Ashton Jeanty’s impressive performance on the field led the No. 11 Boise State Broncos to a 34-18 victory over Oregon State in Boise, Idaho. Jeanty rushed for 226 yards and scored one touchdown, making significant strides in the FBS all-time single-season rushing rankings. His current total places him fifth among the leaders, just 54 yards away from surpassing Marcus Allen and still 340 yards short of the record held by Barry Sanders, who rushed for 2,628 yards in 1988. With the potential for at least two more games, Jeanty has the opportunity to etch his name further into football history.
Quarterback Maddux Madsen also contributed to the victory, throwing for two touchdowns and adding a rushing touchdown of his own. The win secures Boise State’s place as the leading team among Group of Five conferences seeking a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments so far while emphasizing that their ambitions remain intact. The Broncos aim to make history by securing back-to-back Mountain West championships as they prepare to host Colorado State or UNLV in the championship game.
On the other hand, Oregon State concludes its first season following the exodus from the Pac-12, ending with a 5-7 record and missing out on bowl eligibility. Despite the challenges, cornerback Skyler Thomas sees this season as a stepping stone for future successes.
The game began with Boise State quickly taking a 14-0 lead. Even with a brief setback when Jeanty lost a fumble close to the end zone, the Broncos were able to maintain control and extend their lead before halftime. Although Oregon State attempted to chip away at Boise State’s lead, they ultimately couldn’t halt the offensively resilient Broncos.
As Boise State prepares for the championship game, the focus will be on addressing defensive vulnerabilities, particularly regarding explosive plays. This awareness should bolster their readiness for the competitive challenges they will face ahead.
In summary, Boise State’s victory strengthens their playoff aspirations, while Jeanty’s pursuit of historical rushing records adds an exciting narrative to the remainder of the season. The future looks bright for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in their respective journeys.