Boise State routs Appalachian State 47-14 as Madsen throws four TDs

BOISE, Idaho — Maddux Madsen threw four touchdown passes and Boise State's defense scored twice on interception returns as the Broncos routed Appalachian State 47-14 on Saturday night.

Madsen completed 25 of 37 passes for a career-high 321 yards and accounted for four touchdowns as Boise State built an early lead and never let up. The Broncos' first score came on a connection between Madsen and Latrell Caples, and McCoy returned an interception for a touchdown with 1:49 left in the first quarter to put Boise State up 14-0. Boen Phelps added a second pick-six with 10:21 remaining in the fourth quarter to seal the margin.

Caples finished with five catches for 89 yards. One of Madsen's scoring plays came late in the third quarter after Boise State converted a fourth-and-5; the quarterback then hit freshman Quinton Brown on a 29-yard touchdown, Brown's first career score. Brown remained down after the catch and was taken to the medical tent with a cut to his lip, but he smiled and waved as he left the field.

Boise State's defense held Appalachian State to 65 passing yards while applying consistent pressure. Appalachian State quarterback A.J. Swann was sacked five times. The Broncos'...