Madsen Only QB With Double-Digit TDs and Zero Interceptions

Madsen and Boise State prepare to host Texas State after a turnover-free streak

Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen enters this week’s matchup against Texas State standing alone as the only quarterback in the country with double-digit touchdown passes and zero interceptions past the midway point of the season. The 6-1 Broncos, holding a 3-0 record in the Pac-12, are set to host 4-3 Texas State at 8 p.m. Saturday at Albertsons Stadium.

The distinction comes after a 31-10 win against Washington State where Madsen threw his 14th touchdown pass of the season to Cam Bates. During the FBS era, Madsen additionally set a program record as the first Boise State quarterback to open seven straight games without throwing an interception.

Madsen tracks interception streaks via family chat

While tracking devices and broadcasts follow interception-free streaks nationwide, Madsen kept tabs on the diminishing field through a family group chat. When other quarterbacks across the country came close to throwing their first picks, his brother would send updates.

The watch concluded not with an interception, but with Madsen separating himself from the pack. Yet the senior quarterback maintains that the streak rarely crosses his mind during games.

Quick decisions in pocket boost Madsen's play at quarterback — Photo: newsbreak.com

“It’s cool,” Madsen said about the streak, “but, honestly, it’s never in my thinking as far as ‘oh, I can’t throw an interception.’ I’ve been in that space before and it’s not good for me. It’s just letting it rip. (Quarterbacks) Coach (Zak) Hill always says it’s those senior competitions and I think that’s the best way to go about it.”

Entering his third season as the full-time starter for the Broncos, Madsen has completed 65.6% of his passes for 1,445 yards alongside his 14 touchdowns. Driving Boise State through an impressive run of six consecutive games with at least 30 points scored—their longest such streak since the final seven contests of the 2014 regular season—has been the direct result of his heightened passing efficiency.

Pocket presence and mobility on third down

Beyond his passing numbers, Madsen has neutralized pass rushes with quick decisions and mobility. Opposing defenses have recorded only five sacks against him this season, ranking as the fifth-fewest nationally. Madsen was not sacked in four games this year, including the win over Washington State.

His ability to escape pressure materialized in the third quarter against the Cougars with the score tied at 10. Escaping multiple tacklers on a third-and-6 play, Madsen scrambled across midfield for a 17-yard gain to keep a drive alive that ultimately resulted in a Boise State touchdown and a permanent lead.

Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen talks Kellen Moore, no interceptions, Texas State and more

On 33 carries this season, Madsen has accumulated 144 rushing yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He has posted positive rushing yards in every game and sits on pace to surpass his career-high 221 rushing yards which he had when leading Boise State to the 2024 College Football Playoff.

“He’s probably watching some of our individual film and working on that,” joked Boise State running back Dylan Riley, who leads the nation with 963 rushing yards. “He’s out there doing his thing when it comes to using his legs.”

Managing expectations and senior maturity

Offensive coordinator Nate Potter pointed to Madsen’s maturity and growth as key factors in his ability to pick his spots, extend plays with his feet, and protect his body from heavy contact.

“At times, he’s just got to trust the pocket and trust the read,” Potter said. “He’s been very good at making that quick decision, going, finding the sticks and taking care of himself, too.”

Coach Spencer Danielson echoed those assessments of leadership and execution as the team turns its focus to Saturday night’s kickoff against Texas State.