Ashton Jeanty showcased an outstanding performance during Boise State’s 34-18 victory over Oregon State, rushing for 226 yards and scoring a touchdown. Quarterback Maddux Madsen also made notable contributions, throwing two touchdown passes and adding a rushing touchdown to help propel the No. 11 Broncos to victory.
Jeanty’s remarkable outing propelled him to fifth place on the FBS all-time single-season rushing list, placing him 54 yards shy of overtaking fourth-place Marcus Allen. To put his achievement into perspective, Jeanty is just 340 yards away from the all-time record held by Barry Sanders, who rushed for 2,628 yards during his legendary 1988 season. With at least two games remaining in the season, Jeanty has the potential to make a significant push toward that historic milestone.
Boise State, now boasting an 11-1 record, successfully maintains its status as the top-ranked team among Group of Five schools competing for an automatic spot in the upcoming College Football Playoff. The Broncos suffered their only defeat of the season against top-ranked Oregon in September, but they remain focused and determined.
Boise State’s head coach, Spencer Danielson, emphasized the team’s ambition for success, noting, “We’re proud of what we’ve done this season, but we’re not done yet. We’ve never won back-to-back Mountain West championships, and that and the rest of our goals are still ahead of us.” The Broncos are set to host either Colorado State or UNLV in the Mountain West championship game, with a playoff berth on the line.
The loss was a disappointing conclusion to Oregon State’s season, which featured challenges stemming from the mass exodus of players from the Pac-12. Cornerback Skyler Thomas, the team’s top tackler, remained optimistic about the future, stating, “Obviously, this season is not how we wanted it to go, but it’s a stepping stone for the future. I’m most definitely planning on coming back.”
In the first quarter, Boise State surged ahead 14-0, scoring on a touchdown pass from Madsen and a rushing touchdown from Jeanty. Though Oregon State managed to narrow the gap with an explosive 83-yard touchdown run from Anthony Hankerson, Boise State quickly responded to restore its lead before halftime.
Despite Oregon State’s efforts to close the gap, the Broncos held strong down the stretch, relying on their formidable offense. Madsen completed 17 of 33 passes for 195 yards, while Oregon State’s Ben Gulbranson threw for 226 yards and a touchdown. Hankerson led the Beavers’ ground game with 110 yards.
Moving forward, Oregon State’s focus will be on rebuilding and retaining key talent, as they prepare for their 2025 season opener against California. Conversely, Boise State will aim for championship glory when they face off against one of the contenders in the Mountain West Conference Championship game.
In summary, Boise State’s impressive season continues as they look to secure a championship title and a spot in the playoffs, while Oregon State faces a pivotal rebuilding phase, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. There’s hope for both teams as they navigate their respective futures in college football, with a focus on growth and improvement.