Boise State’s No. 12 Broncos capped off an undefeated Mountain West Conference season with a hard-fought 17-13 victory over Wyoming at Jonah Field in Laramie. Running back Ashton Jeanty led the charge with a stellar performance, highlighted by a 61-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, as the Broncos overcame Wyoming’s resilient defense and frigid conditions to secure the win.
Jeanty’s Heroics Lead the Way
Jeanty was the offensive centerpiece for Boise State, rushing for 169 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. His explosive 61-yard run in the first quarter was not only a momentum-shifter but also displayed his elite vision and breakaway speed. This run, coupled with his consistency throughout the game, pushed Jeanty over the 2,000-yard rushing mark for the season, a milestone that reflects his dominance in the backfield.
Head coach Spencer Danielson praised Jeanty’s performance:
“Ashton Jeanty getting to 2,000 yards is a testament to him first and foremost but also our offensive line. The playcalls, the run schemes—it’s a group effort to get that done. I’m proud of him.”
Defensive Resilience on Display
Boise State’s defense was tested throughout the game but came up big when it mattered most. Despite allowing a 63-yard pass to Wyoming receiver Justin Stevenson in the fourth quarter, the defense held firm in the red zone, forcing Wyoming to settle for a field goal. Late in the game, they stifled Wyoming’s final drive, preserving the lead and ensuring victory.
Safety Zion Washington emphasized the importance of preparation for such moments:
“In practice, we get high intensity, the stress-level is high. So whenever we come out into a game, it doesn’t faze us.”
Wyoming’s offense, led by quarterback Kaden Anderson, struggled to convert opportunities into points. While Anderson completed 9-of-14 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, the Cowboys were unable to sustain drives consistently, going 4-for-14 on third-down conversions.
Wyoming Fights Until the End
The Cowboys showed grit and determination, led by kicker John Hoyland, who drilled field goals from 54 and 35 yards. Anderson’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Stevenson in the second quarter gave Wyoming a brief 10-7 lead, but the offense stalled in key moments. Wyoming managed 319 yards of total offense but couldn’t capitalize on their extended time of possession, which surpassed 34 minutes.
Running back Harrison Waylee provided a steady rushing effort with 69 yards on 16 carries, but the Broncos’ defense limited big plays on the ground.
Boise State’s Late Push
The game was decided in the fourth quarter when Boise State orchestrated a critical 8-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run from Jambres Dubar. This drive exemplified the Broncos’ ability to perform under pressure, blending Jeanty’s running and quarterback Maddux Madsen’s steady leadership. Madsen completed 14 of 26 passes for 167 yards, spreading the ball to seven different receivers.
Wide receiver Latrell Caples, who hauled in three catches for 51 yards, reflected on the team’s ability to overcome adversity:
“We just knew that we’re a resilient team that’s never going to give up. If we play with high intensity and continue to support everybody around us, we’ll be alright.”
Turning Points and Key Plays
- Jeanty’s 61-Yard Touchdown: With 3:40 remaining in the first quarter, Jeanty’s electric run gave Boise State its first lead and set the tone for the game.
- Defensive Stand in the Fourth Quarter: Wyoming’s final drive was halted by a disciplined Boise State defense, highlighted by tackles from Washington and A’Marion McCoy.
- Dubar’s Game-Sealing Touchdown: The freshman’s powerful run ensured Boise State left Laramie with the win.
Key Statistics
- Boise State: 352 total yards (185 rushing, 167 passing), 2 rushing touchdowns
- Wyoming: 319 total yards (116 rushing, 203 passing), 1 passing touchdown
- Third-Down Efficiency: Boise State 1-of-10, Wyoming 4-of-14
- Time of Possession: Boise State 25:56, Wyoming 34:04
Looking Ahead
With the victory, Boise State improved to 10-1 overall and 7-0 in conference play, maintaining their position as the team to beat in the Mountain West. The Broncos now set their sights on the conference championship game, riding high on the momentum of their flawless league record.
As Coach Danielson noted,
“We found a way to get a win on the road against a conference opponent. Our guys were resilient. They didn’t flinch.”
Wyoming, despite the loss, showed signs of promise as they continue to rebuild. The Cowboys, now 2-9, will look to end their season on a high note as they prepare for their final game.
Conclusion
Boise State’s ability to grind out victories in tough environments was on full display in Laramie. Behind Jeanty’s historic performance and a resilient defensive effort, the Broncos showcased the toughness and poise of a championship-caliber team. With the postseason on the horizon, Boise State has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in college football.
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