Boise State rallies behind Cutforth to stop Texas State comeback
The Broncos overcame a 25-point halftime deficit and an injured starter to hold on for a 46-45 victory in the Pac-12.
By Rafael Collins ·
The Boise State football team held a 25-point lead at the half before losing the momentum entirely in the second half against Texas State. The Bobcats scored the first 36 points of the second period to take a 39-28 advantage with 8:58 remaining on the clock.
The lead changed hands when Jayden Bradley returned an interception thrown by starter Maddux Madsen for a touchdown. That score gave Texas State a 39-28 lead and put the ranked Broncos in a precarious position late in the game. Madsen, who had 236 passing yards and a touchdown, left the game in the fourth quarter after sustaining a hard hit near his left knee.
Max Cutforth entered the game as the relief quarterback. He threw three touchdown passes in the final seven minutes to help secure the 46-45 win. The Broncos’ offensive surge included a defensive play that shifted the momentum. Mana Tuioti intercepted a trick play pass and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown.
The final five minutes of the game featured three lead changes. Cutforth connected with Akeem Wright on an 18-yard pass with 2:40 left to put Boise State ahead for the final time. Cutforth completed eight of 13 passes for 131 yards in his limited appearance.
Boise State coach Spencer Danielson acknowledged the rough stretch for his team. He described the third quarter as one of the worst quarters he had ever witnessed while coaching. Danielson stated he was proud of the group’s ability to find a way to win despite being down 11 points and without their starting quarterback.
Madsen’s status remains unknown as medical staff continue to evaluate his knee. He watched the remainder of the game from the sideline on crutches. This is the second time in two seasons that Cutforth has stepped in for Madsen after an injury. Last year, the Broncos lost 30-7 to Fresno State after Madsen suffered a season-ending injury in the first quarter.
Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns in the loss. The Bobcats, who are 4-4 on the season, have never beaten a ranked team in their 13 attempts since moving to the FBS in 2012. Boise State improved to 7-1 and 4-0 in Pac-12 play.
