Ashton Jeanty showcased his remarkable talent by rushing for 226 yards and scoring a touchdown, leading No. 11 Boise State to a solid victory over Oregon State, with a final score of 34-18 on Friday. Jeanty’s impressive performance places him fifth among the all-time single-season rushing leaders in FBS history, now just 54 yards shy of matching Marcus Allen’s fourth-place record. He trails the legendary Barry Sanders’ 1988 record of 2,628 yards by 340 yards, with at least two more games to play.
With this win, Boise State (11-1, ranked No. 11 in the CFP) stands as the top Group of Five team competing for an automatic bid in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The Broncos’ only loss this season came against No. 1 Oregon, where they narrowly fell 37-34 back in September.
“We’re proud of what we’ve done this season, but we’re not done yet,” stated Boise State coach Spencer Danielson, emphasizing the team’s ambition. The Broncos aim to secure back-to-back Mountain West championships, a feat they have yet to accomplish. They are set to host either Colorado State or UNLV in the upcoming Mountain West championship game, with a spot in the playoffs at stake.
Oregon State (5-7) concludes its season ineligible for a bowl game after facing challenges amid a significant roster overhaul following the departure from the Pac-12. Cornerback Skyler Thomas reflected on the season, noting it as a stepping stone for future growth, expressing his commitment to return next season.
During the game, Boise State quickly established a 14-0 lead, capitalizing on a touchdown pass from quarterback Maddux Madsen to Austin Bolt and a rushing touchdown from Jeanty. A crucial moment occurred when Jeanty, in pursuit of another touchdown, had the ball stripped by Thomas, leading to an Oregon State recovery. However, Boise State responded robustly with a late second-quarter drive, concluding with a touchdown pass that extended their lead to 21-7 at halftime.
Despite Oregon State’s efforts to narrow the gap and pull within 27-18 in the fourth quarter, Boise State maintained control of the game, showcasing the resilience of their offensive strategy when it mattered most.
In terms of concerns, while Boise State enjoys a strong season, there are defensive vulnerabilities that need addressing, particularly regarding allowing explosive plays. This aspect will be crucial as they face tougher competition in upcoming matches.
Looking ahead, Oregon State will begin planning for next season, opening its 2025 regular season against California on August 30. Boise State’s journey continues as they prepare for the Mountain West Championship game, with high hopes for success and a potential playoff bid.
This season has shown the growth and promise of both teams. Boise State is on the cusp of achieving its championship goals, while Oregon State is laying the foundation for future success despite its current challenges. It’s a hopeful outlook for both programs as they move forward.