Ashton Jeanty had a stellar performance, rushing for 226 yards and scoring a touchdown, while quarterback Maddux Madsen contributed with two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown, leading No. 11 Boise State to a 34-18 victory over Oregon State in Boise, Idaho. This win improved the Broncos’ record to 11-1 and solidified their position as the top Group of Five team in contention for a spot in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff.
Jeanty’s impressive performance puts him in fifth place on the all-time single-season rushing leaders in FBS, just 54 yards away from surpassing Marcus Allen for fourth place. He also remains within reach of Barry Sanders’ legendary 1988 record of 2,628 rushing yards, needing only 340 yards to break it, with at least two games still remaining in the season.
Boise State’s coach, Spencer Danielson, expressed pride in the team’s achievements so far but emphasized the importance of continuing their quest for a Mountain West championship. The Broncos are set to host either Colorado State or UNLV in the title game, which also carries significant implications for their playoff aspirations.
On the other hand, Oregon State concluded its season at 5-7, finishing ineligible for a bowl game after experiencing a tumultuous year following a mass exodus of players from the Pac-12. Cornerback Skyler Thomas reflected on the challenging season, viewing it as a stepping stone for future growth, as the team looks to retain key players heading into the next season.
Throughout the game, Boise State established an early lead, capitalizing on key plays despite a momentary setback when Jeanty lost a fumble near the end zone. Oregon State managed to respond with a touchdown run but struggled to maintain control as Boise State’s offense steadily pulled ahead again, ultimately securing the win.
Looking ahead, Boise State remains optimistic and motivated as it prepares for the Mountain West Championship. Meanwhile, Oregon State’s focus will shift to rebuilding and preparing for next season amidst the uncertainty of conference realignment.
This outcome showcases Boise State’s strong potential for the playoffs while highlighting the challenges facing Oregon State as it works to lay a foundation for a brighter future. Each team has its path forward, with Boise State striving for greatness and Oregon State ready to grow from its experiences.
In summary, Boise State shines as a contender, while Oregon State stands resilient in the face of adversity.