Both Boise State and Oregon State May Turn to Backup Quarterbacks

Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen was listed as questionable for the November 14 game against Oregon State after missing the November 7 win over Colorado State with an apparent knee injury. Oregon State’s Braden Atkinson was listed as doubtful after hurting his hand against Texas State, and ESPN’s Pete Thamel said Atkinson was not expected to play.

If Madsen cannot play, Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said Max Cutforth will start. Cutforth has completed 24 of 32 passes, gaining 448 yards and scoring eight touchdowns without giving the ball away in five quarters of relief this season. Danielson rejected the idea of a quarterback competition, saying Madsen would remain the starter if healthy.

Madsen has completed 148 of 222 passes for 1,681 yards, with 18 total touchdowns and one turnover. He has started 34 games and won 27. Cutforth opened three games last season while Madsen was injured, leading Boise State to a 2-1 record before Madsen returned for the Mountain West championship game.

Atkinson tops the country with 3,169 passing yards. He has thrown 25 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 65.8% of his passes in nine games. Oregon State’s Maalik Murphy is expected to take over if Atkinson is unavailable. The Beavers are 5-4 and lost 42-21 to Texas State.

Boise State also listed Sire Gaines, a running back, and Travis Anderson, a safety, as questionable, and left guard Carson Rasmussen as out. The Broncos are 8-1 and 5-0 in Pac-12 play; Oregon State is 3-2 in the conference. ESPN’s College GameDay is scheduled to visit Boise for the matchup.