UNLV Stuns Boise State on Smurf Turf Behind Last-Second Field Goal
Boise, ID -- In a showdown between two of the Mountain West’s hottest teams, it was the UNLV Rebels who emerged victorious, stunning Boise State 25-24 on their famed blue turf with a game-winning field goal in the final seconds. The Rebels, riding high with now five straight wins, became bowl eligible with their sixth victory of the season—and did it in dramatic fashion.
The hero of the night? Running back Jai’Den Thomas, who bulldozed his way through the Broncos defense for 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns, leading a ground game that proved too powerful for Boise State to contain.
Thomas had the ability to shine due to the absence of quarterback Alex Orji, who left the game on the team’s first drive with an elbow injury.
Boise State responded with big plays of their own, including a second-half surge behind quarterback Maddux Madsen, who connected with his tight ends and receivers to keep the Broncos in it.
They clawed their way back from a two-score deficit to tie the game in the final minutes, then punched in a late touchdown, both runs by running back Jambres Dubar.
But UNLV didn’t flinch.
With the game on the line on a 3rd-and-10 from their own 49-yard line, Alex Orji came back into the game. He was flushed out of the pocket and somehow managed to complete a 19-yard pass as he was hit to Jaden Bradley, who secured the catch and set up the Rebels in field goal range with a minute left.
The Rebels' defense also played a pivotal role, coming up with timely sacks—three on the night—and a clutch fumble recovery deep in their own territory that prevented a potential Boise touchdown.
“We talked about being physical, staying composed, and finishing,” said UNLV head coach Dan Mullen postgame. “Jai’Den ran like a man possessed, and our guys up front won the battle.”
After killing some clock UNLV kicker Caden Costa came out and drilled the game-winning kick.
UNLV now sits in prime position in the Mountain West standings and will look to build off this momentum as bowl season approaches. For Boise State, the loss is a bitter setback on their home turf, but the playoff race remains wide open.
For now, it’s the Rebels who are celebrating—bowl eligible, red-hot, and battle-tested after surviving the blue turf thriller in Boise.
got revenge from both of their losses to Boise a year ago.
Davis chucked the shit out that football. 2 passes for 100+ and a tuddy #efficient