BOISE, Idaho — Dan Hawkins came up just short in his final game as coach at Boise State.

He still left the field at the MPC Computers Bowl proud of his Broncos, especially after they battled back from a big deficit before losing 27-21 to No. 19 Boston College on Wednesday night.

"I would have loved to have a win for seniors and the effort they put forth, but I told them they can hold their heads up," Hawkins said.

Hawkins is headed to Colorado after signing a five-year contract worth $900,000 per year on Dec. 16 — with the stipulation that he be allowed to coach Boise State in the bowl game.

"It's been awesome for me," Hawkins said. "I'm very fond of my time here. At the same time Christopher Columbus set sail once and people thought he was crazy. Sometimes in your life you have to be able to do that a little bit, and that's what I'm doing."

Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky was intercepted by BC's Ryan Glasper in the end zone with 37 seconds left as the Eagles broke the nation's longest home win streak at 31 — but not before almost blowing a 27-0 lead.

Afterward, Hawkins was reflective, but not before consoling his now former quarterback, giving him a hug and saying "I'm proud of you," after Zabransky faced a throng of cameras and questions.

It was Boise State's first home loss since 2001 when Washington State beat the Broncos in Hawkins' first home game after taking over for Dirk Koetter.

In between, Hawkins took Boise State to five straight bowl games, Top 25 rankings and the most success the former junior college had seen. He finished 53-11 at Boise State.