The Boise State Broncos finished their regular season with a 34-18 victory over the Oregon State Beavers. The win helps them improve to 11-1 on the season, going undefeated in Mountain West conference play. Their Heisman candidate running back, Ashton Jeanty had another stellar performance, rushing for 226 yards on 37 carries with one rushing touchdown. This performance helped fuel a dominant Boise State victory. Their next game will be the Mountain West conference championship, where a win would give them an automatic bid into the College Football Playoff.
Boise State Defeats Oregon State
Credit: AP Photo/Steve Conner
Boise State got off to a strong start, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions while forcing two Oregon State punts. Their defense held the Beavers to just 40 total yards in their first three possessions. The Broncos offense scored on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Maddux Madsen to Auston Bolt and a seven-yard touchdown rush from Jeanty. This gave them a 14-0 lead. It was not all perfect for Boise State, though. They went three-and-out on their next drive, and the following one ended in a Jeanty fumble just outside the Oregon State redzone. Then, the Beavers got back in the game off an 83-yard touchdown run from Anthony Hankerson, making it 14-7. At halftime, the Broncos led 21-7.
In the second half, Jeanty had his biggest rush of the day, going for 60 yards on the blue turf. Oregon State did battle back after both teams traded field goals, getting a touchdown and a two-point conversion to make the score 27-18. Both defenses hunkered down from there, and it wasn’t until a 26-yard Jeanty run, that Boise State scored to ice the game. The final score was 34-18, and while it did get close at times, the Broncos led the game wire to wire. Jeanty had another trademark game on the ground and Boise State avoided a late season upset in rivalry week.
Boise State’s Excellent Season
This win puts Boise State an at impressive 11-1 to close the regular season. And while they are not in a power four conference, the Broncos season has not been a cakewalk. Their only loss is one of the most quality losses a team can get, falling 37-34 to Oregon. Oregon is the #1 ranked team in the country and is currently undefeated, but Boise State took them to the limit in Eugene. Jeanty rushed for 192 yards and three touchdowns, and this game helped kickstart his Heisman campaign. After that loss, the Broncos ran through the Mountain West.
Their next contest will be the Mountain West Conference Championship game. Because of a Tulane loss to Memphis, this game will likely be a win-and-in scenario for both teams. If Boise State wins, they would secure their bid in the College Football Playoff. If UNLV wins their final game, they will face the Broncos in the conference championship, and since both teams are ranked, the winner will likely earn a playoff spot. Boise State defeated UNLV 29-24 earlier this season. But if UNLV loses, Colorado State would make the Mountain West title game. At 8-4, even if Colorado State won the Mountain West, they are unlikely to make the College Football Playoff.
No matter what else happens, the Boise State Broncos will make the College Football Playoff if they win the Mountain West Championship. In fact, they are currently projected to earn a first-round bye since they are ranked higher than the best teams in the Big 12. This team lives or dies by the running of Ashton Jeanty, who has rushed for 2,288 yards and 28 touchdowns. Now, they will rely on Jeanty one more time to try and punch their ticket to the first 12-team College Football Playoff.
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