Ashton Jeanty put on an impressive performance with 226 rushing yards and a touchdown as No. 11 Boise State clinched a 34-18 victory over Oregon State in Boise, Idaho. Quarterback Maddux Madsen also contributed significantly, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another, aiding the Broncos in improving to an 11-1 record this season.
Jeanty’s outstanding display brought him to fifth place on the FBS all-time single-season rushing list, now just 54 yards shy of Marcus Allen’s fourth-place mark. He remains 340 yards behind the legendary Barry Sanders, who holds the record with a remarkable 2,628 yards set in 1988, giving Jeanty at least two more games to pursue that milestone.
With this win, Boise State stands as the leading team from the Group of Five conferences, positioning them for an automatic bid in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. Coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in the team’s achievements this season but emphasized that their goals are still within reach, including the opportunity for back-to-back Mountain West Championships. The Broncos are set to host either Colorado State or UNLV in the Conference Championship game on Friday.
For Oregon State, the season concluded with a 5-7 record, leaving them ineligible for a bowl game following a challenging year that saw a mass transition involving players. Cornerback Skyler Thomas reflected on the experience, noting the team’s growth potential looking forward.
Boise State was quick out of the gate, establishing a 14-0 lead before Oregon State responded with momentum from a late first-half touchdown. However, the Broncos showed resilience, executing a solid drive to regain a strong lead by halftime. Despite a spirited effort from Oregon State to narrow the score later in the game, Boise State’s offense proved too formidable to overcome.
As both teams look ahead, Boise State is focused on solidifying their defense for tougher competition, while Oregon State aims to rebuild momentum with their new coaching staff.
This result emphasizes Boise State’s determination, showcasing Jeanty’s potential to break historic rushing records and highlighting the team’s broader aspirations for championship glory.
Summary: Boise State defeated Oregon State 34-18, with Ashton Jeanty rushing for 226 yards, moving him closer to Barry Sanders’ rushing record. The win secures Boise State’s position among the Group of Five leaders for the College Football Playoff, while Oregon State looks forward to rebuilding after a challenging season. Both teams have clear goals ahead, fostering hope for future successes.