Boise State vs. Washington State Game Recap Boise State won a close game against Washington State at Albertsons Stadium on Sept. 10, while hosting the fourth largest attendance in stadium history with 36,163 people. The Broncos came out quick, Tyler Horton on the first defensive drive took back an interception for 85-yards to put the Broncos up 7-0. Boise State led at the end of the first quarter 14-0. In the second quarter, Washington State attempted a field goal, but Sam McCaskill was able to block the kick, giving the Broncos the ball. Toward the end of the first half Brett Rypien threw a costly interception and Washington State turned it into a touchdown with 42 seconds left in the half. After a nice catch by Cedrick Wilson, Boise State was able to kick a field goal and go into the half leading 17-7. With eight minutes and 20 seconds left in the third quarter, Rypien threw a great deep ball to Thomas Sperbeck for a 49-yard touchdown to put the Broncos up 24-7. On the next defensive drive Boise State came up with a great 4th down stop, but was not able to do much with the ball being forced to punt. With 55 seconds left in the third quarter Washington State scored on a huge 50-yard pass to bring the game closer heading into the final quarter of play, 24-14. The Broncos came right back on the next
drive with a Jermey McNichols touchdown from 7-yards out. Unfortunately, Boise State was not able to stop Washington State on 4th down again with them scoring on a 13-yard touchdown. After punting the ball back to Washington State, the Broncos came up with another 4th down stop with five minutes and 20 seconds left in the game. After a clutch stop Boise State made the odd choice to throw the ball and Rypien threw his second interception of the game. That turnover led to a 33-yard touchdown for Washington State to break the game to 3. Again with 53 seconds left the Broncos decided to throw the ball, not converting for the first down, giving the Cougars the ball back. Boise State should have never put themselves in this situation. McNichols turned it on in the second half and could have just run the clock down another minute or so, ending the game. With not much time left Washington State threw up a hail mary which was batted down giving the Broncos, their first win at home 31-28. “It was uncharacteristic of me the throw those interceptions... but we got the win and we are 2-0,� said Rypien. Boise State has a bye week coming up followed by a trip to go play Oregon State, another Pac-12 team. If Boise State wants to make a run to be a top10 team in the nation, they will have to be more careful when playing close games that can be put away.
Boise State: 31 Washington State: 28 Pg 17
ABE COPELAND / THE ARBITER
Evan Werner Sports & Rec Editor