The dream is over for the Boise State Broncos. In an absolutely thrilling game, Nevada came back from 17 down at the half to force overtime before winning on an Anthony Martinez field goal. It was an incredible, back-and-forth game throughout the second half. Nevada took control, ripping off 17 unanswered points to tie the game in the fourth quarter, setting up a fantastic finish.
After the Wolfpack evened the score at 24, Boise State immediately answered with a 74-yard run and catch by Doug Martin on a screen pass for the score. The Wolfpack answered again, driving the length of the field and scoring with just 11 seconds remaining to tie it again. We were only just beginning.
Kellen Moore set the Broncos up for a chance to win it in regulation with a desperation, 55 yard heave to Titus Young in which Young laid out to make the grab. It set up a 26-yard field goal attempt as time expired for the win. Kyle Brotzman missed wide right, negating the incredible catch by Young and sending it in to overtime.
Boise State took the ball first, but stalled on third down, setting Brotzman up for redemption. This time, from 29 yards, Brotzman hooked the kick, missing wide left. It was all the surging Wolfpack needed.
After three quick plays, Martinez took the field with a chance to be a hero. From 34 yards out, Martinez was dead perfect, propelling Nevada to a 34-31 win over No. 3 Boise State.
Kellen Moore put on another aerial display for the Broncos, passing for 348 yards and two touchdowns. Doug Martin was a force on the ground and as a receiver, rushing for 152 yards and two touchdowns while adding three catches for 78 yards and a score in the passing game. Titus Young added 129 yards and a score for the Broncos.
The star of the show for Nevada was Rishard Matthews. The junior receiver rushed for 44 yards and a score on a reverse while adding a game-high 172 yards and a touchdown on 10 catches. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw for 259 yards and a touchdown and ran for 45 yards and a score in Nevada's pistol offense. Vai Taua added 131 yards and a touchdown, as well.
The Broncos fall to 10-1 with the loss and out of the BCS picture. Nevada improved to 11-1, vaulting into first place in the WAC with the win. In a game that's been hyped since the beginning of a season, it lived up to all the expectations. Hats off to both sides for putting on a fantastic show.