Boise State Puts On Good Show in Victory

Boise State Coach Dan Hawkins figures his 10th-ranked and undefeated Broncos have done everything they can to make a case for a spot in the bowl championship series.

“Unfortunately, there is a lot of politics. I’m not a great politician, but our play speaks for itself,” Hawkins said after his team beat Nevada, 58-21, Saturday night for their 22nd consecutive victory.

Jared Zabransky passed for 244 yards and three touchdowns for Boise State, which improved to 11-0 overall and 8-0 in the Western Athletic Conference. The Broncos have won 35 of their last 36 games.

The Broncos have a chance to play in the BCS if California loses next Saturday to Southern Mississippi but otherwise are headed to the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31 to face No. 7 Louisville in Memphis, Tenn.

“We’ve always wanted to play the best team we can and play in the best bowl we can. We’ll see how things shake out,” Hawkins said. “We controlled the things we can control. There are not a lot of undefeated teams still out there.”

Safety Cam Hall returned one interception 52 yards for a touchdown and another 64 yards to set up a late score for Boise State, which claimed its third consecutive WAC title with its record 26th league win in a row, dating to 2001.

“That is huge because you know everyone’s bringing their ‘A’ game when they play Boise State,” Hawkins said.

Jeff Rowe passed for 245 yards and a touchdown for Nevada (5-7, 3-5), which suffered its first loss at home this season and hasn’t had a winning season since 1998.

T.J. Acree caught six passes for 105 yards for Boise State, including an 11-yard touchdown. Zabransky completed 17 of 25 passes. Jon Hellmandollar scored on runs of five and four yards and Lee Marks rushed for 93 yards in 15 carries for the Broncos, whose winning streak is the best in Division I-A.

“That is one fine football team,” Nevada Coach Chris Ault said. “They are certainly deserving of all the accolades. Any time you go undefeated, it is a very special team.”

Ault said he was most impressed with the Bronco run defense, which held Nevada to 70 yards rushing.

“In my opinion, that is where their strength is,” he said.

Boise State’s WAC winning streak broke the record of 25 by Brigham Young from 1982 to ’85.