Ashton Jeanty had a standout performance as he rushed for 226 yards and scored one touchdown, leading No. 11 Boise State to a 34-18 victory over Oregon State in Boise, Idaho. Quarterback Maddux Madsen contributed significantly, throwing for two touchdowns and adding another on the ground. Jeanty’s exceptional game puts him into fifth place on the FBS all-time single-season rushing list, trailing only 54 yards behind Marcus Allen and 340 yards behind record-holder Barry Sanders, who set the mark with 2,628 yards in 1988. With at least two more games ahead, Jeanty has a chance to further his record-breaking pursuit.
The win solidifies Boise State’s position in the race for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, as they maintain their lead in the Group of Five standings. The Broncos’ only loss this season was a narrow game against No. 1 Oregon in September. Coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in the team’s achievements but emphasized that their objectives are far from over, highlighting the goal to win back-to-back Mountain West championships.
The championship game will be hosted by Boise State, where they will face either Colorado State or UNLV, with a coveted playoff spot at stake.
Oregon State, now concluding their season with a record of 5-7, faced challenges due to the significant turnover on their roster after the Pac-12 conference changes. Cornerback Skyler Thomas, who led the team in tackles, remains optimistic about the future and is planning to return to the Beavers next season.
The game started strong for Boise State, who quickly established a 14-0 lead, but the Beavers fought back with a notable long touchdown run from Anthony Hankerson just before halftime. Although Oregon State narrowed the gap to 27-18 in the fourth quarter, Boise State’s offense remained relentless, ensuring their victory.
This win underscores Boise State’s resilience and potential as they prepare for the upcoming championship game, continuing to build on a strong season and aiming for greater achievements in the immediate future. Despite their challenges, Oregon State is poised to regroup and build toward next season, fostering hope for improvement.
Overall, this matchup showcased Boise State’s offensive prowess and leaves fans eagerly anticipating their playoff aspirations, while Oregon State reflects on the lessons learned this season and looks forward to building a stronger foundation.