The Boise State Broncos defeated the Nevada Wolf Pack 28-21 in a “closer than expected” conference matchup. The Broncos’ 7-1 record suggested that they would blow their 3-7 conference opponent out of the water. Boise State fans expected a big game from Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty would lead the Broncos to win by multiple touchdowns. Yet, Nevada kept it close.
What We Already Knew About the Boise State Broncos
They Just Keep Winning
It could be argued that the Broncos had no right winning this game. They looked horrible at times. That’s how it has been this season. Yet, they just keep winning. Hats off to Spencer Danielson and his coaching staff. Hats off (and votes in) to Ashton Jeanty for being the engine to the Broncos.
See also: Memorable Season Leads to Spencer Danielson’s Addition to 2024 Award Watchlist
Ashton Jeanty is Not Playing at 100%
Ever since Boise State’s game against UNLV, where Ashton Jeanty was beat up, he hasn’t been the same player. It still takes two, three or sometimes more players to get him down, but he’s not breaking 50+ yard runs like he was. He moves just a bit slower. he even fumbled for the first time this year. Let’s hope that he can get healed up before the Broncos (potentially) play in the playoffs.
What We Learned About the Boise State Broncos
Ashton Jeanty is Not Winning the Heisman
The Heisman voters don’t take into consideration that Ashton Jeanty is playing behind a beat up offensive line. They don’t take into consideration that Jeanty is the entirety of the offense and opposing defenses use the entirety of their gameplan on him. Just look at the last three games (particularly against San Diego). Jeanty still broke 100 yards in each of those games. Against Nevada he broke 200. The absence of a passing game (outside of the San Diego game) hurts #2’s chances for the Heisman.
The Passing Game Against the Aztecs Was a Fluke
All season long I’ve been doubting the Broncos. On offense, they’ve been all Ashton Jeanty. Then they played the Aztecs. The defense got a pick six and Maddux Madsen put on a clinic. Apparently the fact that San Diego owned a losing record played a part. Oh, and they wanted to stop #2 more than they wanted to win (see above). I was convinced that they turned the corner.
Their play against Nevada unconvinced me. Maddux Madsen consistently overthrew the ball (see Butyraceous), leading to an interception and a lucky miss. Receivers were dropping passes, including Latrell Caples, the star receiver from a week ago. The Boise State Broncos only had three players catch a ball in this game. THREE! And one of them was Ashton Jeanty!
Speaking of Flukes, How About the Defense?
Again, all season long, the defense has been all pass rush. The Broncos’ defensive backs are consistently getting torched, even by inferior opponents. In this game, the defense didn’t notch a single pass breakup. Not. A. Single. One. Sure, maybe it was an off-day. Every team has them. But if they have an off-day happen the week after they finally show up, it’s not an off-day.
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