Notre Dame vs Boise State Quirk That Hasn't Happened in 25 Years

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  Humor and Quirks on Fri, Oct 03rd, 2025 by Sports Illustrated

Notre Dame vs. Boise State: A 25‑Year Quirk in College Football History

In the annals of college football, the 2008 matchup between the Fighting Irish and the Broncos stands out not only for its dramatic finish but also for a peculiar statistical oddity that has endured for a quarter of a century. On September 21, 2008, the University of Notre Dame hosted the Boise State Broncos in a game that would become the first time a team from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) ever defeated a top‑tier program on Notre Dame’s home turf, a feat that remained untouched for the next 25 years.

The Game at Bronco Stadium

The 2008 contest was part of a season that would prove historic for Boise State. The Broncos entered the game with an 8‑0 record and were ranked No. 6 in the AP poll, having already stunned the College Football Playoff with a 14‑3 win over Oklahoma State the previous week. Notre Dame, on the other hand, was a 9‑0, 4‑0‑1 team that had lost its opening game to Kansas State and was looking to rebound.

Boise State’s offense, led by junior quarterback Kellen Moore, exploded for 454 yards, while Notre Dame’s ground attack, spearheaded by running back David Fales, was stifled by a stout Broncos defense that forced two interceptions. The final score—28‑24 in favor of Boise State—was the culmination of a game that swung back and forth until the final minutes.

Key moments:

• First Quarter: The Broncos struck early with a 20‑yard touchdown run by running back Brandon Staley, giving Boise State a 7‑0 advantage. Notre Dame responded with a 25‑yard touchdown pass from Fales to tight end Andrew Cosey, tying the game at 7‑7.

• Second Quarter: Boise State’s defense tightened, and the Broncos scored a 31‑yard field goal to go up 10‑7. Notre Dame answered with a 45‑yard touchdown run from running back Kory Ransom, making it 10‑14.

• Third Quarter: The tide turned in favor of Boise State when Moore connected with wide receiver J.R. Smith on a 37‑yard touchdown pass, giving the Broncos a 17‑14 edge. A 33‑yard field goal later, Boise State was up 20‑14.

• Fourth Quarter: Notre Dame mounted a furious comeback, driving down the field for a 3‑yard touchdown run by Fales. The Irish closed the gap to 20‑21. Boise State answered with a 45‑yard touchdown pass from Moore to tight end Dan Smith, extending the lead to 27‑21. With 1:27 remaining, the Irish scored a late touchdown to bring the score to 27‑28. The Broncos held on to secure the 28‑24 victory.

The 25‑Year Quirk

The article explains that the game’s significance extends beyond the scoreline. In the 25 years between 1983—when Boise State’s football program was in its infancy—and 2008, no WAC team had ever defeated a program ranked in the top 25 at Notre Dame’s home field. That statistic makes the 2008 win a statistical anomaly—a “quirk” that remained unbroken for a full quarter of a century.

The piece further notes that the last time a team from the WAC beat a ranked opponent at Notre Dame was not until 2015, when Boise State’s 2020‑21 revival would see a 25‑point victory over Notre Dame, closing the 25‑year gap. However, as of the article’s publication date, the 2008 game remains the only time a WAC team has beaten Notre Dame at home, underscoring the long‑lasting nature of the quirk.

Aftermath and Legacy

The 2008 game had ripple effects on both programs. Boise State’s victory over a storied program like Notre Dame was a major milestone that helped propel the Broncos to an undefeated season, culminating in a 13‑0 record and a Fiesta Bowl victory over West Virginia. For Notre Dame, the loss was a humbling reminder that mid‑majors could challenge the Power Five, prompting the Irish to reassess their recruiting and scheduling strategies in subsequent years.

The article cites an ESPN recap of the game (link provided) that offers a play‑by‑play breakdown, as well as a CBS Sports interview with Notre Dame’s head coach, Charlie Weis, who reflected on the team's emotional response. Additionally, it references the NCAA’s official statistics database, which confirms the scoring and yardage totals.

Conclusion

While the 2008 Notre Dame vs. Boise State game may appear at first glance to be just another upset, the “25‑year quirk” embedded in its history adds an extra layer of intrigue. It reminds fans that the margins between victory and defeat can be razor‑thin and that a single game can alter the trajectory of two football programs for decades. As both schools continue to evolve, the memory of that 28‑24 triumph remains a touchstone for fans and analysts alike—an emblem of the unpredictable and enduring allure of college football.