Ashton Jeanty had an impressive performance, rushing for 226 yards and scoring a touchdown, contributing significantly to Boise State’s 34-18 victory over Oregon State on Friday. This win positions Boise State at 11-1 in the rankings and solidifies their status as the leading team from the Group of Five, aiming for an automatic bid in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff.
Jeanty’s remarkable effort has propelled him into fifth place among FBS all-time single-season rushing leaders. He is now only 54 yards shy of fourth place held by Marcus Allen and trails the legendary Barry Sanders, who set the record with 2,628 rushing yards in 1988, by 340 yards with at least two games left in the season.
Coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments but emphasized the importance of their remaining goals, particularly the aspiration to secure back-to-back Mountain West championships. Boise State is set to host either Colorado State or UNLV in the Mountain West championship game, where a playoff spot will be at stake.
On the other hand, Oregon State finishes its season with a record of 5-7, missing out on a bowl game following a challenging year marked by the departure of numerous players to the transfer portal. Cornerback Skyler Thomas remains optimistic, viewing this season as a building block for the future.
The game started strong for the Broncos, quickly establishing a 14-0 lead. However, Oregon State’s Anthony Hankerson made his mark as he scored an impressive 83-yard touchdown to bring the Beavers back into contention. Despite their efforts, the Beavers couldn’t hold back Boise State, which ultimately secured their lead.
A notable takeaway for Boise State is the need to improve their defense, particularly in minimizing explosive plays, as they prepare for the tougher challenges ahead in the playoffs.
In summary, Boise State’s strong performance is promising as they head into the Mountain West championship, and Jeanty’s pursuit of rushing records adds an exciting narrative to the ongoing season. The team’s journey showcases both the challenges and potential that lie ahead, reminding fans of the resilience and determination that embody college football.