‘Very efficient’ Boise State offense knows ‘who we are.’ Defenses are paying the price
It was expected to be a reasonably straightforward night for Boise State on Saturday, hosting winless FCS opponent Portland State in front of a sold-out crowd at Albertsons Stadium.
An offense that’s been almost nothing but impressive on the season made sure that was the case: The Broncos cruised to a 56-14 victory over the Vikings. And it wasn’t just the score that stood out — it was what produced it, meaning another productive, impressive performance from a unit that saw plenty of experimentation and player rotation.
On a season-low 12 drives Saturday night, Boise State still racked up 609 yards of offense and a season-high 27 first downs. Eight of those drives produced touchdowns, including four drives in a row in the second half.
“We know who we are offensively,” coach Spencer Danielson said after the game. “We’re going to run the ball. We’re going to use our explosive run attack to set up our pass game. That’s who we are, that’s how we’re going to attack defenses, and we’re going to be very efficient with it.”
Efficiency has been the name of the game through three contests for Boise State, which is averaging 48.7 points and 543 total yards per game. The Broncos have made 15 red zone trips this season, scoring a touchdown on 13 of those and a field goal on the other two.
What’s more, of their 41 drives all season, 20 have ended in touchdowns and two in field goals — meaning scores on 53.7% of possessions.
Of course, plenty of that production can be attributed to star running back Ashton Jeanty, a junior who entered the weekend leading the nation in rushing yards per game (229.5) and touchdowns (9).
The lopsided score meant Jeanty was shut down at halftime against Portland State, allowing him to get light work for once. He still rushed for 127 yards on only 11 carries in the first half.
In the second half, it was the Broncos’ depth on display. Eleven different players caught a pass and eight had rushing attempts on the night.
“It’s a fine line. We’ve got to be very smart,” Danielson said about rotating players. “But also, we’re a developmental program. You’ve got to get guys reps in games because it’s the best teaching tool. The only way to get better at football is playing it.”
Two freshmen saw action for the first time Saturday night and made it count: running back Dylan Riley and quarterback Malachi Nelson, a USC transfer and former five-star recruit.
Riley got his first touches against the Vikings. An especially strong running back room — featuring not only Jeanty but also true freshman Sire Gaines and sophomore Jambres “Breezy” Dubar, who’s recovering from injury — likely will limit chances for Riley this year.
But he made those chances count on the blue turf. Riley ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries, capped off by a 64-yard TD in the fourth quarter.
“We’ve got a lot of weapons in that backfield, and they’re a lot different in their own ways,” Danielson said. “We’ve got some really good compliments (between players), and we’re excited to get Breezy back here soon, too.”
Nelson got his first snaps at quarterback in a Bronco uniform after losing the quarterback battle with redshirt sophomore Maddux Madsen ahead of the season. Madsen enjoyed a clean game, throwing for 188 yards and three touchdowns on 13-for-18 passing. He also rushed for 12 yards, including a 1-yard quarterback sneak in the second quarter for a TD.
Nelson entered the game in the third quarter with the Broncos leading 35-7 and led a pair of touchdown drives. He went 5-for-8 for 66 yards, including a 28-yard strike to redshirt sophomore tight end Austin Terry on a 3rd-and-24 play. Sixth-year fullback Tyler Crowe scored a touchdown three players later, part of his 57-yard night on the ground.
“He’s a playmaker, for sure. I was proud of him,” Madsen said about Nelson. “I’m proud of him for that because that situation that he’s in is difficult for a guy like that. And so I think it was awesome for him to go out there and compete.”
Among the receiving corps, tight end Matt Lauter had a big game, hauling in seven catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, and Cam Camper made his two catches count — both went for scores, including a 52-yarder from Madsen in the third quarter.
Boise State faces Washington State next Saturday night in what could be a season-defining matchup early on the schedule in terms of postseason hopes. It also likely will feature a lot of offense, because the undefeated Cougars (4-0) average about 46 points per game, including a 70-point outburst in August against Portland State.
Danielson said his staff has a preseason scouting report on Washington State and had time to study the team during the bye week.
“I think their quarterback is one of the best we’ll see all year,” Danielson said. “They’re explosive on offense; they’ve got a great defense. I know their defense staff well and respect them. They’re going to be really good on special teams, and that’s a testament to why they are 4-0.”
This story was originally published September 22, 2024 at 2:20 AM.
