The college football season is young, but already the landscape is shifting in ways that could impact Boise State’s playoff hopes. After starting the year with a tough loss to South Florida, it looked like the Broncos’ shot at the College Football Playoff was gone before it even began. But thanks to Notre Dame’s surprising 0–2 start, the door might not be shut just yet.
Boise State’s Rocky Start
The Broncos’ season-opening loss to South Florida was ugly. Quarterback Maddux Madsen struggled, completing just 54% of his passes for 225 yards and a lone touchdown, while the offense looked disjointed and flat. For a team coming off a playoff appearance last year as the Group of Five representative, it was a jarring way to open the season.
But the rebound was strong. Boise State dominated Eastern Washington 51–4, with Madsen posting 307 yards and two touchdowns on efficient passing. The running game also flexed its depth, with Sire Gaines and Dylan Riley combining for explosive production, averaging more than six yards per carry.
Notre Dame’s Collapse = Boise’s Chance?
Notre Dame’s early struggles change the picture. The Irish lost a thriller to Texas A&M and sit winless at 0–2. They’re still ranked — something that shouldn’t happen, in my opinion — but they look vulnerable.
If Boise State takes care of business against Air Force and Appalachian State, they’ll roll into that October 4th matchup with Notre Dame at 3–1. Beat the Irish, and suddenly the Broncos’ path to 11–1 is very real. That record, paired with a Mountain West title, could make them the clear Group of Five representative in the expanded playoff conversation.
Air Force First, Then Notre Dame
It’s important to note: none of this matters if Boise State trips up in the next two weeks. Air Force has shown flashes despite their own struggles, and Appalachian State is always dangerous. The Broncos can’t afford to look ahead. But if Madsen plays clean, avoids the mistakes that doomed them against South Florida, and the run game continues to dominate, this team has the firepower to stack wins.
Final Take
The narrative has shifted. What looked like a lost season after Week 1 might still hold playoff potential for Boise State. The key: focus on the present, avoid the trap games, and make that Notre Dame matchup count.
The Broncos’ margin for error is razor-thin, but the door isn’t closed. Far from it.
