Spencer Danielson Says Madsen's Availability for Oregon State Is Uncertain

“Tomorrow is a big one for me in regards to practice,” Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said during a Monday press conference.

The fifth-year senior quarterback’s availability for Saturday’s game against Oregon State remains uncertain as he recovers from a knee injury sustained on Halloween. Danielson told reporters that while Madsen feels much better, the coaching staff needs to see him perform at a high level during Tuesday and Wednesday practices before clearing him for the field.

No. 25 Boise State (8-1, 5-0 Pac-12) is scheduled to host Oregon State (5-4, 3-2) at 4 p.m. Mountain time this Saturday, according to reporting from SI.com.

Boise State football: Spencer Danielson press conference | Oregon State week

Madsen sat out last week’s victory over Colorado State after an apparent knee injury occurred in the fourth quarter against Texas State. In his absence, backup quarterback Max Cutforth provided a high-octane performance that kept the Broncos’ momentum intact.

Cutforth led a comeback to secure a 46-45 win over the Bobcats, completing 16 of 19 passes for 317 yards. His efficiency was notable, as he accounted for five total touchdowns and committed no turnovers during the game. Over his last five quarters of play, Cutforth has recorded 448 passing yards and eight total touchdowns on 24 of 32 attempts.

Spencer Danielson Says Madsen's Availability for Oregon State Is Uncertain

Player	Passing Yards	Passing Comp. %	Touchdowns	Turnovers
Maddux Madsen (Season)	1,681	67%	18	1
Max Cutforth (Last Game)	317	84%	5	0
Max Cutforth (Last 5 Qtrs)	448	75%	8	0

Despite Cutforth’s statistical surge, Danielson addressed rumors of a quarterback competition by emphasizing Madsen’s established role and recent production. Madsen holds a 27-7 record as a starter and is currently playing the most productive football of his collegiate career.

“There’s a reason he’s our starting quarterback, and we can look at facts of the reason why,” Danielson said. “I believe in him not because I like Maddux more than Max or more than others, it’s because of what he’s done on the field.”

Danielson noted that while Cutforth has shown growth, Madsen’s ability to manage the offense and utilize his mobility provides the team with a better chance to win. “Maddux, in regards to running our offense, throwing the ball, making plays with his feet… puts us, in our opinion—starting with myself—in the best situation to win,” Danielson added.

LIVE NOW: Spencer Danielson, Nate Potter and Erik Chinander talk CSU win, preview Oregon State

The coach maintained that the position is performance-based, noting that any player who fails to meet the team standard will eventually be replaced. However, he reiterated that if Madsen is healthy, he will remain the starter.

The upcoming matchup features several other health questions for both programs. Boise State running back Sire Gaines remains questionable due to an undisclosed lower-body injury. Gaines has accumulated 418 yards and five touchdowns on 75 carries this season but has not played in the recent contests against Texas State or Colorado State.

Oregon State may also face a major deficit at the quarterback position. Their starter, Braden Atkinson, who currently leads the nation in passing, suffered an apparent hand injury during last week’s loss to Texas State.

The game between Boise State and Oregon State takes place this Saturday at 4 p.m. Mountain time.

Keep reading