The Broncos are the kings of Las Vegas. Well, at least on the gridiron they are. Boise State dominated throughout to beat Oregon 38-28. For the fourth time in the last eight season, the Las Vegas Bowl championship trophy will head back to Boise, Idaho.
Bronco Domination
Wide Receiver Cedric Wilson snagged 10 catches for 221 yards and a touchdown as Boise State controlled the game throughout. However, the Bronco defense stifled a high powered Oregon offense all afternoon and held them to 14 offensive points on the day. With the win, Boise State improved to 11-3 on the successful season. Meanwhile, Oregon struggled with penalties, turnovers, and consistency once again in what was a microcosm of their entire season. The loss set the Ducks back to 7-6 for the season.
Pick Your Poison
En route to a first-half 24-0 lead, Boise State scored in a variety of different ways. They began the scoring with a trick play as Brett Rypien tossed a pass out to running back Ryan Wolpin for a one-yard score to make it 7-0. Next, a conventional score for the Broncos ensued as Rypien hit Wilson for a 26-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 14-0. After a Haden Hoggarth 39-yard field goal, the defense got into the action with a 53-yard interception return to paydirt.
Here's the PICK 6 by @broncosportsFB Kekaula Kaniho down the sideline for an easy score! #LVBowl Score Update: BSU 24, Oregon 0 pic.twitter.com/Gxz7ta7lmz
— SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl (@LasVegasBowl) December 16, 2017
Ducks Get Defensive
Amazingly, the first half ended on back to back to back defensive touchdowns. The final two belonged to Oregon that allowed them to get back into the ball game. With 37 seconds before halftime Tory Dye returned a fumble 86 yards for Oregon’s first score of the game. Next, with seven seconds left Tyree Robinson intercepted and returned a Rypien pass 100 yards for a touchdown to make it a game again, 24-14.
Just as @broncosportsfb looked like it was going to score a late 2Q score, @oregonfootball gets its 2nd defensive TD in as many drives with this 100-yard return by Tyree Robinson! #LVBowl Score Update: BSU 24, UO 14 pic.twitter.com/ENlMoa1lib
— SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl (@LasVegasBowl) December 16, 2017
Boise State Resumes Control
The Broncos responded just as you would expect a champion to respond. Rypien hit
Alec Dhaenens for a 13-yard scoring strike to put Boise State back up 31-14. This score allowed Boise to take back control and cruise to the eventual 38-28 win. Rypien threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns in his last game of the season.
Looking Forward
The future looks just a bright as ever for Boise State. They will be the favorite to repeat as Mountain West champ in 2018 with Rypien returning for his senior season. Boise will have that opportunity from a non-power five team to make a run at the playoffs next season. That opportunity will come from their non-conference schedule. They face two tough road games in traveling to Troy and also Oklahoma State.
Conversely, for Oregon, it will be an off-season of change. Change in coaching and change in philosophy. Mario Cristobal will look to put his imprint on this program for 2018. No doubt, his focus will be playing with more consistency and also play more disciplined football. Oregon was the most penalized team in college football in 2017.
