Boise State rolls to a decisive win against the New Mexico Lobos

A three TD performance by Sean Modster.

Three turnovers, one returned for a TD.

A 1,000 yard rusher in Alexander Mattison for the 10th straight season, the longest current streak.

There were a lot of things that went well for the Boise State Broncos in their matchup against the New Mexico Lobos. And a few things that went poorly.

The Broncos’ offense felt vanilla. While they had some explosive plays, the feeling you got was that the Broncos were trying to do enough to escape Albuquerque with the win. On paper, and in theory, this game shouldn’t have been a problem. The final score did indicate that.

The Broncos took the opening drive down the field with ease and only took six plays and 3:25 off the clock that ended with Brett Rypien connecting with Modster for the first of three pass TDs. This would portend good things for the Broncos as they got into their rhythm and seeming able to cut through the Lobos defense with ease.

But, apparently, the Lobos had some other plans.

After the Lobos punted on their first series, and the Broncos scoring again on a Modster TD to go up 14-0, Sheriron Jones led the Lobos on a 75-yard march. Jones hit Delane Hart-Johnson for a 20-yard pass to the Broncos’ one. Daevon Vigilint punched it in to bring the Lobos within 7.

After a Boise State punt on the following series, the Lobos committed the first of three turnovers when Desmond Williams helped force a fumble from Zahneer Shuler returning it for a touchdown.

The Broncos’ offense made one more trip in the red zone in the first half that only resulted in three points, putting the Broncos up 24-7.

The second half saw the defense adjust to the New Mexico scheme. A lot was said coming into the game about the New Mexico offensive scheme steering away from the triple option to more of a spread. But, for Boise State, the Lobos were more than ready to oblige with the ol’ triple option standby. Luckily the second half adjustments worked as the Lobos did not score an offensive point.

The Lobos’ final score came off a punt return by Marcus Hayes. The continued special teams mediocrity reared its ugly head. The Broncos also had a field goal blocked by the Lobos. Not ideal.

One of the positives of the night was Alexander Mattison’s well-earned 1,000-yard season came on a walk-off 41-yard touchdown. Mattison had 145-yards on the night and had back-to-back 100+ yard rushing games.

Hilariously enough, Brett Rypien was able to make some plays with his feet getting a crucial third down. Rypien ended the night 17/27, 222 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

The Broncos were able to get a few backups in as Jaylen Henderson saw some meaningful time. Though Rypien was put back in after a few plays.

To cap the game, Andrew Van Buren even got in on the fun with an 8-yard touchdown rush.

Next up is Utah State that will determine the Mountain Division champion. A Boise State win means the Broncos will host whoever the representative is from the West Division. A loss, well, we don’t want to think about that.