The Boise State Broncos defended their home turf for the first time of the 2024-2025 season, defeating the Portland State University Vikings in dominant fashion, winning 56-14.
Throughout the game, Albertsons Stadium and the Boise State fans were as loud and energetic as ever, creating an atmosphere like no other for the Broncos. The fans deserve their credit, creating chaos and hardships for the visiting team and making sure that the Vikings would not gain any amount of momentum.
“That game day experience was second to none,” Boise State Head Coach Spencer Danielson said in the postgame press conference. “And Bronco Nation, second to none, in regards to any fan base across the country … thank you so much Bronco Nation.”
On multiple occasions, the noise was too much for the Vikings offense, resulting in penalties and drives to stall out, which is proof as to why Albertsons Stadium is one of the toughest places for opposing teams to visit.
With the crowd roaring and the Vikings offense struggling, the Broncos decided to step up and seize the moment. In the second quarter, starting quarterback Maddux Madsen led three scoring drives, throwing for two and running the other in. This commanding second quarter put the Broncos up by 21 points going into the half and the lead became too much for the Portland State squad to overcome.
The second half was no different than the first.
After a blocked field goal early in the third quarter in favor of the Broncos, Madsen ended his career night by throwing a 52 yard dime to wide receiver Cameron Camper, capping off the starting quarterback’s night in regular fashion.
Half way through the third quarter, now up by 28 points, Bronco fans got to see five star quarterback transfer Malachi Nelson for the first time. Nelson came into the game as Danielson seemingly started to take out the teams starting players as the lead on Portland State grew larger, while the bench players continued dominating on the field.
In Nelson’s two drives on the night, he totalled 66 passing yards completing five for eight of his throws, while both drives resulted in short yardage rushing touchdowns. Not as flashy of an opening game as fans may have hoped, but all that matters is his drives resulted in Boise State touchdowns.
The Broncos entered into the game ranked number 11 in the country in total yards per game, averaging a total of 510 yards in their previous 2 outings. Against the Vikings, the same story was told, the Boise State Broncos totalled an astonishing 609 yards and eight touchdowns for the day.
BSU Stat Leaders:
Maddux Madsen: 200 Total Yards, 4 Total Touchdowns
Ashton Jeanty: 11 Carries, 127 Yards
Matt Lauter: 7 Catches, 91 Yards, 1 Touchdown
PSU Stat Leaders:
Dante Chachere: 202 Total Yards, 1 Touchdown
Delon Thompson: 7 Carries, 39 Yards
Eric Denham: 2 Catches, 43 Yards
