Boise State Looks to End Fresno Streak and Bring the Milk Can Home

When the Broncos roll into Valley Children’s Stadium Saturday night, the Milk Can trophy will be the prize that matters most. Both Boise State (4‑1, 1‑0) and Fresno State (4‑1, 1‑0) are riding four‑game winning streaks, and a win could keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Fresno has the edge in the recent rivalry – three straight wins, highlighted by a 30‑7 blowout at Albertsons Stadium last season. Coach Spencer Danielson doesn’t hide his respect: “They play stingy defense, they disguise well, they hit hard, and they protect the ball at a high level on offense.” Yet the betting boards still have Boise as a seven‑point favorite on the road.

To pull off the upset, the Broncos need to focus on three fundamentals.

1. Tune out the noise. The Red Wave crowd is infamous in the Pac‑12. Fresno boasts a 6‑6 all‑time record at home against Boise, winning three of the last four meetings in that venue. Danielson admits, “They have one of the top home‑game atmospheres in our conference.” Boise’s experience in packed houses – Oregon, Western Michigan – won’t be enough; the players must block out the roar and keep their heads on the field.

2. Kill the big‑play threat. So far this season the Broncos have given up fourteen plays of 40 + yards. Fresno’s backfield, led by Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson, can break off long runs, while freshman quarterback Jayden Mandal is already connecting on 20‑plus‑yard passes to receivers like Josiah Freeman. Stopping those explosive bursts has to be the defense’s top priority if Boise hopes to stay in the game.

3. Keep the ball safe. Fresno’s defense forces turnovers in four of its last five contests. Boise, by contrast, has been careful – just three giveaways all season, and quarterback Maddux Madsen has yet to turn the ball over while throwing twelve touchdowns. Continuing that ball‑security trend will give the Broncos the best chance to finally capture the Milk Can.

If those three pieces fall into place, the Broncos could finally snap the three‑game losing streak and head back to Boise with the trophy in hand.