What Is 2017 Boise State Broncos football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Boise State Broncos football team represented Boise State University in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 10–3 record and a victory in the First Responder Bowl under head coach Bryan Harsin.

Key Facts

The 2017 Boise State Broncos finished the season with a 10–3 overall record.
They won the First Responder Bowl against Oregon with a final score of 38–37.
Head coach Bryan Harsin led the team for his fifth consecutive season.
Quarterback Brett Rypien threw for 3,705 yards and 20 touchdowns during the season.
Boise State played their home games at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.

Overview

The 2017 Boise State Broncos football team competed as members of the Mountain West Conference in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Under the leadership of head coach Bryan Harsin, the team achieved a 10–3 overall record, marking another successful season in the program’s history of consistent competitiveness.

Competing in the Mountain Division, the Broncos finished second in the division standings with a 6–2 conference record. Despite not winning the division, their strong performance earned them a postseason bowl berth, culminating in a dramatic victory in the First Responder Bowl. The season highlighted both offensive firepower and resilience in close games.

Record: The team finished with a 10–3 overall record and a 6–2 mark in Mountain West Conference play, demonstrating consistency throughout the season.
Bowl Game: Boise State defeated the Oregon Ducks 38–37 in the First Responder Bowl on December 27, 2017, in Dallas, Texas, in a last-minute comeback.
Head Coach: Bryan Harsin led the Broncos for his fifth consecutive season, maintaining a winning culture established during his tenure.
Quarterback Performance: Brett Rypien threw for 3,705 yards and 20 touchdowns, solidifying his role as one of the top passers in the Mountain West.
Home Stadium: The Broncos played their home games at Albertsons Stadium, a 32,086-seat venue in Boise known for its iconic blue turf.

Season Performance

The 2017 campaign featured a balanced mix of high-scoring games and tough defensive battles, showcasing the team’s adaptability under pressure. Key players stepped up during crucial moments, particularly in the final minutes of close contests.

Early Season: The Broncos opened the season with a 31–28 win over Troy, setting a competitive tone despite facing a ranked opponent.
Conference Play: A 42–25 victory over Colorado State highlighted their offensive strength, with over 500 total yards gained in the game.
Key Loss: A 30–28 defeat to Fresno State on November 4 ultimately cost Boise State the Mountain Division title.
Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Tanner Vallejo recorded 98 tackles and 5.5 sacks, anchoring the defense throughout the year.
Special Teams: Kicker Tyler Rausa converted 20 of 24 field goal attempts, including a crucial 42-yarder in the bowl game.
Final Ranking: The team finished ranked No. 22 in the final USA Today Coaches Poll, reflecting national recognition.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Boise State Broncos with the previous season and a top conference rival to illustrate performance trends.

Category	2017 Boise State	2016 Boise State	Fresno State (2017)
Overall Record	10–3	10–3	10–4
Conference Record	6–2	6–2	7–1
Points Scored	434	450	415
Points Allowed	307	275	338
Bowl Result	W, 38–37 vs. Oregon	W, 31–10 vs. Eastern Michigan	W, 33–17 vs. Houston

The table shows that while Boise State maintained a consistent win total from 2016 to 2017, their defense allowed more points compared to the prior year. Fresno State edged them out in the division due to a stronger conference record, but Boise State’s bowl victory kept them competitive in national rankings.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season reinforced Boise State’s reputation as a perennial powerhouse in the Group of Five, capable of competing with Power Five programs. Their narrow win over Oregon, a Pac-12 team, underscored their ability to perform on a national stage.

National Exposure: The First Responder Bowl was televised nationally, increasing visibility for the program and the Mountain West Conference.
Player Development: Quarterback Brett Rypien improved his draft stock, later becoming an NFL prospect.
Recruiting Boost: Success on the field helped attract higher-rated recruits in subsequent classes.
Conference Prestige: Strong performances by Boise State elevate the perceived strength of the Mountain West.
Tradition of Excellence: The season extended Boise State’s streak of 10-win seasons, a hallmark of program stability.
Financial Impact: Bowl revenue and increased merchandise sales benefited the athletic department significantly.

Overall, the 2017 campaign was a testament to the Broncos’ sustained excellence and their ability to remain competitive despite coaching changes and roster turnover common in college football.