Boise State Broncos Outlast TCU Horned Frogs in Fiesta Bowl, Win 17-10 Thriller

The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl is known for its share of upsets and 10 minutes before midnight on January 4, it was Boise State pulling out another one.

The ending did not provide a thriller, like the 2007 match up against Oklahoma, where Jared Zabransky handed the ball off to Ian Johnson, who after scoring the two-point conversion then rushed to propose to his girlfriend. 

This year it was No. 3 TCU (12-1) attempting a comeback of-their-own, that is until quarterback Andy Dalton’s pass was intercepted at the Boise State 14-yard line sealing the game and sixth-ranked Boise State’s 17-10 win.

"I just know that these kids have the most unbelievable heart," Boise State head coach Chris Petersen said in a media release.

The Broncos (14-0) got some payback when quarterback Kellen Moore took a knee with 18 seconds remaining in the game.  The talk heading into this game like last year was the high-scoring offenses on both sidelines. Instead it was the Boise State defense that made the TCU offense look flustered.

The Horned Frogs were limited to 36 rushing yards, nearly 200 yards shy of their season average.  They also converted on 1-of-12 on third down efficiency. Dalton completed 25-of-44 on the night for 272 yards with a touchdown but threw three interceptions.

His counterpart, Moore completed 23-of-39 for 211 yards but was more careful with the pigskin. A year ago the Broncos were limited to 28 rushing yards, tonight they accomplished better, rushing for 77 yards.

Boise State took advantage of the first TCU miscue when Brandyn Thompson picked-off Dalton at the Broncos 49-yard line and returned the ball 51-yards for the first score of the game, at the 11:28 mark of the first quarter.

The game would remain the same until midway through the second quarter when Boise State kicker Kyle Brotzman added to the lead with a 40-yard field goal. Just like a year-ago both high-scoring offenses were limited in a defensive battle.

With a 10-0 score, TCU began their drive at their own 38-yard line.  Five plays later Dalton regained some of his confidence by finding Curtis Clay on a 30-yard touchdown with 49 seconds left before halftime.

The offensive woes continued and it was not until late in the third quarter when TCU kicker Ross Evans tied the game on a 29-yard field goal with 03:52 remaining in the period.  The Horned Frogs were moving the ball early in the fourth quarter before their drive stalled on a Dalton interception, the second of the game.

Like the Broncos did with the first interception, they took advantage of this one as well and sealed the game on the ensuing drive.  Facing a 4th and 9 Brotzman faked the punt from his own 33-yard line and found Kyle Efaw for a 29-yard pickup and the first down at the TCU 38.

"For us to run a fake like that is gutsy," Brotzman said in a media release. "That's Boise State football. For him to call something like that and have faith in me to run and execute is awesome."

The trick-play was reminiscent of the Oklahoma game. In this game it jump-started an offense that was struggling, producing the game-clincher.

Four plays later Doug Martin would get the go-ahead score from two yards out to put Boise State up 17-10 with 07:21 to go in the game.

Boise State capitalized on turnovers, scoring 14 points off of two Dalton interceptions. The Broncos are the first team since Ohio State in 2002, to finish with a 14-0 record.

TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes came into the game with 11.5 sacks and was set on getting to Moore, who was sacked only five times all season.  Hughes never did sack Moore, but it was Dalton who was sacked twice in the game.

"We knew it was going to be a hard-fought game," Petersen said. "A play here, a play there can turn the tide. Our hat's off to TCU. This game could have gone either way. We were fortunate to pull it out."