Tuioti Interception Sparks Boise State Comeback

Boise State linebacker Mana Tuioti's fourth-quarter interception helped the Broncos rally past Texas State 46-45 at Albertsons Stadium.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football

Tuioti Interception Sparks Boise State Comeback

Boise State defeated Texas State 46-45 on Saturday at Albertsons Stadium after overcoming a 39-28 deficit. Linebacker Mana Tuioti intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter and returned it 15 yards, and Max Cutforth then connected with Rasean Jones in the end zone four minutes later.

Why it matters

The comeback moved Boise State to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in Pac-12 play. The win came after the Broncos had led 28-3 before Texas State scored 36 unanswered points.

Boise State trailed 39-28 after Texas State scored 36 unanswered points, then won 46-45 following Tuioti's interception and a Cutforth touchdown pass to Jones. The source does not say how the result affects the Broncos' Pac-12 standings beyond their 4-0 conference record.

The players

Mana Tuioti

Boise State linebacker whose fourth-quarter interception set up the Broncos' comeback win.

Brad Jackson

Texas State quarterback who was hit by Tuioti on the play he threw the intercepted pass.

Max Cutforth

Boise State quarterback who threw the touchdown pass to Rasean Jones after the interception.

The details

Tuioti hit Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson on the same play he intercepted a pass that slipped out of wide receiver Tucker Cusano's hand. Earlier in October, Jake Ripp had returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown against Utah State, and the linebacking group has accounted for the team's last three interceptions.

Timeline

  1. Earlier in October: Jake Ripp returned an interception for a touchdown against Utah State.

  2. Previous week: Phelps intercepted a pass at Washington State.

  3. Saturday, November 5, 2026: Boise State beat Texas State 46-45 at Albertsons Stadium.

Season Trajectory

The win kept Boise State unbeaten in Pac-12 play at 4-0 and moved the team to 7-1 overall. The extraction does not provide a playoff or standings projection.

Fantasy managers should note that Tuioti's interception came from a linebacker, which can matter in leagues that score defensive plays. The extraction does not give further consequences for the roster or schedule.

The takeaway

Boise State's linebackers have now produced the team's last three interceptions, a pattern worth watching as the Broncos continue conference play. Their ability to recover from a 39-28 deficit shows the team can still win late in games.

Further reading

For more Broncos coverage, see Football in our Boise sports section.