Boise State’s 21-point fourth quarter clinches bowl eligibility

Boise State scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat Washington State 31-10 on Oct. 24 in Pullman, Washington, and secure bowl eligibility for the 29th consecutive season. The No. 21 Broncos improved to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Pac-12 play with their sixth straight win.

The teams were tied 10-10 after three quarters. Boise State then scored 21 points in the final period while Washington State was held scoreless, turning a level game into a 21-point win.

Running back Dylan Riley scored twice on runs of 33 and 72 yards. He finished with 128 rushing yards, so those two scoring runs accounted for 105 yards—about 82% of his total. The third fourth-quarter touchdown came on a 6-yard reception by Cam Bates from Maddux Madsen.

The scoring split shows how sharply the game changed late: Boise State’s 21 fourth-quarter points were more than twice the 10 it scored in the first three quarters and made up about two-thirds of its 31-point total.

What the win means for Boise State i

The result left Boise State tied with Oregon State atop the Pac-12 standings, according to Associated Press reporting; the Broncos were not alone in first place. Boise State moved from No. 21 at game time to No. 20 in the AP poll published Oct. 25.

Bowl eligibility is a qualification milestone, not a bowl invitation. The win made this Boise State’s 29th consecutive bowl-eligible season, but it does not mean the team has received or accepted an invitation.

Boise State is scheduled to host Texas State in Boise on Oct. 31, one week after the game in Pullman.