Boise State Rallies Past Texas State After Wild Second Half

A Wild Comeback in Boise

Boise State blew a 25 point halftime lead against Texas State on Saturday night, but backup quarterback Max Cutforth saved the day. Cutforth threw three touchdown passes in the final seven minutes to lead the 20th ranked Broncos to a wild 46-45 victory.

Texas State opened the second half with 36 straight points. The Bobcats took a 39-28 lead with 8:58 remaining when Jayden Bradley returned an interception for a touchdown. Starter Maddux Madsen left the game in the fourth quarter after a hard hit near his left knee and ended up watching from the sideline on crutches.

Cutforth Steps Up Under Pressure

Madsen threw for 236 yards and one touchdown while running for two more scores before his injury. Coach Spencer Danielson said Madsen is still being evaluated by the training staff. Cutforth took over and completed 8 of 13 passes for 131 yards.

"The third quarter was one of the worst quarters of football that I've ever been a part of," Danielson said. "But then in the fourth quarter, we throw a pick six, we're down 11 and a quarterback. But I'm proud of this team and this group of leaders that found a way to win."

Cutforth added that playing last season helped him stay prepared. "Getting to play last year, I gained a lot of experience," Cutforth said. "I took big steps in learning how to be a backup, so that's helped me. I just tell myself every week that I'm going in."

Key Plays Secure the Win

Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns. The Bobcats almost pulled off their first win against a ranked opponent in 13 attempts since joining FBS in 2012.

With Texas State leading 39-34, Mana Tuioti intercepted a pass on a trick play and returned it to the Bobcats 11 yard line. Cutforth later found Akeem Wright for an 18 yard touchdown with 2:40 left to put Boise State ahead for good.

Now 7-1 overall and 4-0 in Pac-12 play, Boise State remains the front runner for the Group of 6 playoff spot heading into Tuesday's initial CFP rankings.

What it means for the next game

Boise State Broncos at Colorado State Rams (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Colorado State Rams win 32%, Boise State Broncos win 68%; projected score Colorado State Rams 27, Boise State Broncos 34. Our safest pick: Over 50.5 points.

Texas State Bobcats at Oregon State Beavers (College Football, Sun, 08 Nov): Oregon State Beavers win 83%, Texas State Bobcats win 17%; projected score Oregon State Beavers 42, Texas State Bobcats 27. Our safest pick: Oregon St to win.