Boise State remains undefeated despite turnovers, crazy finish

Boise State remained undefeated after squeaking by BYU 28-27 on Thursday, but the game was not without its last-second drama.

On BYU’s final series, the Cougars drove from their own 8-yard line to get in range for a 44-yard field goal, which they opted to take on second down with 15 seconds remaining. Boise State blocked the kick and thought it had the game won, but BYU recovered the block and because it was only second down, it still had two plays and 10 seconds remaining.

Unfortunately for BYU, it was not able to recreate the magic it had in this game last year when it beat the Broncos with a Hail Mary as time expired, but both teams tried their best to make the game equally as entertaining.

BYU forced five Boise State turnovers, including two pick-sixes that helped give the Cougars a lead in the first half. However, the BYU offense wasn’t much help. Quarterback Taysom Hill completed 21 of 42 passes for 187 yards and one rushing touchdown. Hill looked good on the final drive, but he took an ill-advised sack that ultimately pushed the field goal back.

Boise State did not have its best game either. Quarterback Brett Rypien threw two pick-sixes on Thursday while the Broncos looked out of sorts throughout the first half and only showed flashes of offensive cohesion in the second half. Rypien completed 25 of 39 passes for 442 yards and three touchdowns, but the interceptions were momentum killers. Running back Jeremy McNichols had 30 carries for 147 yards and a score and five catches for 109 yards and a score. But he also had an uncharacteristic fumble in the second quarter.

Boise State stayed undefeated, which is the important thing for a New Year’s Six Bowl, but it didn’t help itself in terms of passing Houston in the national rankings and securing that coveted bowl spot. Houston still needs to figure out a way to win its conference, but if it somehow pulls that off, Boise State might lament about a missed opportunity.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday