Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson

Turning point: With 13 minutes remaining, Boise State running back Jeremy Avery caught a swing pass from quarterback Kellen Moore and he took it 67 yards for the score. It was just 26 seconds after Fresno State had cut the lead to 7 points. After that play, the Boise State defense tightened and sealed the game.

Stat of the game: Five of the game’s 10 touchdowns came off rushing plays of 60 or more yards. Three came from Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews. Overall, both team’s running backs combined for eight rushing or return plays of 60 or more yards.

Player of the game: Boise State running back Jeremy Avery would not let Fresno State back in the game. Every time the Bulldogs cut it close, Avery broke a big run either off a pass or in the rushing game. His best runs came in the fourth quarter -- on one he found the end zone and the other set up a field goal to put the Broncos up three scores.

Player of the game II: Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews had a career-high 234 yards and three touchdowns in the losing effort. His previous high was 171 during his freshman season in 2007. It was Mathews who continually kept the Bulldogs within striking distance especially when the passing game was nonexistent in the first half. His rushing threat also allowed the passing game to thrive in the second half.

What it means: Boise State stays alive in their quest for an undefeated season and a possible BCS berth. Fresno State might be one of the last teams on Boise State's schedule that's able to keep pace with the Broncos. For the Bulldogs, this is the second consecutive tough loss and it puts them in a 1-2 hole in a pivotal year for coach Pat Hill.