In a thrilling matchup, Boise State secured a convincing 34-18 victory over Oregon State. Ashton Jeanty stood out with an impressive performance, rushing for 226 yards and scoring a touchdown, further demonstrating his formidable skills on the field. His remarkable achievement places him fifth among the all-time single-season rushing leaders in FBS history, just 54 yards shy of surpassing Marcus Allen for fourth, and 340 yards away from capturing the record held by Barry Sanders, who set the bar at 2,628 yards in 1988. With at least two games still to play, Jeanty is positioned to chase this historic mark.
The 11th-ranked Broncos maintained their status as the top team among Group of Five programs competing for the automatic bid in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. Their only loss came earlier this season against the number one ranked Oregon.
Boise State coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in the team’s achievements this season while emphasizing the importance of future goals, including the aspiration to win back-to-back Mountain West championships. The Broncos are set to host either Colorado State or UNLV in the Mountain West championship game, which will also determine their playoff fate.
Oregon State, closing out a challenging season with a 5-7 record, faced difficulties following a mass exodus of players to the transfer portal from the Pac-12. Cornerback Skyler Thomas acknowledged the season’s challenges but remained optimistic about the future, highlighting plans to return and contribute next season.
In a game that saw Boise State jump to a 14-0 lead early on, they managed to respond quickly after an Oregon State touchdown, concluding the first half with a solid 21-7 advantage. Despite Oregon State’s efforts to close the gap in the second half, they could not contain the relentless Broncos offense.
Beyond the excitement of the game, there are takeaways for both teams. For Boise State, while the season has been largely successful, they must address vulnerabilities on defense, particularly concerning explosive plays. Conversely, Oregon State’s coaching staff will have the crucial task of retaining key players as they transition into the upcoming season amid conference uncertainty.
Looking ahead, Oregon State will start their 2025 season hosting California, while Boise State is eager to continue their momentum into the Mountain West championship game next week.
This anticipated matchup not only carries a trophy but also the hope of continued success for the Broncos, while the Beavers are on a journey towards rebuilding and recovery. The future does indeed look bright for Boise State, as they push forward in pursuit of both conference and national recognition.