Instant analysis: Broncos proving Mountain West title still runs through Boise State
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Boise State 41, Nevada 3
Dominating performances on offense and defense led to a convincing win in Reno, as the Broncos bounced back from a loss to BYU and kept pace for a Mountain West championship.
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‘Lightning in a bottle.’ Holani leads blowout win, Boise State stays perfect in league
A rout in Reno: Boise State gets chance to build ‘dependable depth’ vs. Nevada
Instant analysis: Broncos proving Mountain West title still runs through Boise State
Live updates: Boise State blasts Nevada 41-3, stays perfect in Mountain West play
Final score: Boise State 41, Nevada 3
Records: Boise State 7-3, 6-0 Mountain West. Nevada 2-8, 0-6.
Why the Broncos won: Boise State got off to a hot start, scoring on two of its first three drives, and the Broncos dominated the third quarter, outscoring Nevada 17-0 in the frame. Boise State quarterback Taylen Green was efficient (11-of-22, 218 yards, TD), and the Broncos’ running game shredded the Wolf Pack. Boise State finished with 267 yards on the ground, including 115 yards from George Holani and 73 from freshman Ashton Jeanty.
Main takeaway: Boise State’s season won’t really be affected by last week’s loss to rival BYU. The defense rebounded especially well after giving up 531 yards to the Cougars. Boise State kept Nevada out of the end zone on Saturday and held the Wolf Pack to 250 total yards, much of that in garbage time.. The Broncos forced a fumble and finished with four sacks. If defense really does win championships, Boise State is in great shape as the Mountain West race comes to a head.
Player of the game: Running back George Holani posted his fifth 100-yard rushing game of the season, averaged nearly 7 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns despite not playing a single snap in the fourth quarter. He looked impossible to tackle on a 49-yard touchdown run in the first half.
Holani also attempted a pass Saturday night. He lined up at wildcat quarterback in the first quarter and delivered a ball to Green, who lined up at wide receiver for the play. The pass fell incomplete but Nevada was called for pass interference.
Stat of the game: Boise State is now 11-0 when it has rushed for at least 140 yards in games since head coach Andy Avalos took over last season.
Play of the game: Nevada drove to Boise State’s 21-yard line on its first possession and looked like it was going to put points on the board with a field goal. Broncos cornerback Koanohi Kaniho had other plans, and he came up with a diving block. It was the first field goal block of his career.
What’s next: Boise State is right back on the road Saturday for a huge game at Mountain West foe Wyoming (5 p.m., CBS Sports Network). The weather could be a factor again, as it should be very cold in Laramie. The Broncos will clinch the Mountain Division title and a spot in the conference championship game with a win. Wyoming (7-3, 5-1) held on to beat Colorado State 14-13 this week.
This story was originally published November 13, 2022 at 12:12 AM.
