Ashton Jeanty showcased an outstanding performance in Boise State’s 34-18 victory over Oregon State, rushing for 226 yards and scoring one touchdown. His impressive stats have moved him into fifth place among the all-time single-season rushing leaders in FBS history. Jeanty is now just 54 yards shy of passing Marcus Allen for fourth place and trails the legendary Barry Sanders, who set the record with 2,628 rushing yards in 1988, by 340 yards, with at least two more games on the horizon.
The No. 11 ranked Boise State Broncos improved their record to 11-1, positioning themselves as the leading contender among Group of Five teams for an automatic bid to the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. The Broncos’ only defeat this season came in a narrow 37-34 loss against the top-ranked Oregon back in September.
Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments but emphasized that their goals are still within reach. “We’ve never won back-to-back Mountain West championships, and that and the rest of our goals are still ahead of us,” he said as the Broncos prepare to host either Colorado State or UNLV in the Mountain West championship game, where a spot in the playoffs is at stake.
Despite their loss, Oregon State, with a record of 5-7, reflected on the difficulties faced this season following the departure of several players from the Pac-12. Cornerback Skyler Thomas voiced optimism about the future, stating, “Obviously, this season is not how we wanted it to go, but it’s a stepping stone for the future.”
The game began well for Boise State as they built an early 14-0 lead, but Oregon State fought back, and after a fumble recovery followed by an 83-yard touchdown run, the Beavers narrowed the score to 21-7 before halftime. Although Oregon State managed to come within nine points in the fourth quarter, Boise State’s offense proved too strong and effective when it mattered.
The Broncos’ defense has shown some vulnerability throughout the season, particularly against explosive plays, as they continue to rank in the lower third of FBS teams in this aspect. Addressing this concern will be crucial as they face tougher competition ahead.
As the Broncos gear up for the Mountain West championship, fans have every reason to feel hopeful about the potential for Boise State to not only claim the conference title but possibly make a deep run in the playoffs as well.
Overall, Boise State appears on a positive trajectory as they strive for more accomplishments this season, while Oregon State can focus on rebuilding and preparation for the future as they await the reorganization of their conference.