2005 MPC Computers Bowl

2005 MPC Computers Bowl
1234 Total
Boise State 00714 21
Boston College 71730 27
DateDecember 28, 2005
Season2005
StadiumBronco Stadium
LocationBoise, Idaho
RefereeClair Gausman (Big 12)
Attendance30,112
PayoutUS$750,000 per team
United States TV coverage
NetworkESPN
MPC Computers Bowl
 < 2004  2006

The 2005 MPC Computers Bowl was the ninth edition of the bowl game. It featured the Boise State Broncos and the Boston College Eagles. Though playing at home on its blue "Smurf Turf", where it held a 31-game winning streak, WAC co-champion Boise State was unable to get its usually potent offense on track early, falling behind ACC rep Boston College by 24 at halftime before losing, 27–21.

Game summary

Sophomore quarterback Matt Ryan led the way for the Eagles, throwing for 262 yards and three touchdowns, two to junior wide receiver Tony Gonzalez and one to senior Will Blackmon, who led all receivers with 144 yards on just five catches. The Broncos were held scoreless by the Boston College defense for the first 43:46 of the game and hindered their own efforts with three turnovers and eight penalties. Playing their final game under coach Dan Hawkins, who would coach Colorado next season, Boise State essayed a late comeback, with junior quarterback Jared Zabransky throwing for one touchdown (a 53-yarder to Drisan James) and running for another. Junior Quinton Jones brought Boise State to within six when he took a Johnny Ayers punt 92 yards for a touchdown with less than four minutes to play in the game, but Boise State's last drive from midfield with less than two minutes stalled and Zabransky threw an end-zone interception to seal the Eagles' win. Boston College thus extended its NCAA-best bowl winning streak to six games, and also ran the BCS conferences' record to 3–0 against non-BCS teams this bowl season.