Jason Haskins's Blog

 

Four.  That is going to have to be the Boise State Broncos men's basketball team's lucky number this week at the Mountain West Conference Tournament in Las Vegas.

Four wins. Four days. (Four)ty minutes of hard-fought basketball ineach game if the Broncos are to succeed and reach the NCAA Tournament.

A season that began with high expectations flickered off and on like candles in a breeze. An inexplicable loss to open the season. Flames re-lit with quality wins against Saint Mary's and Wichita State later extinguished with a 1-5 start to conference play. Followed by an 11-3 finish the regular season, including a five-game winning streak. Among the great wins in conference? Once over San Diego State and sweeping the season series over the New Mexico Lobos.

All told, another 20-win season is in the books for the Broncos and head coach Leon Rice. In seasons past, such a number might hold hope for an at-large bid to the Big Dance. Not this season. However, as the sixth seed, Boise State is playing some of their best basketball of the season, with a deep rotation ready to lead the Broncos dancing.

Regular season leaders for Boise State Broncos

The five-game winning streak saw Boise State win four of those games by double digits, with the closest of the five a nine-point victory over the Aztecs. Individual performances improved, leading to better effort overall.

Drew Fiedler is at the top of the list.

Fiedler, the transfer from Georgetown, locked down a second team all-conference selection on Tuesday. This season, he averaged 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, shooting 55% from the field and a solid 41.1% from three-point range.

Discounting a stinker of a game on 2/28 against Fresno State (0 points in 25 minutes), Fiedler has been a force. In seven of the last eight games, Fiedler reached double figures in scoring. He shot above 60% in four of the last five and is coming off a final week where he scored 56 points and pulled down 15 rebounds. Against San Diego State alone, Fiedler went off for 33 and nine.

More games like that might be needed as will the steady play of point guard Dylan Andrews. Brought in from UCLA, Andrews finished the regular season averaging 12.6 points and 3.3 assists. In 10 of the last 11 games, Andrews scored in double figures and averaged 15 points over his last five. During the last three games, Andrews struggled from deep (3 of 14) but was 9 of 14 on other field goal attempts.

Andrews and Javan Buchanan both earned honorable mention all-conference honors. Buchanan scored 12.1 points and pulled down 4.7 rebounds per game. Though he only scored four points in the regular season finale against Colorado State, Buchanan scored 71 points in the previous four, shooting 27 off 44 from the field. The highlight was against Fresno State, where Buchanan scored 26 points, notched six rebounds, and dished out three assists.

Andrew Meadow had his ups and downs this season but still scores at a clip of 11.9 points per game. Meadow finished strong, scoring in double figures in each of the last five games (after failed to reach the 10-point mark in the previous six of seven). Meadow shoots 38.5% on three-point attempts and pulls down 3.5 rebounds.

R.J. Keene II is the all-around glue guy, doing what is asked of him on both sides of the court. The points are low (2.7) but rebounds (4.6) and assists (2) are nice. Pearson Carmichael (8 ppg), Spencer Ahrens, Aginaldo Neto, and Dominic Parolin all play plenty of minutes off the bench. Any one of these four can get hot and putting up 10+ points in a contest.

Bhan Buom has also contributed nicely this season, even if it is for only four or five minutes in the first half of games.

Boise State averages 78.3 points per game and shoots 45.5% on field goal attempts. During the win streak, only one opponent (San Diego State) cracked the 70-point mark.

Mountain West Conference tournament preview

Boise State (20-11) opens against the no. 11 seed San State Spartans (8-23, 3-17), a team the Broncos defeated twice this season. The Broncos won by 31 in San Jose, then started the recent win streak with a 15-point win over the Spartans in Boise at ExtraMile Arena.

The Broncos are the hottest team entering the teams, while the top three teams are on a bit of a cooler at the moment.

The Utah State Aggies (25-6, 15-5) won the conference and are the conference's best bet at an at-large bid should they not win the tournament. But the Aggies enter play having lost three of five. Utah State lost to Nevada, San Diego State, and UNLV, a team they were swept by this season.

San Diego State (20-10, 14-6) is possibly struggling more than the Aggies, losing four of six, while the New Mexico Lobos (22-9, 13-7) lost three of four to close the regular season. 

The Nevada Wolf Pack (20-11, 12-8) lost two of three but Grand Canyon (20-11, 13-7) won three of four, with the loss a five-point affair to Utah State. Colorado State (20-11, 11-9) had an eight-game winning streak snapped when they lost 78-69 to Boise State. And UNLV (16-15, 11-9) is a threat behind Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn.

Gibbs-Lawhorn averaged 21 points per game on 50.9% shooting. He had five 30-point games this season, including a high of 42 against Nevada. Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 20+ points in 14 conference games this season.

Each of these eight teams has a legitimate shot at winning the conference tournament. Does Boise State have enough to power their way through four days? Yes. It won't be easy but with the right mix of leadership, high-level play, and a couple lucky bounces, they could see that title come Saturday.

The Broncos start play on Wednesday night (3/11) in Las Vegas, with tip-off scheduled at 9:30 p.m. (MT)

 

When three games remained in the 2025-26 regular season, the Boise State Broncos women's basketball team had an outside, if not slim, chance to share a regular season conference title.

The tough final slate of games did not fall in their favor, falling to champion San Diego State by two points at  home and routed by UNLV by 29 on the road, sandwiched around a 16-point win on Senior Night over Utah State.

The two losses, coupled with hot streaks from the Colorado State Rams and New Mexico Lobos, dropped the Broncos from second place to fifth. Despite failing to secure the first round bye, there is a feeling Boise State can make a strong, deep run in the Mountain West tournament starting March 7 in Las Vegas.

Boise State enjoyed their best season since 2019-20. A group of seniors hungry to cement their legacy along with other title holders in the program's history are primed to go dancing. Add in a sensational sophomore and an ever-improving bench, the Broncos have a deep team hoping to cut down the nets in a matter of days.

Boise State Broncos: Season stats and leaders

Four senior starters. Four players who all currently sit with over 1,000 points scored in their careers. All-conference accolades, great individual performances. All that is missing is a conference title for Tatum Thompson, Dani Bayes, Natalie Pasco, and Mya Hansen. 

These four players have been cornerstones of the Boise State program and started every game for the Broncos this season. Each brings tenacity, effort, and three-point shooting, not to mention the high-level of leadership they display on the court. It would only be a fitting end for this quartet to lock up a conference tourney title and head to the NCAA tournament. 

Thompson lived up to her billing as a preseason MVP, leading the Broncos in scoring (14.4) and rebounding (7.1), collecting five double doubles on the season. Until scoring only one point against UNLV, Thompson had scored in double figures in six straight games. Thompson shot 47.3 % from the field and on defense, had 1.2 steals per game.

Tops as sharpshooters, Pasco (12.6) and Bayes (12.5) put up similar numbers in the scoring department. Pasco shot 44.1% from three-point range, with Bayes connecting at 40.4%. Bayes also contributed 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

Hansen was close behind in the three-point game at 38.8%. The senior point guard averaged 7.3 points and 4.4 assists per game.

Hutton steadily improved as the season wore on and will provide a solid returning anchor for next season. The sophomore shot 47.5% from the field and averaged 10.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

Bench players, too, improved as the season went on, with mostly a group of true freshmen leading the way, with a couple of upperclassmen mixed in. The bench will need to provide adequate minutes throughout the tournament if Boise State is to advance, especially with the daunting challenge of four games in four days needed if the Broncos get that far.

Boise State averages 70.1 points per game and holds opponents to 64.3. In all of Boise State's conference wins, opponents did not reach 70 points, while in their six losses, opponents all scored over 70.

Mountain West tourney preview

Boise State (23-8, 14-6) opens the tournament on Saturday (3/7, 3 p.m. M.T.), taking on the 12th-seed San Jose State Spartans (4-27, 2-18))

The Broncos own two wins over the Spartans this season, winning 96-62 at ExtraMile Arena and 71-48 in San Jose.

Thompson, locked in against the Spartans, had 53 points and 13 rebounds in the two games. Bayes was just as efficient, scoring 30 and collecting 17 boards. Hansen contributed with 13 assists.

The top four teams received byes in the opening round. The top-seed Aztecs (25-4, 19-1) won eight straight to close the regular season, with their only conference loss a 13-point defeat at Grand Canyon.

UNLV (20-10, 15-5) and Colorado State (24-7, 15-5) finished tied, with the Lady Rebels snagging the second seed. The Rams, winners of six straight, are third and New Mexico with a five-game winning streak (22-9, 14-6) rounds out the top four. 

The Broncos went 2-4 against the top four teams this season, picking up wins over New Mexico and Colorado State.

Boise State, should they win on Saturday, will advance to face the Lobos on Sunday (3/8), with another 3 p.m. (MT) start time on the agenda.

More on Boise State women's basketball '25-26

Good times keep on rolling Climbing the Mountain West standings Premium January win for Broncos

 

The Boise State Broncos women's basketball team is racking up victories like they are going out of style.

Twice last week the Broncos picked up wins, in the process running their winning streak to nine games. And Boise State did so with different factors to overcome, whether that be a rare weekday game tipping off before noon or foul trouble to star players in both contests.

The streak is Boise State's longest since joining the Mountain West (just in time, too, since it is their final season in the conference). In the process, the Broncos have risen to third place, just one game back of the UNLV Lady Rebels and two back of San Diego State, who lost to Grand Canyon last week.

As the season rolls towards March, and the good times keep on rolling, Boise State has a strong chance to earn a first-round bye in the conference tournament. Even more enticing? The opportunity to keep winning and with games against UNLV and San Diego yet to come gives the Broncos a chance at something that hasn't been said since 2020: Boise State Broncos women's basketball team wins regular season title. 

Boise State shines in recent stretch

Last week, Boise State (19-5, 10-3) won a close game on the road, outlasting a spirited effort by the Nevada Wolf Pack (7-16, 3-10) to win 70-61. Tatum Thompson found herself in early foul trouble in both halves in that game.

Libby Hutton overcame first-half foul trouble to lead the Broncos with 16 points (adding six rebounds). Natalie Pasco had the hot hand, finishing with 14 points while Mya Hansen added 12 points and four rebounds to pace Boise State.

The Broncos followed that up with a dominant 63-35 victory at home over the New Mexico Lobos (16-8, 8-5). The 35 points scored by the Lobos were the third-lowest scoring by an opponent in Bronco history.

In a game where Dani Bayes found early foul trouble, Boise State held New Mexico to 25 percent on field goal attempts. Pasco led the way with 16 points and Hutton added 11. Thompson contributed across multiple categories, finishing with eight points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.

One of the many positives during this winning streak is the balance of the team, where multiple teammates step up when one or two struggle or have an off night. And while the starters continue to have standout evenings, like Thompson's going for 28 points and Bayes scoring 18 (with 10 rebounds) in a rout of San Jose State, the bench continues to play well too.

In the victory over New Mexico, the bench contributed 15 points, six from Emily Howard. With multiple players in foul trouble against Nevada, they were even better, scoring 18 points and contributing on both ends of the court.

Against San Jose State, the bench also saw plenty of action, with bench players scoring 22 points, led by eight from Izzie Harms.

Broncos: Upcoming games

Boise State will look to conquer the road this week, where two big games await the Broncos. On Wednesday (2/11), Boise State takes on Fresno State. The Broncos defeated the Bulldogs 60-52 in Boise last month. Led by Hutton's 25 points and nine rebounds, Boise State won the back-and-forth affair against Fresno State, who now sits in seventh place.

On Saturday (2/14), the Broncos travel to Laramie to take on Wyoming. Boise State won handily in the first meeting, 77-40, behind 15 points from Bayes and a double-double by Thompson (11 points, 10 rebounds).

Off the bench, Kenna Garza had 13 points in that game, with Harms chipping in 11.

Boise State is in the middle of a fantastic run, keeping things consistent and stellar. The offense has been flowing and the defense stingy, allowing no opponent to score over 65 points during the streak. Keep that up and March is going to be extra exciting for this team.

 

A home loss to the Grand Canyon Lopes is slowly vanishing in the rearview mirror for the Boise State Broncos women's basketball team.

Since that rare home defeat, which dropped the Broncos to 1-3 in Mountain West Conference play, Boise State is playing its best basketball. The Broncos picked up their fifth-straight victory on Wednesday night, defeating the Fresno State Bulldogs 60-52 at ExtraMile Arena.

The victory exemplified how Boise State has been playing for the last couple of weeks. Timely shooting and hard-nosed defense, backed by senior leadership all have vaulted the Broncos to fourth place, sitting only behind the San Diego State Aztecs, UNLV Lady Rebels, and Colorado State Rams.

Boise State is one game behind the Rams, who they defeated earlier in January.

During the last five games, Boise State held opponents to 60 points or less, scoring on average 69 points to opponents' 54. In the same stretch, the Broncos hold three victories of double-digit margins.

Head coach Gordy Presnell is also finding success with the bench. In recent games, eight players are usually seeing rotation minutes. Though not necessarily lighting up the box score, they are providing valuable court time while giving key players rest.

Along with the four starting seniors, one of those key players is starting center Libby Hutton, who has been on a steady rise during the winning streak.

Hutton finding consistency for Boise State Broncos

Taking over at center for Abby Muse was always going to be a big role to fill. Not that Hutton expected to take over for the program's top shot blocker and rebounder with ease.

Hutton has been improving all season and recently had the best game yet, scoring a career-high 25 points and pulling down nine rebounds. Hutton also connected on 9 of 10 from the charity stripe.

During the winning streak, Hutton is averaging 12.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. In nine Mountain West games this season, Hutton reached double digits in scoring six times. Top games in conference include a 17-point, 9-rebound effort against New Mexico and a double-double in the loss to Grand Canyon, scoring 13 points and collecting 11 rebounds.

Senior guard Dani Bayes is also playing well, notably in conference and especially the last five games. Bayes notched double digits in points in seven straight games and, over the last five, averaged 13.2 points and seven rebounds while dishing out 19 assists.

Leading scorer Tatum Thompson (14.4 ppg) has been held in check the last three games, averaging only 8.7 points. Thompson is averaging seven rebounds during that stretch, close to her season average of 7.2 per game.

Boise State: Upcoming games

The Broncos will get try for six straight wins when they hit the road to play Grand Canyon (6-13, 5-4) on Saturday (1/24). In doing so, Boise State also hopes to avenge the 87-76 loss they suffered against the Lopes.

In that game, Bayes scored 23 and Thompson had a double-double with 19 points and 13 boards. Senior Natalie Pasco was held to two points in the loss.

Boise State actually shot the ball better than Grand Canyon in that game, though the Lopes had more threes (seven to four) than Boise State and committed less turnovers (13 to the Broncos' 17).

The Broncos hold a one game lead over the Lopes. In the last meeting, Grand Canyon was led by Chloe Mann and Anisa Jeffries. Mann finished with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Jeffries finished 13 and 14, respectively.

After Saturday's game, the Broncos will get a week to rest up before their next matchup, taking on the San Jose State Spartans (3-17, 1-8) on January 31 at ExtraMile Arena. Boise State has won the last five meetings between the two teams.

 

Conference play for the Boise State Broncos women's basketball team did not start out as planned. 

Posting a 9-2 record in non-conference play had the program feeling good. High feelings were quickly dashed after an 0-2 start to Mountain West play, including a 29-point rout at the hands of the San Diego State Aztecs. Throw in a rare home loss last weekend to Grand Canyon, and frustration mounted.

The Broncos (12-5, 3-3) responded this week with kindness. First, Boise State ended an 11-game road losing streak, winning for the first time away from ExtraMile Arena in nearly a calendar year. Then on Saturday afternoon, the Broncos earned a premium victory against the talented Colorado State Rams (13-4, 4-2).

Down by as many as ten points in the early second quarter, the Broncos used a stingy defense and timely buckets from their core players to pick up a 62-59 victory.

Boise State Broncos: The victory

Boise State held Colorado State to nine points in the third quarter to not only claw back but to take a two-point lead into the fourth quarter. Action went back and forth in the final frame, with senior Natalie Pasco providing the final margin on a layup with 16 seconds left.

Pasco, after a 24-point outburst against Air Force, was held to five points on 2 of 8 shooting against the Rams. Tatum Thompson had an outstanding game with 25 points and seven rebounds while Dani Bayes locked in with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

Sophomore Libby Hutton, who had a huge blocked shot to seal the game with two seconds left, was a huge difference. Hutton finished with 15 points and six rebounds. Along with Thompson, Hutton dominated the paint on a day when the Broncos struggled to shoot the ball (5 of 19 from deep and 37% overall).

The Broncos held a huge advantage on the glass, collecting 42 rebounds to Colorado State's 28. 

Lexus Bargesser led Colorado State with 13 points while Hannah Ronsiek added 11. The two were a combined 8 of 21 from the field and 5 of 11 on three-point attempts.

The victory ended a string of six straight losses to the Rams. Boise State has a chance to keep the good times rolling in the week ahead, too, with two winnable games on the horizon.

Broncos in need of better depth

Boise State now sits in the middle of the Mountain West pack, tied with the Nevada Wolf Pack and Grand Canyon. These three teams are one game back of Colorado State and New Mexico, and three back of undefeated league leaders UNLV and San Diego State. 

The Lady Rebels and Aztecs meet up on 1/17 in Las Vegas.

For the Broncos, they will look for a bit of separation when they host the Wyoming Cowgirls (4-11, 1-5) and hit the road to face the improved Utah State Aggies (6-9, 2-4).

One of the things I hope improves for Boise State going forward is contributions from the bench players. To be fair, the group is either young or new to the roster (or both). This was a concern headed into the season, especially in the scoring department. In Saturday's victory, the five starters (four listed above plus Mya Hansen, who scored five points) accounted for all of Boise State's points. 

Eight players saw action off the bench. Throughout the season these eight have had spurts of contributions and played valuable minutes. Trouble is, much like today, minutes have been limited, with Morgan Maldonado leading the way with 10. And this might have been even less if it weren't for the early foul trouble Hansen got in.

The bench was 0 of 7 from the field and contributed seven points, two assists, and one turnover.

Maldonado has been the most consistent off the bench. I think Izzie Harms, Mason Borcherding, and Josee Steadman have the potential to make the most impact. If these four can get rolling, especially as a unit to give the starters much needed rest, Boise State can make a strong run in their final year in the Mountain West.

 

Heading into season eight of their careers, the quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft had high expectations. With good reasons, too, as all were coming off a playoff appearance in season seven. Even halfway through season eight, they were all on track to lead their team back to the promised land, and all were in discussion for MVP.

Then, wheels got wobbly, a handful fell off, and we are headed into a postseason with only two of these four quarterbacks carrying a torch for Super Bowl LX.

The biggest surprise is Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks. Darnold, the discarded New York Jet, Carolina Panther, San Francisco 49er, and Minnesota Viking, was not necessarily expected to duplicate his excellent seventh season. Especially with the Seahawks parting ways with their top receivers and a suspect offensive line. 

How did Darnold and co. respond? Simply by accumulating 14 wins and earning the top seed in the NFC, all while remaining on the fringe of MVP talk.

The other playoff-bound quarterback is Josh Allen, leading the Bills back to the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. This year, Buffalo is the sixth-seed and is traveling to Jacksonville to face the red-hot Jaguars. The good news for Allen? With no Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, or Lamar Jackson in the playoffs, this may be his and Buffalo's best chance to reach the Super Bowl.

Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens fell short of the playoffs, falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 18 with the AFC North on the line. The loss ultimately paved the way for the Ravens parting ways with head coach John Harbaugh.

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also were eliminated on the last weekend of the regular season. Though the Bucs won their finale, they lost the tiebreaker with the Carolina Panthers when the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints.

The eighth season saw decent performances for these four quarterbacks but had plenty of disappointment mixed in, even for those headed to the playoffs and the quest to be the first to earn a Super Bowl title.

Sam Darnold

The list of quarterbacks to lead two different teams to 14-win seasons is a small one. Last week, Darnold joined Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on that list. Two years ago, one would have thought that to be improbable, if not impossible.

Backed by a strong running game and a top-tier defense, Darnold led the Seahawks (14-3) to a division title and the top-seed in the NFC. His numbers dropped slightly in the season's back nine and he still faded slightly in big games. However, he played mistake-free football in the clincher, completing 20 of 26 for 198 yards in a 13-3 victory over the 49ers.

Seattle enters the playoffs with a seven-game winning streak. Darnold was better in the season's first eight games, struggling with only nine touchdown passes against nine interceptions. Darnold's completion percentage also dropped from 70.4% after eight games to 67.7% to end the season.

The 14 interceptions Darnold threw were the second highest of his career, just below the 15 he threw as a rookie. Darnold finished with 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, adding 95 yards on the ground while only being sacked 27 times.

As the top seed, Seattle has home field advantage. In an ultra-competitive NFC, this means everything in the world for the Seahawks. The defense will have its say but for Seattle to reach the Super Bowl, they will need the mistake-free version of Darnold mixed with the one from the season's first eight games. Do that and come February the Seahawks will be Super Bowl bound.

Josh Allen

With no real "star" receiver and injuries among his receivers and tight ends, Allen had somewhat of a down year in the passing game. This is not to say the aforementioned was the entire reason for Allen having a down year by comparison to his MVP season.

Buffalo (12-5) seemed poised to roll through the regular season. After dominating opponents early, Allen and the Bills had inconsistent results, with three of their losses coming by a combined eight points. This included a week 17 loss when Allen missed an open Khalil Shakir on a two-point conversion attempt that would have won the game.

Still, the Bills won four of five to close the regular season. Allen played only one snap in week 18 but in the four weeks prior, did not throw an interception (this after a four-game stretch in which he tossed six picks).

Numbers were down but Allen did achieve a career-best 69.3 completion percentage, throwing for 3,668 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. In the week 17 loss, Allen crossed 30,000 passing yards for his career.

In the ground game, Allen found the end zone 14 times and rushed for 579 yards. Back in week 13, Allen set the record for career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

A tough opening round game is on the agenda for Allen and the Bills. The path is no easier with Mahomes, Jackson, and Burrow absent but perhaps, just perhaps, the mental hurdle will be much easier to clear to reach the Super Bowl this February.

Lamar Jackson

Consider the 2025-26 season a lost one for Jackson and the Ravens (8-9). It was one filled with injuries for the two-time MVP and one that produced the first losing season as a starter (6-7) in Jackson's career.

Jackson showed flashes of his normal brilliance but those were outweighed by struggles. True, Baltimore relied a lot on Derrick Henry without much in the passing game beyond Zay Flowers. But Jackson had six games with under 200 yards passing and had the lowest total rushing yards of his career (349) on 4.8 yards per carry and rushing for only two scores.

Henry ran to the tune of 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns for Baltimore, including a week 17 effort where he ran for 216 yards and four touchdowns.

At one point, Jackson went three games without a touchdown pass. Despite a heroic fourth quarter effort in the season finale loss against the Steelers (with two touchdowns of 50+ yards), Jackson ended the season losing four of his last five starts.

Jackson completed 63.6% of his pass attempts, throwing for 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his eighth season.

With no postseason, Jackson has a chance to start the healing process and get healthy for season nine. And with a new head coach headed to Baltimore, it will be interesting to see if there is untapped potential still floating around in Jackson. More importantly, hopes for a bounce back season and a return to Super Bowl aspirations.

Baker Mayfield

Struggles by Mayfield in the second half of the season contributed to Tampa Bay's swoon, where the Buccaneers went 2-7 to close the year. Inopportune turnovers, injuries to star receivers, and a running game that slowed down also contributed.

In their 6-2 start, Tampa Bay won the close games. That trend reversed the back half of the season, where their last four losses were by a combined 11 points. 

The season was also a tale of two halves for Mayfield. During the first eight games, Mayfield's name was thrown around in MVP circles, passing for 1,919 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only two interceptions.

In the final nine games, Mayfield threw for only 1,774 yards, 13 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Overall, Mayfield finished with a completion percentage of 63.2 in passing for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The numbers were all the lowest of Mayfield's time in Tampa Bay.

Mayfield did, however, finish with a career-high 382 yards on the ground, scoring once.

Tampa Bay might be in the middle of a transition period. They went all in this season and may have missed their window, especially within their division, where the New Orleans Saints appear to be on the right track and Carolina is now competitive. For now, it is another offseason to reflect, and for Mayfield to hope he gets the team back to the playoffs in season nine.

Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen remained out of the game through the 2025 season, off pursuing other endeavors.

Thanks for following along with this continuing series. Enjoy the playoffs and come back next August to see how these quarterbacks stack up entering their ninth season.

2018 NFL Draft - 1st round quarterbacks - season 8:

Season 8 preview Blazing start thru four weeks thru nine weeks: MVP candidates 13 weeks and fighting for playoff lives

 

Mountain West Conference play looms large for the Boise State Broncos men's basketball team. One last chance to win the conference. One last chance to enter the NCAA tournament representing the Mountain West. A final opportunity to leave their mark on a conference rich with basketball history before leaving to enter their next chapter in the PAC-12, and even more history.

Non-conference play wrapped up last Sunday for the Broncos (8-3), where they prepped with quite a slate of games. Things went rosy for this Boise State team, but could have been a lot rosier if not for tough, and perplexing, losses. 

By now, fans are quite aware the Broncos started off on the very wrong foot, dropping a home game to Hawai'i Pacific, a Division II squad. A shocking start to the season, yes, but thankfully Boise State has mostly settled in since. In terms of its two other losses, Boise State could mark them in the "good losses" column, if they really wanted to. 

The Broncos lost a close one to the USC Trojans (who went on to win the tournament), 70-67, in the opening round of the Maui Invitational. Boise State also fell to N.C. State in the same tournament.

USC is 10-1 this season, with the one loss coming at the hands of Washington. And while N.C. State is 7-4, losses came against Auburn, Kansas, Texas, and Seton Hall. 

The Broncos closed out non-conference play in style, picking up Quad 1 wins over Butler (on the road) and Saint Mary's (neutral site).

Two much-needed wins heading into the gauntlet that is the Mountain West. A gauntlet that grew more difficult with the addition of Grand Canyon. Right now, the Broncos are gelling at the right time with players settling into roles and where the team will rely on depth to ascend to the top.

Boise State Broncos: Team and individual stats

Returning a small, but mighty, core in 2025-26 factored into expectations. Gone were two elite players with Tyson Degenhart and Alvaro Cardenas. Back in the blue and orange were Andrew Meadow (a starter), Javan Buchanan (Mountain West 6th Man of the Year), Pearson Carmichael (Fabulous freshman, sometimes starter), RJ Keene II (starter, glue guy), and Julian Bowie, who saw plenty of court time last season.

The true question: How would the new arrivals fit in?

It has taken a team effort to replace the production of Degenhart and Cardenas. Though truly "replacing" the production is tough to do. The majority of the returning players are receiving the opportunity to do their part.

Meadow, averaging 11.9 points per game, opened the season with five straight games scoring in double digits. He only has two games since in crossing into this territory but is still shooting 42.5% from three-point range.

Buchanan slid into the starting lineup and is scoring 12.3 points and averaging 5.4 rebounds per game. Buchanan also has been steady from deep, shooting 36.1%.

Then there is Keene, who continues to out hustle everyone on the floor, contributing a little bit of everything. Keene is averaging 5.5 rebounds per game and has 24 assists this season against only two turnovers.

Carmichael took a couple games to get going but has been consistently the first person off the Bronco bench in recent weeks. Averaging 9.5 points per game and shooting 40% on three-point attempts, Carmichael was in top form in the victory over Duquesne, dropping a career-best 26 points. (He connected on six of eight from deep.)

The top newcomers are both starters, and both contributing mightily. Drew Fielder is tops in the scoring department at 14.4 points per game and is shooting 58.3 percent from the field. Fielder, after struggling to score only seven points on 1 of 12 shooting against USC and NC State, has been on a tear. In the last four games, he averaged 22 points and seven rebounds while shooting 37 of 54 from the field.

Andrews is solid in scoring (11.3) and assists (4.3) while putting in a lot of minutes. The transfer from UCLA is also shooting 86% from the free throw line. Andrews dropped 26 points in the loss against NC State and 20 in the victory over Butler.

Along with Carmichael, Spencer Ahrens, Aginaldo Neto, and Dominic Parolin power the bench. (Bowie, whose father unexpectedly passed right as the season began, recently announced on social media he was stepping away from the team the rest of this season.)

All help Boise State score to the tune of 78 points per game while holding opponents to 69.5. The Broncos have three straight games where opponents scored under 70, also accomplishing this feat in six of their eight victories this season. 

Boise State vs Nevada and Mountain West play

Boise State hits the road, taking on a Nevada Wolf Pack (8-3) team with a roster made up of almost entirely new players to the program.

Nevada enters the game on a four-game winning streak, including a three-point win at home against Duquesne. Nevada is averaging 77.4 points per game and allowing 77.2. Boise State holds a slight edge in rebounding and field goal percentage but the Wolf Pack averages only 9.1 turnovers per game.

The big force for Nevada is Fresno State transfer Elijah Price. Price is averaging 11.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, with 1.6 blocked shots per game. Fans should be in a treat with a battle between Price and Fielder in the middle.

Corey Camper Jr. (15.9 ppg) is the leading scorer for the Wolf Pack, with Tayshaun Comer close behind at 15.4.

Prior to the four wins in a row, Nevada dropped three of four. The Wolf Pack defeated San Francisco and lost games against Santa Clara (by 15), UC Davis (4), and Washington. (17).

Nine of the twelve teams in the Mountain West enter conference play with a winning record. Utah State, Colorado State, New Mexico, and Wyoming all posted nine wins. Boise State and Nevada followed, then Grand Canyon and Fresno State with six. San Diego State reached six wins by opening conference play with a victory over Air Force.

The usual suspects, it seems, are primed to make a run at a conference title. Boise State's defense will carry them far and keep them around the top of the league. If their offense can follow suit, and avoid cold spells that so often doomed the team in recent years, a title can be theirs. Then, and only then, can we talk about finally getting the NCAA tournament victory monkey off the program's back.

First, one game at a time, and seeing where the march towards the tournament leads.

The Broncos open conference play this Saturday (12/20) in Reno, taking on the Wolf Pack, where tip-off is set for 8 p.m. (MT)

More on Boise State men's basketball: 

Mountain West title game - March 2025 College Basketball Crown - 2025 results

 

MVP candidacies took hits in recent weeks for the first round quarterbacks taken in the 2018 NFL draft. Losses mounted for some, turnovers occurred for many, and for all four quarterbacks, with the season heading into its final five weeks, playoff spots are on the line.

Though the teams represented by each of these quarterbacks are at or near the top of their divisions, a recent stretch saw two of the quarterbacks go a combined 3-5. The other two went 6-2 but still there is concern. The stretch wasn't horrible but surprising, given that the talent and prior MVP wins (or consideration) of these quarterbacks and their teams.
Defenses have contributed to the woes of these teams. So, too, have lack of star players in key areas. Injuries played their part through 13 weeks too. Toss in surprise teams like the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers, well, the result is concern for the Bills, Bucs, Ravens, and Seahawks in contending for playoff spots.
Five weeks remain on the regular season schedule, with the four quarterbacks aiming to hunker down and rise above. Even so, there is a good chance at least one of these quarterbacks and their team will not be present come playoff time.Sam DarnoldDarnold and the Seattle Seahawks (9-3) won three of four but the loss was a big one, a 21-19 defeat by the Los Angeles Rams (9-3). By virtue of the L.A. victory, the Rams currently hold the first-place tiebreaker in the NFC West.
Darnold continues to be the best of these four quarterbacks this season, and the most consistent. Of course, in the big spotlight game, Darnold faltered, throwing four interceptions in a game Seattle still almost won, if not for a missed 61-yard field goal at the end of the game.
He dropped back in the MVP race but is still having a fine season. Numbers fell a little in the recent four-game stretch, twice failing to reach 200 yards passing. Powered by a stellar defense, buoyed by wonderful special teams play, and back by a strong ground game, Darnold had to do less in recent games.
On the season, Darnold is at a 68.2% completion rate with 2,913 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Three road games remain on Seattle's schedule, including likely a key matchup at San Francisco to close the regular season. After a trip to Atlanta, the Seahawks close the season with four teams currently above .500. A daunting schedule and a chance for Darnold to put those "big game" demons behind him.
Final five weeks: @ ATL (12/7), vs IND (12/14), vs LAR (12/18), @CAR (TBD), @ SF (TBD)Josh AllenOne of the bigger surprises this season has been the record for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills (8-4). This includes a 30-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins (in which the Bills didn't score until the fourth quarter). And a loss to the Houston Texans, where Allen was sacked eight times.
Buffalo currently sits in second place in the AFC East, 2.5 games back of the Patriots.
Allen had his first 300-yard game since week one during the recent four-game stretch, where the Bills went 2-2. Considering injuries to his tight ends and no real "star" receiver, this is understandable. Of course, it is odd to see Allen throw for only 123 yards in a game, a 26-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Allen's passing numbers are similar to those of Darnold. He owns a completion percentage of 69.2, throwing for 2,832 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions (six in the last four games). In the rushing attack, however, Allen is best of those bunch with 409 yards and 11 touchdowns.
In the victory over the Steelers, Allen set the career rushing touchdown mark by a quarterback, crossing the goal line for the 76th time.
Buffalo and Allen close the season with three home games but do travel to New England. Eleven or twelve wins is still a possibility for the Bills but they will need to be at the top of their game to make that happen.
Final five weeks: vs CIN (12/7), @ NE (12/14), @ CLE (12/21), vs PHI (12/28) vs NYJ (TBD)Baker MayfieldDespite losing three of four, Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) remain in first place, barely ahead of the surprising Panthers (7-6). A three-game losing streak finally broke last weekend with a 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
While the losses are concerning, they did come against teams that currently have a combined 28 wins.
Mayfield is battling a left shoulder injury that occurred in a week 12 loss to the Rams in which he left at halftime after throwing for only 41 yads and two interceptions.
Mayfield was under 200 yards passing in each of the last three games but overall, he continues to take care of the ball. Completion percentage is down to 62.8 and Mayfield has 2,600 yards, 19 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also has 243 yards on the ground, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
Of the four quarterbacks, Mayfield likely has the easiest remaining schedule, with the only current winning team they face will be Carolina. The Panthers are on the schedule twice and there is a good chance the NFC South will be decided in week 18.
Final five weeks: vs NO (12/7), vs ATL (12/11), @ CAR (12/21), @ MIA (12/28), vs CAR (TBD)Lamar JacksonJackson missed three games due to a hamstring injury, but he and the Baltimore Ravens (6-6) are currently in first place in the AFC North. The Ravens are tied with the Steelers, with the Cincinnati Bengals lurking at 4-8. (I say "lurking" because with Joe Burrow back in the saddle, anything can happen.)
The Ravens are fresh off a 32-14 loss to the Bengals but prior had won five straight, including four with Jackson back under center. Touchdown passes have fallen by the wayside in recent weeks for Jackson, with none in the last three games. The offense is lacking in areas, and Jackson isn't running as efficiently (with only 17 carries for 48 yards in the last three games).
Jackson has 264 yards on the ground, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and only one touchdown.
In the passing attack, Jackson is completing 64.8% of his pass attempts with 1,841 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Baltimore has a chance to leave their mark and win this division, but has a difficult stretch. Three of the games are on the road, and four of their final five games are against teams currently first or second in their respective division.
Final five weeks: vs PIT (12/7), @ CIN (12/14), vs NE (12/21), @ GB (TBD), @ PIT (TBD)Josh RosenJosh Rosen, of course, is not on an active NFL roster, off pursuing other dreams.
Thank you for following along with this continuing series. Be sure to check back in after week 18 to see how the eighth season for these quarterbacks ended.
image credit: Flickr
Season 8 articles Season 8 preview Blazing start through four weeks A surprise MVP candidate through nine weeks

 

A surprising name is emerging as a bonafide MVP candidate among the quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draftfirst round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Josh Allen is there, again putting up numbers to rival his career averages. Baker Mayfield, too, is making a run at another outstanding season. Both have been here before, with Allen the reigning MVP and perennial candidate. Mayfield holds his own accolades, relaunching his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent seasons.

It is Sam Darnold, however, leading the pack in his eighth season.

Darnold looked like a bust up until a breakout performance with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. Thrust into the starting role, Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, throwing for 4,319 yards while completing 66.2 percent of his pass attempts. Darnold tossed 35 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, though he did have his struggles in the last regular season game and in the playoffs.

Through the season's first nine weeks, Allen, Mayfield, and Darnold sit with a combined record of 18-6. Even Lamar Jackson, had he not been injured and the Baltimore Ravens struggled, is putting up decent stats. So far, though, it is Darnold's season to be sitting in the top spot.

Sam Darnold

Proving the 2024 season with the Vikings was no fluke, Darnold has the Seattle Seahawks (6-2) in first place in the NFC West. 

This season, Darnold has four games in which he has thrown for 250+ yards, including crossing the 300-yard mark in two of the last four. In a week 9 victory over Washington, Darnold was nearly flawless, completing 21-24 for 330 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.

A strong running game backing Darnold up, plus a penchant for avoiding sacks (only nine times this season) are helping Darnold and the Seahawks find success.

No road is easy in the NFL but theoretically, Seattle could emerge from its next stretch of games with a record of 9-3 or 10-2. If either of those occur, chances are it's because of Darnold, where in turn he cements his status as MVP candidate. 

Next four weeks: vs ARI (11/9), @ LAR (11/16), @ TEN (11/23), vs MIN (11/30)

Josh Allen

Heading into the stretch of games for weeks five through nine, the schedule for the Buffalo Bills pointed to the possibility of an 8-0 start to open the season.

Instead, a home loss to a surprising New England Patriots squad, followed by a loss to the Falcons, had the Bills (6-2) in a slight tailspin. Thankfully, Allen and Buffalo rallied, winning their last two games.

The most recent was another classic with Kansas City, prevailing at home with a 28-21 victory. In that game, Allen was in vintage form, completing 23 of 26 passes for 273 yards and accounting for three touchdowns.

Allen is completing 70.4 percent of his pass attempts, with 1,833 yards and 13 touchdown passes. Three of his four interceptions happened in the two losses, and Allen has three games this season in which he threw for under 200 yards.

On the ground, the MVP has 280 yards and seven touchdowns.

The schedule for Allen and the Bills has moderate difficulty ahead, with a game against fellow first-rounder Mayfield and a road game at Pittsburgh on the agenda. Still, a 9-3 record after this stretch is a strong possibility, and hopes of moving out of second place (behind the Patriots) a huge goal.

Next four weeks: @ MIA (11/9), vs TB (11/16), @ HOU (11/20), @ PIT (11/30)

Baker Mayfield

Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) are battling injuries and living on the edge this season. Yet they keep on finding ways to win. The Bucs completed another 3-1 stretch, with Mayfield again leading the team to a comeback victory (against Darnold and the Seahawks, nonetheless).

Two other wins, against the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints, were by an average of 14.5 points, keeping the heart rate low for a couple of weeks.

Mayfield (28-50, 228 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 4 sacks) had a rough outing in a 24-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. And the numbers weren't spectacular against the Saints. However, against Seattle, Mayfield had an MVP-worthy performance, where he completed 29-33 for 379 yards and two touchdown passes.

The former top-pick ranks lowest of these four quarterbacks in completion percentage (63.9) this season. However, Mayfield has 1,919 passing yards with 13 touchdown passes against only two interceptions.

Sacks are a minor concern, with Mayfield getting sacked 17 times this season.

A true barometer for this injury-riddled Bucs team is on the horizon in the coming weeks, starting with the Patriots. Mayfield has Tampa Bay in first place in the NFC South and it will be interesting to see where they are after week 13 and this upcoming difficult stretch.

Next four weeks: vs NE (11/9), @ BUF (11/16), @ LAR (11/23), vs ARI (11/30)

Lamar Jackson

A hamstring injury kept Jackson sidelined for three games, two of which were losses where the Baltimore Ravens scored a combined 13 points. Baltimore managed a win against the Chicago Bears with Jackson out, then picked up a 28-6 win over the Miami Dolphins in his return.

Jackson took care of business, throwing four touchdowns while completing 18 of 23 for 204 yards.

The Ravens are currently 3-5, two games back of the Steelers in the AFC North.

If not for the injury, Jackson could very well be at the top of the list through season eight's midpoint. He is completing 72.9 percent of passes in five games, with 1,073 yards 14 touchdowns and only one interception. In totaling 180 yards on the ground, Jackson averages 6.9 yards per carry.

Big chances are on the horizon for Jackson and the Ravens to stay in the thick of the AFC playoff race. Chances are good the team goes 3-1 during the upcoming stretch, bringing them back to .500. 

Next four weeks: @ MIN (11/9), @ CLE (11/16), vs NYJ (11/23), vs CIN (11/27)

Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen is off pursuing other endeavors and no longer active on an NFL roster.

Be sure to check back in after week 13 to see how these quarterbacks continue to fare in their eighth season in the NFL.

Read more on Season 8:

Season 8 preview Blazing start for QBs through first four weeks

 

Four weeks are in the books for the four active quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Now in their eighth season, all four are starters with Super Bowl aspirations on their minds.

Three of the quarterbacks could not have asked for better beginnings in 2025, putting up a combined record of 10-2.

And for the fourth? Well, a 1-3 start is far from ideal.

The top of the line is reigning MVP Josh Allen and the undefeated Buffalo Bills (4-0). Following Allen are Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. Mayfield with Tampa Bay and Darnold with Seattle are each sitting at 3-1.

Most surprising, in some ways, is Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens (1-3). And now a hamstring injury for Jackson could dampen this start even further. 

Even factoring in Baltimore's losing record, Jackson is off to a decent start, along with Allen, Mayfield, and Darnold. A big reason for the victories is each quarterback is taking care of the ball. In the first three games, the only quarterback to throw an interception was Darnold, who threw two in one game. In week four, however, the three other quarterbacks ended their interception-free start, each throwing a pick.

Still, the stars are aligning for one of these quarterbacks to finally reach the promised land. Difficult roads lie ahead but the veteran status of all will allow them to navigate the tricky landscape.

Josh Allen

Allen and the Bills began the season with a bang. In a thrilling come from behind victory over the Jackson and the Ravens, Buffalo won 41-40 on a last-second field goal.

The last three weeks were easier, with the Bills winning by an average margin of 14 points against teams with a combined record of 1-11. Allen has the offense in sync, where the lowest scoring output of the season for the Bills is 30 points.

Allen's completion percentage is sitting at 70.2 and he is tops among these four quarterbacks with 964 passing yards. Seven touchdown passes against only one interception is more than efficient and Allen in the running game is among the league's best, rushing for 159 yards and three touchdowns.

The best game for Allen came in week one, where he threw for 394 yards and accounted for four touchdowns. He was sacked only once that game and a total of only five times so far this season.

Buffalo and Allen are off to a fantastic start. Given the upcoming schedule, the Bills have a strong chance to be undefeated when they host Kansas City in week nine. 

Next 5 weeks: vs NE (10/5), @ ATL (10/13), BYE, @ CAR (10/26), vs KC (11/2)

Baker Mayfield

Mayfield was a comeback king for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season's first three weeks. Each game saw Mayfield carry the team to a comeback victory, providing the Bucs with their best start in 20 years.

The magic ran out in a week four 31-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. But Mayfield has Tampa Bay in prime position so far in the 2025 season.

Of the four quarterbacks here, Mayfield is struggling the most with a 59.7 completion percentage. The former top pick has thrown for 904 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception. Mayfield also has 129 yards on the ground, including a 16-yard scamper on fourth down in a week two victory over the Houston Texans.

Mayfield is more impressive considering Mike Evans went down with an injury. Emeka Egbuka stepped up and has 18 receptions for 282 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Magic for Mayfield and the Bucs will be a plus in a tough upcoming stretch of games. The next three games involve teams with a combined record of 9-3 and, of the next four games, three are on the road.

Next 5 weeks: @ SEA (10/5), vs SF (10/12), @ DET (10/20), @ NO (10/26), BYE

Lamar Jackson

Jackson has been in decent form through the season's first four games. In completing 71.6 percent of his pass attempts, Jackson has thrown for 869 yards and 10 touchdowns, with only one interception. The two-time MVP is averaging 7.9 yards per carry (166 yards) but found the end zone only once.

Sacks have been a major issue for Jackson and the Ravens, going down seven times in a loss to the Detroit Lions, and 15 times through four games.

While the offense is putting up decent numbers, the Baltimore defense is struggling. In the three losses, the team gave up 116 points. Things didn't get any better in the loss to Kansas City, where more players on that side of the ball joined the injury club.

The sledding was tough through four games, but Jackson, health pending, and Baltimore can right the course with an upcoming schedule that includes three straight home games. A bye is mixed in during that stretch, so the Ravens could very well be back to .500 or better by time week nine finishes up.

Next 5 weeks: vs HOU (10/5), vs LAR (10/12), BYE, vs CHI (10/26), @ MIA (10/30)

Sam Darnold

A bit of the most surprising start belongs to Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks. Especially concerning was an opening week loss where Darnold looked like the quarterback of old and not the one who turned the corner last season with the Minnesota Vikings.

Darnold responded well and led the Seahawks to three straight victories. An offensive line that was scrutinized ahead of the season responded well, allowing only six sacks in the first four games.

Darnold completed 70 percent of his passes, throwing for 905 yards. Buoyed by a strong ground game behind him, Darnold tossed five touchdowns passes and two interceptions. 

If the Seattle and Darnold can keep on this same trajectory, a 6-2 record after week nine is very much in the cards. The schedule is kind and as long as Darnold keeps performing well, a postseason may be on the horizon for this Seattle squad. 

Next 5 weeks: vs TB (10/5), @ JAX (10/12), vs HOU (10/20), BYE, @ WAS (11/2)

Josh Rosen

No longer active, the former first-round pick is pursuing other endeavors.

Thanks for following along this series chronicling the careers of the five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Be sure to check back in after week nine to see where they stand.

Five QBs 2018 draft: Season 8 preview