By Jay Berry
After capturing the Mountain West championship in 2023, Boise State is now the favorite to defend its title in 2024. Despite winning a share of the Mountain West title five times since 2012, the Broncos have never managed consecutive championships. This season, however, they appear poised to break that streak.
Playoff Impact
The top-ranked champion from the Group of Five (G5) conferences will earn a spot in the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.
Boise State enters the 2024 season as the preseason favorite in the Mountain West Conference. Their roster boasts key additions such as quarterback Malachi Nelson, who transferred from USC, and other standout players like RB Ashton Jeanty, WRs Cam Camper, Chris Marshall, and Latrell Caples, as well as defensive standouts DE Ahmad Hassanein, LB Andrew Simpson, and CB A’Marion McCoy.
Nelson, a crucial addition from USC, is poised to be a linchpin in Boise State’s 2024 campaign. Redshirt freshman QB Maddux Madsen suffered a season ending knee injury last season. Taylor Green finished the season under center and was named offensive MVP in the Mountain West championship game.
Despite four Mountain West teams achieving nine wins last season, Boise State stands out as the only team projected to exceed eight wins this year. Only three conference teams are forecasted to finish with winning records in 2024: Air Force, Wyoming, Fresno State, and UNLV were among the nine-win teams last season.
Boise State Eyes Back-to-Back Titles and College Football Playoff Bid
Boise State is poised to contend for consecutive championships and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. The team has achieved nine or more wins in three consecutive seasons and is renowned for pulling off upsets against top-ranked opponents almost annually.
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Despite firing head coach Andy Avalos during the 2023 season, Boise State still clinched the conference title under interim coach Spencer Danielson. Experts believe the team has what it takes to win back-to-back conference titles.
Expanded Playoff
In the expanded College Football Playoff, the winner of the Mountain West could earn the automatic bid for the Group of Five. The stakes are higher than ever in the Mountain West this season.
Former USC QB Malachi Nelson has transferred to Boise State pic.twitter.com/l8jORLCvR7
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 7, 2024
On offense, USC transfer Malachi Nelson is expected to be the starting quarterback, while star running back Ashton Jeanty will lead the ground game. Jeanty had over 1,900 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns last season.
Other conference contenders include the 2022 Mountain West champs Fresno State, who will look to quarterback Mikey Keane to keep them in contention. UNLV, last year’s conference title game runners-up, will introduce a new quarterback while returning top receivers Ricky White and Jacob De Jesus.
Keep an eye on Colorado State and Wyoming, both aiming for breakout seasons under their respective head coaches. Colorado State enters its third season under head coach Jay Norvell, while Wyoming transitions from longtime coach Craig Bohl, with Defensive Coordinator Jay Sawvel assuming the head coaching role.
Boise State’s season starts with a matchup against Georgia Southern on August 31st.
