Ashton Jeanty put on an impressive display in Boise State’s 34-18 victory over Oregon State, rushing for 226 yards and scoring a touchdown. His remarkable performance has propelled him to fifth place among the FBS all-time single-season rushing leaders, now just 54 yards shy of surpassing Marcus Allen’s fourth-place record. Jeanty is still on the hunt for Barry Sanders’ legendary record of 2,628 yards set in 1988, being 340 yards away with at least two games left to play.
Ranked No. 11 in the College Football Playoff standings, Boise State continues to lead the Group of Five teams competing for an automatic playoff spot. The Broncos’ only loss of the season came in September against No. 1 Oregon, which they lost narrowly, 37-34. Coach Spencer Danielson expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments thus far but emphasized that their ambitions are not yet fulfilled, as they aim to clinch back-to-back Mountain West championships.
The Broncos are set to face either Colorado State or UNLV in the Mountain West Championship Game, which will hold significant implications for a potential playoff bid. Coach Danielson highlighted the importance of this upcoming match, stating the need for a substantial performance.
On the other hand, Oregon State concluded its season with a disappointing 5-7 record and will not be participating in a bowl game this year. Despite the challenges faced, including a roster reshuffle after the departure of numerous players to the transfer portal, cornerback Skyler Thomas remains optimistic about the team’s future.
In the game, Boise State jumped to an early 14-0 lead, capitalizing on Madsen’s touchdown pass and Jeanty’s rushing touchdown. Although the Beavers clawed back with an impressive 83-yard touchdown run by Anthony Hankerson before halftime, the Broncos responded effectively to maintain control of the game, ensuring their playoff contention remains alive.
Both teams now look ahead as Oregon State will focus on re-establishing their roster for next season, while Boise State prepares for a critical showdown in the Mountain West Championship Game, with hopes high for continued success and potential playoff advancement.
In summary, Boise State’s current momentum and Ashton Jeanty’s stunning performance paint a bright picture for the Broncos as they push towards their championship goals while Oregon State’s efforts for recovery indicate a promising future, albeit one that will require hard work and resilience.