Broncos, Jeanty Run Wild Over Wazzu on the Blue Turf

© Brian Losness-Imagn Images

Hosting the Washington State Cougars (4-1) in a late-night showdown on Sept. 28, the No. 25 Boise State Broncos (3-1) dominated their guest. Led by first-team All-American Ashton Jeanty, who many consider the best running back in the nation and a top candidate to win the Heisman Trophy, the Broncos began pulling away from Wazzu in the second quarter en route to a 45-24 victory.

Game Summary

The Broncos and Cougars both showcase prolific offenses, and that shared attribute was prominently displayed on the blue turf in this clash. Boise State outgained WSU in total yardage, 460-416. both teams mustered 21 first downs. The Wazzu and BSU offenses got off to hot starts, scoring touchdowns on their first possessions. Slightly over two minutes into the game, Jeanty bolted through Washington State defenders for a 62-yard touchdown. Little more than a minute later, the Cougars answered with a 14-yard strike from star quarterback John Mateer to tight end Cooper Mathers. However, the defenses then settled in, not allowing any more scoring in the first quarter.

In the second stanza, the teams traded field goals before another Jeanty touchdown, which resulted in a 17-10 score in favor of Boise State at halftime.

After intermission, Jeanty took over, leading the Broncos to a relatively stress-free triumph.

Mateer played well for Wazzu, throwing for 327 yards and 2 TDs. However, the Broncos defense limited the dual-threat signal caller to only 28 rushing yards. Coming into this matchup, Mateer had averaged more than 100 rushing yards per game.

Jeanty's Dominance

Wazzu had no answers for Jeanty. He rushed for 259 yards on 26 carries, adding 4 touchdowns. In the words of Matt Leinert, USC's Heisman Trophy-winning QB in 2004, Jeanty is the best RB in America, whose performances are must-watch TV.

Jeanty is hands-down the nation's rushing leader. After only four games, the Boise State star has 845 yards on 82 carries, averaging a staggering 10.3 yards per carry. He has already rushed for 13 touchdowns.

Per BetMGM, Jeanty is one of the top-four betting favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, along with Alabama QB Jalen Milroe, Miami QB Cam Ward and dynamic Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter.

On Deck

Next up for the Broncos is their Mountain West Conference opener. On Oct. 5, they host the Utah State Aggies (1-3). The Cougars have a bye in Week 6, before heading to Fresno State to take on the Bulldogs (3-2, 1-1) on Oct. 12.