UNLV will travel to Boise State for a rematch in the Mountain West championship.
The conference revealed Sunday that the Broncos and Rebels would compete in Friday’s conference title game for the second consecutive year, following a four-way tie for the lead. Boise State and UNLV concluded their conference schedule with a 6-2 record, sharing the top spot with New Mexico and San Diego State.
Per the established conference tiebreaker protocols, the participants in the conference title game were determined based on the composite average of several ranking systems. The two highest-ranked teams secured spots in the title game, with Boise State earning hosting privileges due to their previous victory over UNLV during the regular season.
The four-team tie occurred because of New Mexico’s victory over San Diego State on Friday. The Aztecs had the opportunity to secure a spot in the title game and host it but were defeated in overtime by the Lobos. Consequently, both teams are now excluded from the title game, following Boise State’s comeback victory against Utah State on Friday afternoon and UNLV’s decisive win at Nevada on Saturday.
Despite suffering defeats to both Boise State and New Mexico, the Rebels secured a place in the conference title game. UNLV did not face San Diego State during the regular season. Boise State recorded wins against New Mexico and UNLV but experienced losses to San Diego State and Fresno State, in addition to non-conference defeats against South Florida and Notre Dame.
In 2024, Boise State triumphed over UNLV with a score of 21-7, securing a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Subsequently, the Broncos were defeated by Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl.
Given the strength exhibited by the American Conference and James Madison’s participation in the Sun Belt title game against Troy with a 12-1 record, it is highly improbable that this year’s MWC title game will determine a spot in the CFP.
