Boise State erases 25-point deficit to topple Texas State
Backup quarterback Max Cutforth threw three late touchdowns as the Broncos overcame a second-half collapse to secure a 46-45 win.
By Madison Morris ·
Boise State quarterback Max Cutforth threw three touchdown passes in the final seven minutes to lead a 46-45 victory over Texas State on Saturday night. The No. 20 Broncos (7-1, 4-0 Pac-12) overcame a 25-point halftime deficit to defeat the Bobcats (4-4, 2-2) in Boise, Idaho.
Texas State controlled the second half, scoring the first 36 points of that period. The Bobcats held a 39-28 lead with 8:58 remaining after Jayden Bradley returned an interception from starter Maddux Madsen for a touchdown. Brad Jackson, the Texas State quarterback, threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns while his team managed the game.
Boise State coach Spencer Danielson described the third quarter as one of the worst performances he has witnessed in the sport. He noted that his team was down by 11 points and without its starting quarterback late in the game. Danielson expressed pride in the leadership shown by the players who secured the win despite the adversity.
The momentum shifted when Boise State defensive end Mana Tuioti intercepted a trick play pass and returned it to the Texas State 11-yard line. The Broncos then executed three lead changes in the final five minutes. Cutforth found Akeem Wright for an 18-yard touchdown pass with 2:40 left to give Boise State a permanent lead.
Madsen left the game in the fourth quarter after taking a hard hit near his left knee. He completed for 236 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for two scores. He spent the remainder of the game on crutches at the sideline. Danielson said the training staff was still evaluating Madsen, leaving his status unknown.
Cutforth went 8-for-13 for 131 passing yards in relief. He cited last season’s experience as a backup as a factor in his preparedness for the game. Last year, he replaced Madsen after the starter suffered a season-ending injury in a loss to Fresno State.
Texas State remains winless against ranked opponents in its 13 attempts since joining the FBS in 2012. The Bobcats play at Oregon State on Saturday, while Boise State travels to Colorado State for its next contest.
Source: Greenwich Time
