sidelines when the Broncos took over on offense for the first time.

Coach Matt Miller

"Both Sire and Mad Dog were battling some wear and tear issues in the 1st half and with the game in hand and knowing we we would be hosting a 1st Round Playoff game we felt it was best to give them some additional rest. We all would love to see Sire get the record but at this point we felt it was best to wait and push for it come playoff time."

With Madsen on the sidelines, former Alabama transfer Austin Mack took over under center but Mack struggled completing just 1/6 pass's for 4yds leading to back to back punts as Washington closed the gap by scoring 2 touchdowns to make it (34-27) going into the 4th.

Boise State would make a change at QB again this time inserting Ohio State transfer Tavien St. Clair (82 Ovr) and St Clair was the spark the team needed as the RS Freshman shows he is the future at QB for Broncos as he completes 9/10 passes for 115 yds including a 21 yd TD to FB/TE Kaden Anderson.

With Sire Gaines on the sidelines, the duo of Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III (15 carries 98 yds) and RS FR Greg Ard (6 carries 33 yds 1 TD) helped Boise State to a (48-27) lead with under 2 minutes to play.

A turnover on downs by the Huskies would give the Broncos the ball back with 58 seconds to play. Most assumed Boise State would just go into victory formation but the Broncos instead sent out SR PK Colton Boomer to attempt a 49 yd FG.

Boomer would connect on the kick giving him a perfect regular season as he finishes 21/21 on the year as he continues to push for the Lou Groza Award

Coach "D"-

Colton has been a huge part of our offense and our success the past 2 seasons and as a coaching staff we felt it was important to give him another opportunity to showcase that.. Boise State has had some great kickers in the past, but Boomer deserves to go down in history as one of our best"

FINAL SCORE BOISE STATE-51 WASHINGTON-27

INJURY REPORT

Despite removing Madsen and Gaines for the 2nd half, the Broncos did not escape the game without a major injury.. Star WR Chris Marshall left the game with a Pulled Groin and is expected to potentially miss the first round of the playoffs (2 weeks). With SO Ja'Bree Bickham already on the IR with a Broken Collarbone, Coach Miller activated (R) FR Keilan Bettis for his 2nd game of the season.

[Deuce2223]

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PAC-12

Oregon closed out a perfect season with a win over Colorado going (12-0, 9-0) to climb to #4 in the Rankings as they prepare to take on #13 (10-2, 7-2) USC. For the Ducks a 1st Round Bye is on the line and for the Trojans it's one last chance to show the selection committee that they deserve a shot at playing for a National Title.

ACC

Louisville's perfect season and a shot at a Top-4 seed came to a crashing halt in Week 13 as they fell to instate rival Kentucky. The Cardinals now (11-1, 9-0) instead go into the playoffs ranked #11 and face a must win game against (9-3) Maryland if they have a chance to compete in the playoffs.

BIG 12

8 (11-1, 9-0) Texas has found success under Lincoln Riley. The former Oklahoma and USC HC will face another 1st year HC looking to point the finishing crown on a great season as former BYU HC Kalani Sitake leads the (8-4) Oklahoma State Cowboys into their first Big 12 Championship since 2011.

BIG TEN

#5 (10-2/7-2) Michigan is coming off their biggest win of the season defeating Ohio State in "The Big Game" but now 1st year HC Steve Sarkisian faces another huge challenge in their quest for a Top-4 seed as the take on #9 (11-1, 9-0) Notre Dame, as the Irish look to push for a chance to host a 1st Round Playoff game.

*Notre Dame and Michigan did not meet during the regular season

SEC

#1 (12-0/9-0) Georgia will put it's perfect season and #1 seed on the line as they take on Archie Manning and the #6 (10-2/7-2) Florida Gators for the SEC title.

Manning who threw for 3605 yds with 33 TD and 6 INT last season for Texas has shined in the Sunshine State throwing for 3401 yds with 30 TD and just 4 INT.

AMERCIAN
(10-2) ECU vs (7-5) FAU

CUSA
#20 (10-2) Southern Miss vs (6-6) Marshall

MOUNTAIN WEST
(9-3) UNLV vs (8-4) New Mexico

MAC
(8-4) Toledo vs (9-3) Western Michigan

SUNBELT
(7-5) Jacksonville State vs (10-2) Arkansas State


** #2 (11-1) Indiana, #3 (11-1) LSU and #7 (11-1) Boise State are a lock to make the Playoffs, but #10 (9-3) Texas A&M and 12 (9-3) SMU are both on the fence depending on the outcome of the Pac-12 title game and the ACC title game. If USC can pull off the spoiler, we could see a 3rd Pac-12 team make the playoffs.. The Tigers currently projected to join Georgia as a Top-4 seed also could see their 1st Round Bye disappear if Notre Dame can pull off the win over Michigan.

[Deuce2223]

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2026 PLAYOFFS

Championship Week resulted in some pretty major changes for the 2026 Playoffs, as #13 USC hands #4 Oregon it's first loss of the year with a (42-38) win in the Pac-12 Championship. The loss drops Oregon to #5 in the rankings. That means that the Ducks will now host the 12 seed in the playoffs as they lose their Top-4 seed.

USC with the win jumps up 4 spots to #9 in the rankings and a guaranteed spot in the playoffs

#1 Georgia defeated #6 Florida (35-7) to win the SEC Championship and with it the #1 Seed in the playoffs.

#5 Michigan defeated #9 Notre Dame (38-30) to win the Big Ten Championship and with the win the Wolverines jump 2 spots to #3 as they claim a Top-4 seed and a 1st Round Bye.. With the loss the Irish drop to #11 in the rankings.

#2 Indiana and #3 (now #4) LSU despite not playing in their conference titles games secure the final Top-4 seeds and 1st round Byes, well #7 Boise State moves up 1 spot to #6 in the final rankings.

The Big loser from Championship week was #10 (9-3) Texas A&M who drops 3 spots in the rankings to #13 making as they join #14 (9-3) Ohio State, #15 (9-3) Ole Miss #16 (9-3) Clemson as the 4 schools who just miss the cut as (9-3) SMU stays at 12 securing the final At-large bid.


Here is a look at the Playoff Bracket

#12 (9-3) SMU vs #5 (12-1) Oregon.. Winner will face #4 (11-1) LSU

#9 (11-2) USC vs 8 (12-1) Louisville.. Winner will face #1 (13-0) Georgia

#11 (11-2) Notre Dame vs #6 (11-1) Boise State.. Winner will face #3 (11-2) Michigan

#10 (10-3) Florida vs #7 (12-1) Texas.. Winner will face #2 (11-1) Indiana


The Committee comes up with some pretty interesting matchups.

Boise State will take on Notre Dame in a rematch of their only regular season loss last season as the Irish visit the Blue for a chance at beating the Broncos and earning a rematch against Michigan in Round 2.

Well Georgia secures the #1 seed, their round 2 matchup will not be a cake walk as they will face either the Pac-12 or ACC Champ showcasing a Power-5 Champion clash..

Archie Manning traveling back to Austin to take on his former team is full of drama .

12 SMU (43.8 PPG) vs Oregon (44.2 PPG) could very well end up being one of the most exciting games to watch at 2 Top-5 Offenses battle head to head for a shot at LSU in Round 2

OTHER INTERESTING FACTS

#14 Ohio State led the nation in scoring at 53.1 PPG (Boise State was #2 at 45.2).

Tennessee (44.2), Clemson (42.2), Pitt (40.1) join them as Top-10 Offenses not to make the playoffs.

POTENTIAL REGULATION

Fresno State (2-10, 0-9) finished last in the Pac-12. USF (3-9, 1-8) finished last in the ACC, Houston (2-10, 2-7) finished last in the Big 12, Iowa (1-11, 0-9), Purdue (2-10, 1-8) and Cincinnati (3-9, 1-8) all had horrible years in the Big Ten well Mississippi State (2-10, 1-8) struggled in the SEC.

ECU (11-2) won the American and could be view a s potential ACC member in 2030.. #20 (11-2) Southern Miss won CUSA and could look at replacing Miss State in the SEC.. (10-3) Western Michigan won the MAC, well (11-2) Arkansas State won the Sun Belt.

(10-3) UNLV won the Mountain West could go after Fresno's spot in the Pac-12 should they continue to dominate the conference now that Boise State is gone.

[Deuce2223]

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2026 COLLEGE AWARDS SHOW

Ohio State JR WR Jeremiah Smith repeated as the 2026 Heisman after winning the 2025 Heisman with 132 rec for 2031 yds and 29 TD's last year was named the 2026 winner despite finishing with 115 rec for 1663 yds and 14 TD's.

Smith also won the Maxwell Award as well as the Walter Camp Award beating out his teammate JR QB Julian Sayin who threw for a record 60 TD"s and just 4 INT well completing 65% of his passes for 4930 yds. Last year Sayin threw for 5102 yds with 47 TD and 5 INT.

Sayin did manage to bring home the Davey O'Brien Award beating out SMU SR QB Kevin Jennings who finished with 4034 yds with 39 TD and 2 INT passing and 573 yds and 7 TD's rushing. Jennings finished 3rd in the Heisman/Maxwell and Walter Camp, but does take hom the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award given to the Best SR QB.

Smith added the Fred Blletnikoff to his trophy case beating out SR WR De Andre Moore (Colorado) who finished with 81 rec for 1181 yds and 16 TD's.

Michigan JR RB Jordan Marshall won the Doak Walker Award finishing the year with 218 carries for 1118 yds and 26 TD's.. Marshall finished 4th in the Heisman/Maxwell and Camp.

Boise State's SIre Gaines despite having what many consider to be better #'s 227 carries, 1530 yds and 26 TD"s finished 4th. (Not sure how someone with 400 more yds rushing finishes 4th when both players had 26 TD's)

Georgia's Kirby Smart was named the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year and Southern Miss State DC Jasome Semore won the Broyles Award after helping guide the Eagles to a American League Championship and Top-20 finish.

Southern Miss QB Cameron Dyer beat out Colorado's Julian Lewis for the Shaun Alexander Award given to the nation's Best Freshman.

Dyer had 3501 yds passing with 23 TD and 8 INT well also rushing for 473 yds and a team high 15 TD's. Lewis finished with 3561 yds with 34 TD and 5 INT well rushing or 316 yds and 2 TDs.

Boise State's Colton Boomer did manage to bring home the Lou Groza Award.

On Defense Louisville SR DE Gabe Harris JR won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy.. The Georgia transfer finished with a insane 30 TFL and 13.5 sacks after posting just 7 TFL and 3 sacks last year for the Bulldogs. Harris also won the Lombardi and was the DE of the Year.

Kansas State SR CB Jeremiah Wilson won the Jim Thorpe Award. The Florida State transfer posted just 1 INT last year for the Seminoles but had 9 this season for the Widcats.

Alabama's Parker Brailsford won the Outland Trophy and Rimington given to the Nation's Best O-Lineman.

Arkansas State JR TE Ty Lockwood won the John Mackey. Lockwood a Boston College transfer posted 82 rec for 933 yds and 6 TD's for the Red Wolves.

Tennessee SR LB Jeremiah Telander won the Dick Butukus.. Telander followed up a 96 Tackle season last year with 88 Tackles and 6 INT's!! this season.

Eastern Michigan FR Alani Homer won the Ray Guy. Homer punted 81 times for 3657 yds (45.1 Avg) with a net Avg of 38.9

Oregon's Justius Lowe on the Jew Award.. Lowe returned 1 Kickoff and 2 Punts for TD's well posting over 1000 combined yards between the 2 jobs.

[Deuce2223]

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WEEK 1 BOWL RESULTS

68 Ventures Bowl- Arkansas State-20 Ball State-17
Alamo Bowl- #22 UCLA-31 Oklahoma State-28
Arizona Bowl- Nevada-38 Toledo-17
Armed Forces Bowl- #17 Auburn-36 UConn-14
Birmingham Bowl- Tulane-34 Boston College-24
Boca Raton Bowl- Memphis-41 South Alabama-21
Cure Bowl- #20 Southern Miss-39 Miami OH-18
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl- UNLV-35 Liberty-32
Fenway Bowl- Georgia Tech1-33 FAU-27
Frisco Bowl- Army-28 UTSA-17
GameAbove Sports Bowl- Rutgers-48 Central Michigan-10
Gasparilla Bowl UCF-33 Kentucky-21
Hawaii Bowl- San Jose State-37 Colorado State-34
Holiday Bowl- Miami-24 Colorado-7
Independence Bowl Oklahoma-62 James Madison-15
LA Bowl- Virginia Tech-49 New Mexico-14
Las Vegas Bowl- #18 South Carolina-42 23 Arizona State-27
Liberty Bowl- Texas Tech-24 Florida State-21
Military Bowl- Duke-41 FIU-26
Music City Bowl- #16 Clemson-47 #21 Pitt-35
Myrtle Beach Bowl- ECU-28 UL Monroe-21
New Mexico Bowl- Kansas State-28 Jax State-17
New Orleans Bowl- Western Kentucky-45 Kennesaw State-30
Pop Tarts Bowl #13 Texas A&M-34 Maryland-20
Rate Bowl- 24 Penn State-24 Baylor-13
Salute to Veterans Bowl- Troy-26 Western Michigan-24

1ST ROUND PLAYOFF GAMES

#9 USC-38 8 Louisville-6
SR RB Carson Hansen had 23 carries for 154 yds and 2 TD's and former Fresno State RB Bryson Donelson added 8 carries for 29 yds and 1 TD in the win.

#5 Oregon-54 12 SMU-14
Oregon QB Dante Moore threw for 373 yds with 3 TD well also rushing for 51 yds. RS FR RB Jordon Davison added 22 carries for 93 yds and 4 TD well backup RS FR Dierre Hill had 9 carries for 40 yds and 1 TD rushing and 3 rec for 29 yds and 1 TD receiving. SR WR Kyler Kasper finished with 9 rec for 160 yds

SMU QB K. Jennings was just 16/29 (55%) for 222 yds with 1 TD in the loss.

#7 Texas-38 #10 Florida-36
Archie Manning completed 17/34 (50%) for 205 yds with 2 TD in the loss, well Tommy Trout threw for 323 yds with 2 TD and 2 INT well adding a rushing TD in the win.. Texas also got 13 carries for 123 yds and 2 TD's out of JR RB CJ Baxter.

[Deuce2223]

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BRONCOS GET REVENGE AGAINST IRISH IN ROUND 1

#6 Seed Boise State got it's revenge against #11 seed Notre Dame defeating the Irish on the "The Blue" and will advance to the Fiesta Bowl for a 2nd round matchup with # Michigan.

Notre Dame jumped out to the early (7-0) lead in the 1st Quarter but Boise State battled back to tie the game (13-13) at the half on a pair of Colton Boomer FG's including a 49 yd kick as time expired in the half.

Notre Dame opened up the 2nd half with a touchdown but Boise State answers right back as Sire Gaines breaks free for a 52 yd score.. The run put Gaines over 100 yds on the day and gave the Broncos the spark they need as the Defense holds Notre Dame on the next series setting up a short punt that allowed the Broncos to take the lead (27-20) as Maddux Madsen finds JR TE Matt Wagner for a 25 yd score.

Notre Dame would answer back and tie the game midway through the 4th Quarter (27-27) as SO RB Kedren Young breaks free for a 39 yd score

Boise State however retakes the lead with 2:48 to play in the game as Madsen hits Chris Marshall on a 42 yd bomb selling the play action to Gaines perfectly.

OC Matt Miller

"Getting both Wagner and Marshall back for the game was huge for our passing game.. Mad Dog did what he does best and kept fighting and made the big play when we needed it most"

Well one could say Madsen or Gaines are well deserving of the MVP Award, the true MVP was Alabama transfer Zabien Brown as the Junior CB picks off Irish QB CJ Carr on the final series for the Notre Dame sealing the victory as Boise State goes into victory formation.

For Carr it was a bittersweet ending to what was a pretty solid game (22/43 passing for 268 yds with 1 TD and 8 carries for 46 yds and 1 TD on the ground).

FINAL SCORE BOISE STATE-34 NOTRE DAME-27

KEY BRONCOS
QB M. Madsen-21/35 (60%) 240 yds 3 TD,
RB S. Gaines-16 carries 138 yds 1 TD
WR C. Marshall-9 rec 101 yds 2 TD
WR C. Penry-3 rec 38 yds
WR J. Bickham-2 rec 29 yds
TE M. Wagner-5 rec 56 yds 1 TD

[Deuce2223]

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WEEK 2 BOWL RESULTS

ORANGE BOWL
#1 Georgia defeated #9 USC (27-13) to win and Advance to the Semi Finals.. The Bulldogs got 111 yds and 1 score off 13 carries fro JR RB Issac Brown (94 ovr)

COTTON BOWL
#4 LSU defeated #5 Oregon (20-13) in a defensive battle to Advance to the Semi Finals. Oregon QB Dante Moore threw for 169 yds with 1 INT in the loss. LSU got 102 yds and a TD from JR RB Caden Durham (93 Ovr) on 19 carries.

PEACH BOWL
#7 Texas defeated #2 Indiana (45-13) to win and Advance.. The Longhorns dominated taking a 24-3 lead at the half and added 21 more points in the 4th. Tommy Trout threw for 312 yds with 3 TD and CJ Baxter had 20 carries for 111 yds and 1 TD. Former Cal QB Fernando Mendoza (90 Ovr) threw for 187 yds with 1 TD and 1 INT in the loss.

OTHER BOWL RESULTS

Bahamas Bowl- Ohio-20 Wisconsin-17
Citrus Bowl- #19 Nebraska-27 Georgia Southern-3
Duke's Mayo Bowl- #14 Ohio State-45 NC State-17
First Responder Bowl- Georgia State-31 Minnesota-25
Gator Bowl- Tennessee-35 Navy-7
Reliaquest Bowl- 24 Illinois-34 UAB-21
Sun Bowl- UNC-28 Cal-14
Texas Bowl- #15 Ole Miss-45 Stanford-39

[Deuce2223]

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WOLVERINES DOMINATE BRONCOS IN FIESTA BOWL

GAME RECAP

The Boise State fails to advance to the Semi Finals for a 3rd straight year as the Broncos can't find their past Fiesta Bowl Magic. BSU held Michigan to a opening drive FG and then proceed to run off 3 huge chunk plays against the Michigan Defense setting up a early redzone visit but the Broncos were forced to settle for a FG of their own making it (3-3).. Both teams would then score touchdowns on their next series as the 1st Quarter came to a close tied (10-10)

Michigan dominated the 2nd Quarter as the Wolverines pick off Maddux Madsen twice leading to back to 3 straight scores as they jump out to a (27-10) lead with under 3 minutes to play in the half. Madsen would bounce back from his earlier INT's and lead the Broncos on a nice 8 play drive that ends 3 yd TD pass to SR TE Austin Terry to cut the lead to (27-17) but the Wolverines tack on a 51 yd FG to end the half going into the locker room up (30-17).

Things got worse for Madsen in the 2nd half. A fumble would lead SR DE Enow Etta scoring a 34 yd touchdown on the recovery.. Michigan would then go for the 2pt play to make it (38-17).. To make matters worse Madsen was hurt on the play leading to RS Freshman Tavian St Clair taking over down by 3 scores.

St Clair a former Ohio State Buckeye looked pretty good against his former rival team though as he leads Boise State down the field on 3 straight pass's before BSU is forced to punt leading to another Michigan score making it (45-17). Another forced punt leads to more points as the Wolverines end the 3rd Quarter with a 42 yd FG making it (48-17) going into the 4th.

St Clair finds a spark early in the 4th leading the Broncos down to the 3 yd line before Sire Gaines takes over for his 28th rushing touchdown of the season as he ties Stanford's Toby Gerhart for the Pac-12 record., leaving him trailing Ashton Jeanty's school record o 29 set 2 years ago by 1.

After holding Michigan to a FG to make it (48-24) St Clair would lead the Broncos down the field and inside the redzone for a 2nd straight trip as Boise State looked to get Gaines the record, but the Michigan Defense was ready as they stop Gaines short setting up a 4th and 4 with 1:22 to play..

Wanting to get Gaines the record was thrown out the window as St Clair takes the snap rolls right and fires to JR TE Matt Wagner for the score to make it (48-30). Trailing by 18, Boise State left the offense on the field for the 2pt play coming up short. Left with just 1 timeout Michigan would go into victory formation to run out the clock.

FINAL SCORE MICHIGAN-51 BOISE STATE-30

KEY PLAYERS

QB M. Madsen-13/35 (37%) 159 yds 1 TD 2 INT, 1 Fumble
QB T. St Clair-14/28 (50%) 173 yds 1 TD, 20 yds rushing
RB S. Gaines-24 carries 57 yds (2.4 avg) 1 TD
RB A. Sama III-3 carries 10 yds (3.3 avg)
WR C. Penry-6 rec 97 yds (2 drops)
WR M. Anderson-5 rec 52 yds
WR J. Bickham-3 rec 48 yds
TE M. Wagner-5 rec 75 yds 1 TD (4 drops)
TE A. Terry-3 rec 34 yds

QB B. Underwood-17/28 (60%) 230 yds 1 TD, 24 yds rushing
RB J. Marshall-13 carries 74 yds 3 TD
WR A. Marsh-6 rec 82 yds
WR I. Strong-4 rec 73 yds 1 TD

[georgiafan]

Looks like turnovers got you in this one and not the way for Madsen to go out. I always think its good not to win it too early

[Deuce2223]

Looks like turnovers got you in this one and not the way for Madsen to go out. I always think its good not to win it too early

Yeah it was tough. I still am working on figuring out the game.. In past versions I have always been able to find a handoff of plays I could count on when I need a score but so far I have not really found those yet.. I didn't put it in the writeup but both my starting LG and RG were in and out of the game with injuries and it really hurt our run block scheme which resulted in Gaines having his worst game of the season and that coupled with Madsen cold the entire first half didn't help Michigan's Defense is good too..

I am not sad about not winning.. I felt last year I won to many Natty's to quickly.. In my Coach Ryan Dynasty I left Boise as the OC and went to Texas tech and won 4 in my first 6 years and last year with Miller I went to FIU and won then to Ohio State and won more..

I had originally planed on Miller taking a HC job at a smaller school that would be in need of a rebuild but Coach D made a move that is now causing me to pivot and adjust that plan as you will soon see.

[Deuce2223]

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GEORGIA IS YOUR 2026 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Michigan and Coach Sarkisian went on to beat Texas (17-10) in the Rose Bowl and Georgia dominated LSU in the Sugar Bowl in a (48-3) win to advance to the Natty.

Georgia was just to much though as the Bulldogs pull of the (28-13) as Coach Kirby Smart wins his 3rd National Championship as the Bulldogs finish the year with a perfect record.

[Deuce2223]

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DANIELSON LEAVES BOISE STATE FOR WASHINGTON

Last year we saw some crazy moves as Dabo Sweeney leaves Clemson for Alabama after the Tide roll out Kalen Deboar. We saw Steve Sarkisian leave Texas for Michigan after Sherron Moore was fired, we saw Lincoln Riley bail on USC to head to Austin to take on the Longhorns, Lane Kiffin replacing Sweeney at Clemson as well as some other major moves.

This season the Carousel was much quieter with Coach Spencer Danielson making the big move to head to north to Seattle following in the footsteps of another former Boise State Hall of Fame HC in Chris Peterson..

Despite having multiple HC job offers to Oregon State, Fresno State, NC State, USF and Liberty, Offensive Matt Miller instead will return to the Broncos only this time it will be with the Head Coach title as he takes over for Coach D looking to lead the Broncos to a 4th straight playoff appearance well also having to face his Mentor every season..

Miller will have some help though as DC Eric Chindander announced he is signing a extension to stay in Boise to work with Miller.. With Miller stepping into the HC duties the Broncos will be looking for a new OC with some wondering who Miller might bring in.

Danielson with just 3 years of Head Coaching experience brought in 2 former HC to join his staff as he hires former Miss State Head Coach Jeff Lebby who also was a OC and QB Coach for Ole Miss, Oklahoma, UCF and worked at Baylor as well. Danielson then went with a DC very familiar to the Pacific Northwest and the Pac-12 hiring former Oregon State HC/DC Trent Bray.

Here is a list of some of the other changes around the nation.

Shane Beamer- South Carolina for Iowa

Lance Taylor-Western Michigan to Florida State

Jamey Chadwell-Liberty to Miss State

Sam Pittman-Arkansas Retired they hire Mike Norvell (Fired from FSU)

Greg Schiano leaving Rutgers for Syracuse

Thomas Hammock- Northern Illinois to Oregon State

Matt Campbell-TCU to Purdue

Mark Stoops Kentucky to NC State

Aaron Watson leaving Kent State for Toledo

CJ Kline leaving Texas State for Houston

Alex Golesh leaving USF for TCU

Tim Beck leaving Coastal Carolina for Northwestern

Mick Cloud fired from Iowa lands at Northern Illinois

Luke Fickell DC at Washington going to Kentucky HC

Sonny Cumbie was fired as Purdue HC and returns to TCU to be the OC a job he held back in the 2014-2020 before leaving for Texas Tech.

[Deuce2223]

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END OF THE YEAR RECAP

SAYING GOODBYE
Boise State says goodbye to a Senior Class of 21 with many of them playing major roles over the past 3 seasons helping the Broncos win 2 Mountain West Titles and 3 straight trips to the playoffs.

QB Maddux Madsen (3491 yds 26 TD 8 INT) didn't play a great final game but the undersized and overlooked Senior QB did enough to merit a 7th round NFL draft selection.

He will was joined (7th Round) by Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III who had a solid season backing up Sire Gaines finishing with 101 carries for 653 yds and 9 TD's.

Neither Chase Penry (79 rec 1141 yds 8 TD) or Chris Marshall (78 rec 1028 yds 6 TD) were selected in the draft but the former 5* All-American who produced 171 rec for 2424 yds and 19 TD the past 2 seasons I am sure will get a undrafted FA contract.

SR TE Austin Terry (42 rec 497 yds 5 TD) had a solid season filling in for starter Matt Wagner and will be missed.

LT Kage Casey (93 Overall) improved his draft stock and was taken in the 1st Round. In total the Broncos graduated 5 O-Lineman including some key reserves.

Both DE Jayden Virgin-Morgan and Minnesota transfer FS Koi Perich joined Casey as 1st round selections. Virgin-Morgan leaves BSU with 47 TFL and 19.5 Sacks over the past 2 seasons well Perich led the Broncos in tackles this season with 78 and had a team high 5 INT.

Fellow FS Ty Benefield (122 Tackles 4 INT)-7th Round and Alabama transfer SS Bray Hubbard (60 Tackles 1 INT)- went in the 2nd round.

SR CB Jaden Mickey (111 Tackles 5 INT) wasn't drafted but will likely sign a undrafted FA deal along with SS Devon Gainter JR (C. Rich in the game).. Gainter had 108 Tackles and 3 INT after arriving from Eastern Washington.

COMING UP SHORT

RS Sophomore RB Sire Gaines came up short of tying Ashton Jeanty's school record of 29 touchdowns but still had a great season finishing with 301 carries for 1725 yards and 28 TD's.. The Best news is Gaines is rollling it back as he will return for his Junior season.

EXPLORING THEIR OPTIONS

New HC Matt Miller did a pretty solid job of retaining some top talent from joining the transfer portal but Boise State didn't come away completely unscathed.

Former Alabama transfer CB Zabien Brown (70 tackles 4 INT) is going back in to explore options for his Senior year. As is his former teammate QB Austin Mack.

Despite Mack leaving and the graduation of Madsen, former 4* QB Recruit Klayton Keizer is joining the portal after Miller was able to retain former Ohio State transfer Tavien St Clair.. It appears St Clair will have the inside track at the starting job unless Miller can land another QB in the portal this season.

SO WR Ja'Bree Bickham had a breakout year as True Freshman with 13 TD's but battled injuries all last season and has decided to explore his options despite having the inside track at the #1 WR job.

MILLER NEEDS TO GET TO WORK

After finishing with the #18 Overall Class last season including 12-4* Recruits, Boise State will head into the off-season with just 3 commitments (2-4*, 1-3*) with 28 available scholarships.

Reports are Miller will look hard at the Portal as he looks for a backup QB, backup RB, probably a WR or 2 as well as a couple TE's and some replacement O-Lineman on the Offensive side of the ball and he will need to completely rebuild the secondary as well as the Pass Rush on Defense.