Ashton Jeanty of Boise State delivered an outstanding performance against Oregon State, rushing for 226 yards and scoring a touchdown, contributing to the Broncos’ 34-18 victory on Friday night. Jeanty’s remarkable day on the field propelled him into fifth place among the FBS all-time single-season rushing leaders, leaving him only 54 yards shy of matching fourth-place Marcus Allen. He is currently on course to challenge Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 rushing yards set in 1988, standing 340 yards behind with at least two games remaining in the season.
Boise State, ranked No. 11 and sporting an impressive 11-1 record, continues to lead the pack of Group of Five teams in the race for an automatic bid in the newly established 12-team College Football Playoff. Their only setback this season came against the top-ranked Oregon back in September.
Head coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments thus far but emphasized the importance of staying focused as they aim for back-to-back Mountain West championships. The Broncos are set to face either Colorado State or UNLV in the forthcoming Mountain West Championship Game, which carries playoff implications.
Despite the loss, Oregon State concluded its season at 5-7 and reflected on the challenges faced after an exodus from the Pac-12. Cornerback Skyler Thomas noted that the difficulties encountered this season could serve as a foundation for a brighter future.
The game saw Boise State establish a solid early lead, only for Oregon State to attempt a comeback with a substantial 83-yard touchdown run. However, Boise State quickly regained momentum, scoring just before halftime to lead 21-7. Though Oregon State managed to narrow the gap later in the game, they were unable to keep pace with Boise State’s offense.
Looking ahead, Oregon State will prepare for next season as they aim to rebuild their roster following significant losses in the transfer portal, while Boise State gears up for a critical championship showdown that could set them on a path toward playoff contention.
This match not only highlighted the individual brilliance of Jeanty but also showcased Boise State’s potential as a strong contender in the playoff landscape. With their focus and drive, the Broncos are well-positioned to pursue their championship aspirations in the upcoming games.
In summary, this win signifies a critical moment for Boise State as they continue to chase both individual accolades and team success.