App State Dominated By The Broncos

App State traveled to Boise looking for a statement win against one of the Group of Five’s most recognizable programs. Instead, the Mountaineers left the blue turf of Albertsons Stadium with a harsh reminder of how costly turnovers and missed opportunities can be at this level. Boise State rolled to a 47-14 victory, capitalizing on App State mistakes while showing why they remain one of the winningest programs in the last decade of football.

App State’s Struggles

The Mountaineers entered the game ranked third nationally in passing offense, but that firepower never materialized against the Broncos. Quarterback AJ Swann endured one of the toughest outings of his career, finishing 11-of-24 for just 64 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Both of those turnovers were returned for touchdowns, handing Boise quick points and momentum the Mountaineers never recovered from. Even backup Billy Wiles entered the game, only throwing 2 passes, with one being intercepted.

App State rolled into The Blue with the No. 3 passing offense in the country, averaging 357.7 yards per game through the air.#BoiseState limited AJ Swann to… 64 yards on that game. He only had ONE passing yard in the second half.

In other words…

They held the Mountaineers… pic.twitter.com/XjSoMgJRRz

— Jay Tust (@Jay_Tust) September 28, 2025

Running back Rashod Dubinion remained a bright spot, rushing for over 100 yards on 17 carries, but App State’s offense couldn’t string drives together behind an offensive line that allowed five sacks. The injuries along the offensive line, combined with Boise’s aggressive pass rush, made it difficult for Swann to find time in the pocket.

Defense Shows Fight, But Not Enough

App State’s defense deserves credit for keeping the game alive into the third quarter. The unit fought hard despite the short fields created by turnovers, limiting Boise to field goals on several early drives.

The pass rush, however, struggled to generate pressure in the first half, giving quarterback Maddux Madsen too much time to find his receivers. The Mountaineers did finish with two sacks and nine tackles for loss, but the big missing piece was turnovers. App State failed to create a single takeaway, which proved costly against a Boise offense that thrives when it controls tempo.

Madsen ultimately finished with 321 passing yards and four touchdown while wideout Latrell Caples found the endzone twice as Boise steadily pulled away in the second half.

Boise State’s Statement

For Boise State, the formula was balance and execution. Maddux Madsen led the way with 321 passing yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively and keeping the Mountaineers’ defense off balance. The Broncos also ran for 152 yards, a particularly impressive mark given that App State entered the game with one of the nation’s better rush defenses. The Mountaineers were fresh off holding opponents like Southern Miss and Lindenwood well below 100 yards.

By cracking that front, Boise forced App State into an uncomfortable situations and opened up opportunities through the air. The Broncos’ offensive line largely neutralized App State’s pass rush early. While the Mountaineers finished with two sacks and nine tackles for loss, most of that disruption occurred late, without any turnovers to swing momentum. Boise’s ability to stay ahead of the chains ultimately made the difference

Final from Boise#GoApp pic.twitter.com/o7Z1rZy10D

— App State Football (@AppState_FB) September 28, 2025

What It Means

For Appalachian State, this loss underscores the importance of protecting the football and finishing drives. With four turnovers, no takeaways, and just 184 total yards, the Mountaineers never gave themselves a chance to hang with a team that’s been as consistent as Boise. App State now falls to 2-2 (0-1).

While App State fans hold their program to a high standard, and rightfully so after years of Sun Belt titles and national upsets, the truth is that a rebuild is now present. A new coaching staff, younger players learning under fire, and the challenge of re-establishing depth all point to a team still in transition. The flashes of potential are there, but patience will be required as the Mountaineers work to close the gap between their proud tradition and their current reality.

For Boise State, the win reaffirms its place as one of the best programs in the Group of Five. A high-powered offense, opportunistic defense, and trademark blue turf advantage made the difference, as the Broncos reminded everyone that the road to national relevance in the Group of Five still runs through Boise.