Boise State made a statement from the opening snap — a 58-second, 75-yard touchdown drive, the fastest in school bowl history — and never let up. Sophomore running back Jeremy McNichols scored on three of Boise’s first four possessions and finished with 189 total yards, entering the game tied with Heisman winner Derrick Henry for the national lead in touchdowns. Freshman QB Brett Rypien threw for 377 yards and 3 touchdowns in a dominant all-around offensive showing — the Broncos outgained Northern Illinois 654 yards to 33.

Northern Illinois’s lone score came on a spectacular 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Aregeros Turner. Boise State improved to 1-1 in Poinsettia Bowl history.