Despite its success since joining the Mountain West in 2011, Boise State’s football program has never won back-to-back conference championships. That could change Friday night when the Broncos (11-1, No. 10 in the latest AP Poll) host UNLV (10-2, No. 19) in the Mountain West title game.

A win would essentially clinch Boise State a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff as one of the five top-seeded conference champions. The Broncos were ranked 10th in the latest CFP rankings, released Tuesday night.

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This is all happening in Spencer Danielson’s first full season as head coach. He’s already led the Broncos to their first 11-win season since 2019, and the only team they’ve beaten this year is No. 1 Oregon (Boise State even led in the fourth quarter of that game). They are 14-2 since he took over as interim coach for the final four games of last season, including a 44-20 win over UNLV in the conference championship game and a 35-22 loss to UCLA in the LA Bowl.

Danielson, a former linebacker at the University of San Diego and Azusa Pacific University, joined the Boise State program in 2017 as a graduate assistant. He became a full-time defensive assistant in 2018, defensive line coach in 2019 and defensive coordinator in 2021.

At the heart of Danielson’s coaching philosophy is his strong belief in God. Many of the values ​​that serve as the foundation of his program – racing to win, treating others well, investing in relationships – come from the Bible.

“I believe that you can still hold extremely high standards and still love Jesus and still do it right and still treat people right,” he said on a podcast for Idaho’s largest school district earlier this year.

This senior class is 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆#BleedBlue | #BuiltDifferent pic.twitter.com/UqtROMaHb4

– Boise State Football (@BroncoSportsFB) November 30, 2024

Danielson isn’t afraid to share his faith either. In his bios on Instagram and

“I’ll screw up more than anyone,” he said on the podcast. “I’m not perfect, but my faith is very important to me. My relationship with Jesus is a big part of my life.”

In August, Danielson even helped baptize superstar running back and Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty posted a video on Instagram to celebrate the occasion and included Mark 16:16 in his caption.

One of the things Danielson tries to emphasize to his players is that there are very few constants in life. Circumstances will change. Misfortune will strike. Even best friends and family members make mistakes. The only being Danielson knows will never disappoint him is the Lord.

“Whatever you do — as a teacher, as a coach, as a professional — things happen,” he said on the podcast. “There are so many things you can’t control; So many things can let you down. The only thing that doesn’t fail me is my relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s the only constant.”

After the Broncos’ 34-18 win over Oregon State on Saturday, Danielson thanked the team’s seniors, fans and Jesus in a letter Post on X.

I LOVE this team! ❤️
Thank you to all of our players and a special thank you to our seniors, LEGACY.
Thank you, Bronco Nation. 🔷
Many thanks to the best employees in the country. 😤
Thank you Jesus ✝️

We’re not done yet…📈

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK.#BuiltDifferent https://t.co/lTqaKkiLOR

— Spencer Danielson (@Coach_SD) November 30, 2024

In a press conference before this game, he spoke about the importance of gratitude and explained why it is so important to him that he begins every press conference by praising the Lord.

“It’s a way for me to always make sure my heart is in the right place and have an attitude of gratitude because it’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about the impact you have, influencing others and helping others.”

Boise State and UNLV have met once this season, with the Broncos winning 29-24 in Las Vegas. Friday’s game begins at 8:00 p.m. ET and will be televised on FOX. No matter how far the Broncos go, Danielson will always point to Christ.

“I give all the glory to Jesus,” he said after the Oregon State game. “I know that’s the only reason I’m here. I’m so grateful he put me in this spot.”

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