In a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, Boise State secured a convincing 34-18 victory over Oregon State, showcasing the explosive talents of Ashton Jeanty. The talented running back amassed an impressive 226 rushing yards and scored a touchdown, bringing him closer to historic rushing records. Jeanty’s performance has now placed him fifth among FBS all-time single-season rushing leaders, only 54 yards shy of Marcus Allen’s fourth place and a mere 340 yards away from the legendary Barry Sanders’ record of 2,628 yards set in 1988.
With this victory, Boise State—ranked 11th in the College Football Playoff standings—improved their record to 11-1. This win keeps Boise State at the forefront among Group of Five conference leaders, competing for an automatic bid in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. Reflecting on the season, head coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in the team’s achievements but emphasized the need for continued focus as they aim for a back-to-back Mountain West championship and the playoff bid.
The game began with Boise State jumping to a quick 14-0 lead, thanks to an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Maddux Madsen to Austin Bolt and Jeanty’s 7-yard touchdown run. Although the Beavers managed to narrow the score to 27-18 in the fourth quarter, Boise State’s resilient offense ultimately secured the win, frustrating Oregon State’s attempts to tighten the game.
Oregon State concluded their season with a disappointing 5-7 record and will not be eligible for a bowl game following a challenging campaign impacted by player transitions. Skyler Thomas, the team’s leading tackler, remains optimistic about the future, viewing this season as a foundation for rebuilding.
While Boise State’s success is commendable, their defensive vulnerabilities were highlighted, particularly their struggle with explosive plays. The Broncos will need to address this aspect as they prepare for the upcoming championship game.
Looking ahead, Boise State will have the opportunity to compete against either Colorado State or UNLV in the Mountain West championship on Friday, with a potential playoff berth on the line.
In summary, the matchup was not just a win for Boise State but also a significant step for Jeanty towards possible immortality in college football history. The anticipation around their upcoming game raises hope for continued success and achievements in the postseason.