BOISE, Idaho — Ashton Jeanty delivered an impressive performance, rushing for 226 yards alongside one touchdown, while Maddux Madsen contributed by throwing for two touchdowns and adding another on the ground as the No. 11 Boise State Broncos triumphed over Oregon State with a score of 34-18 on Friday.
Jeanty’s outstanding game elevated him into fifth place on the FBS all-time single-season rushing list. He is only 54 yards shy of matching the fourth-place record held by Marcus Allen. Jeanty still has a chance to further his career tally; he trails the legendary Barry Sanders, who set the benchmark at 2,628 yards during the 1988 season, by 340 yards, with at least two more games ahead.
With this victory, Boise State improved its record to 11-1, maintaining its position as the highest-ranked team among the Group of Five conferences competing for an automatic berth in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. The Broncos’ single blemish this season came in September during a narrow 37-34 loss to No. 1 ranked Oregon.
Next Friday, Boise State will take on either Colorado State or UNLV in the Mountain West championship game, with an opportunity to secure a place in the playoffs on the line.
Meanwhile, Oregon State concluded its season with a record of 5-7. This year marked their inaugural campaign after a mass departure from the Pac-12, rendering them ineligible for postseason bowl games.
The Broncos jumped to a strong start, leading 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. Madsen connected on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Austin Bolt, followed by Jeanty’s 7-yard rushing touchdown.
As the second quarter progressed, Boise State appeared set to increase its lead further. However, during a critical moment, Jeanty broke through Oregon State’s defense. Just as he was approaching the end zone, Skyler Thomas knocked the ball loose, leading the Beavers to recover it at their own 8-yard line. This marked just the second fumble of Jeanty’s career.
Shortly after, Oregon State’s Anthony Hankerson made an explosive 83-yard run to score, narrowing the gap to 14-7 with a minute and 48 seconds left in the half. Nevertheless, Boise State regained control, completing an eight-play, 75-yard drive capped off by a 6-yard reception from Madsen to Latrell Caples, extending their lead to 21-7 right before the halftime break.
In a valiant effort, Oregon State worked to close the gap and brought the score to 27-18 early in the fourth quarter. However, the Boise State offense remained resolute, thwarting any hopes of a comeback.
Madsen finished the game completing 17 of 33 passes for 195 yards while Oregon State’s Ben Gulbranson threw for 226 yards with one touchdown. Hankerson led the Beavers’ rushing efforts with 110 yards.
For Oregon State, the journey ahead remains uncertain as they transition after losing numerous players to the transfer portal, with the focus now on retaining talent for the upcoming 2025 season amidst the backdrop of Pac-12 realignment set for 2026.
Boise State, despite an impressive overall record, must address its defense, particularly its vulnerability to explosive plays, as evidenced by six plays exceeding 20 yards allowed to Oregon State. Improving in this area will be crucial as the level of competition increases in the forthcoming games.
Looking ahead, Oregon State’s regular season comes to an end. They will commence the 2025 season by hosting California on August 30.
On the other side, Boise State anticipates its matchup against either Colorado State or UNLV next Friday in the Mountain West Conference Championship game.