No Fiesta: Boise State comes up short in Memphis

The Boise State Broncos have a lot of questions to answer headed into next week.

Boise State lost 32-35 in Memphis Saturday, against a Tigers team made the most of their opportunities.

Memphis' key opportunity? A field goal attempt by the Broncos, that left many Boise State fans questioning the decision.

Originally a 4th and 1, Taylen Green and the Broncos offense got ready to snap the ball, with head coach Andy Avalos calling time out just before the play began. Avalos instead opted to kick a field goal, which would've put Boise State up 20-14, late in the 3rd quarter.

But the field goal wasn't good, in fact it was blocked and returned 80-yards for a touchdown, to put Memphis up 21-17.

In the moment, it killed Boise State. And Memphis, fresh on the prowl, took advantage. The Tigers stalled Boise State's next drive, and a 59-yard touchdown pass from Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan to DeMeer Blankumsee only increased the damage.

Down 28-17 with 11:16 to go, Boise State then opted for a change. And it was at quarterback.

Maddux Madsen stepped onto the field; it wasn't the quarterback's first action in the day, however. Madsen had one series earlier in the game, that didn't go far, but his next few series were the total opposite.

Madsen drove the Broncos 80 yards down the field, with the bulk of the yards coming on a huge play to receiver Billy Bowens. He capped the drive off, with a touchdown pass to Ashton Jeanty, putting the Broncos back within a score.

But when the Broncos defense needed a stop, they just couldn't get it. Memphis converted several first downs, winding the clock down to 2:16. Running back Blake Watson charged toward the end zone, to virtually seal the game, and then controversy happened.

The initial call said the Watson made it into the end zone, touchdown Memphis. Boise State defenders were sure that Watson fumbled on the 1 yard-line. Ultimately, there wasn't conclusive evidence either way, so the call on the field stood.

Madsen and the Broncos quickly went to work again, albeit with little time remaining and next to no chance of victory. But still, Madsen and the offense roared, and struck pay dirt with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jeanty, his 4th touchdown that afternoon.

But Boise State knew it was all for nothing without the onside kick. And when the Broncos failed to recover the kick, they knew it was over.

The Broncos 32-35 loss in Memphis drops the team to 2-3 on the year. Boise State's non-conference record this season, a disappointing 1-3, the only win of that bunch being a victory over FCS North Dakota.

Madsen finished the day with 175 yards and 2 touchdowns. Green finished with 200 yards, no touchdowns and 51 yards rushing.

Avalos did not name a definitive starter ahead of next Saturday's game against San Jose State. The Broncos take on San Jose State, Saturday, October 7 at 6 p.m. The game will air on the CBS Sports Network.

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