Boise State survives Texas State comeback with late rally

No. 20 Boise State escaped with a 46-45 win over Texas State on Saturday night in Boise, rallying after the Bobcats erased a 28-3 halftime deficit and moved ahead by 11 points in the fourth quarter. The Broncos improved to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in the Pac-12; Texas State fell to 4-4 and 2-2.

Texas State scored the first 36 points after halftime. Jayden Bradley returned a Maddux Madsen interception for a touchdown to make it 39-28 with 8:58 left. Madsen, who had thrown for 236 yards and a touchdown and run for two scores, left the game after taking a hit near his left knee. He watched the finish on crutches.

Max Cutforth took over and completed three scoring throws during the last seven minutes. His 18-yard scoring pass to Akeem Wright with 2:40 remaining put Boise State ahead for good. Cutforth finished 8 of 13 for 131 yards, with no turnovers. The Broncos also made two key defensive stops late, including a fourth-down pass breakup to end Texas State’s final possession.

Brad Jackson threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns for the Bobcats, who have yet to beat a ranked opponent in 13 tries since moving to the FBS in 2012. At halftime, Boise State unveiled a bronze statue honoring former quarterback Kellen Moore.

Texas State visits Oregon State next Saturday, while Boise State travels to Colorado State.