Instant analysis: Resurgent running game, stifling defense lead Boise State to easy win
Final score: Boise State 30, UT Martin 7
Records: Boise State 2-1, 1-0 MW. UT Martin 1-2.
Why the Broncos won: Boise State running back George Holani posted his first 100-yard rushing game of the season, quarterback Hank Bachmeier threw a pair of touchdown passes and the Broncos’ defense was dominant for the second week in a row. UT Martin finished the game with just 26 rushing yards, and the Skyhawks were limited to 1-of-11 on third down.
Main takeaway: The offense didn’t look dominant at times, but the Broncos put together their best offensive performance of the season. Boise State finished with 327 yards of offense and 126 on the ground. The fact is this offense might not be as good as past Broncos’ teams, but if the defense can keep playing the way it is, Boise State is going to be in position to win plenty of games. The offense does need to get better, though, before facing San Diego State, Fresno State and Air Force in consecutive games.
Player of the game: Holani found the end zone twice and posted his first 100-yard rushing game since the Broncos’ win over New Mexico on Nov. 21, 2021. He finished the game with 110 yards and a TD on the ground, and he caught four passes for 47 yards, including a four-yard touchdown.
Stat of the game: After converting just 4-of-15 third down attempts last week at New Mexico, Boise State was 8-of-16 on third down on Saturday.
Play of the game: Bachmeier’s most accurate pass of the day went to Davis Koetter on the first play of the Broncos’ final drive of the first half. He delivered a strike to the sideline and Koetter plucked it out of the air despite tight coverage. It was Koetter’s first catch of the season, and it extended a drive that ended with Bachmeier throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Holani for a 20-7 lead.
What’s next: Boise State hits the road to face UTEP on Friday (7 p.m., CBS Sports Network). The Broncos are 6-0 all-time against the Miners, including a 54-13 win last season at Albertsons Stadium.
This story was originally published September 17, 2022 at 5:25 PM.
