These two big plays kept Boise State out of big trouble against Nevada

Three turnovers and nine penalties for 108 yards in the first half should have been disastrous for the Boise State football team, but two Broncos made big plays to keep the Wolf Pack from taking over.

Junior receiver John Hightower tied the school record for longest rushing play with an 88-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and senior cornerback Tyler Horton scored the fourth defensive TD of his career on a 99-yard interception return in the second quarter.

Both plays proved essential, as the Broncos eked out a 31-27 victory Saturday night at Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nevada.

“That’s the crazy thing about football,” Horton said. “You never know how the ball’s going to roll, so when you get your opportunities you want to make the most out of it.”

[Related: Boise State overcome sloppy start to beat Nevada; ‘Animal hands’ key the victory; Young QB out for the year]

With 6:37 on the clock in the first quarter, Hightower took the handoff on the end-around. As soon as the 6-foot-2 speedster hit the edge, there was no stopping him. He ran untouched down the left sideline to capitalize on nose tackle Sonatane Lui’s fumble recovery a play earlier.

The previous 88-yarder by a Bronco came from running back Jeremy McNichols on Nov. 27, 2015, against San Jose State.

Horton’s house call early in the second quarter redeemed Boise State quarterback Brett Rypien, who threw an interception the play before to put Nevada at the Boise State 29-yard line.

“When we were struggling in the first half, the defense was picking us up,” Rypien said. “Tyler with the 99-yard return was huge to get the momentum going on our side a little bit.”

With Nevada QB Ty Gangi eying the end zone, Horton ripped the pass away from a Nevada receiver and immediately turned around and went 99 yards for the score, which gave Boise State a 14-10 lead.

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It ties for the second-longest interception return in Boise State history with Tasi Autele’s pick against Montana on Oct. 2, 1993. Horton has three defensive TDs this season, which is a single-season program record.

“The (turnover) that Horton had, that was spectacular. What a great run,” Boise State coach Bryan Harsin said. “That guy came up huge for us, and that was key in the game.”

It also meant Horton got to spend a little more time in the Turnover Throne.

“That chair is always comfortable when you get to sit in it,” Horton said. “I’m trying to keep it warm.”

This story was originally published October 14, 2018 at 2:36 AM.