By Ty Scheiner
With the historic season Ashton Jeanty is having for the Boise State Broncos, it’s no wonder people are putting Boise in the playoff conversation as the Group of Five team to watch. However, this Broncos team is proving that there’s more to them than just Jeanty. Not only are they a legitimate College Football Playoff contender, but they also have a real shot to host a home playoff game and even make a serious run.
Not a One-Man Team
The last two games have shown that Boise isn’t just a “one-man” team. UNLV and San Diego State both stacked the box, daring the Broncos to beat them through the air. Even so, Jeanty still managed 128 and 149 rushing yards, which, while impressive, are somewhat ordinary by his standards.
In both games, the defense stepped up, holding both teams to 24 points—UNLV’s second-lowest score of the season (they scored 23 in a win over Kansas). Against the Aztecs, the Broncos’ defense limited them to 256 yards of total offense, forced two interceptions, and held them to just 2 of 14 on third downs. Spencer Danielson’s disciplined unit also ranks in the top 35 for fewest penalty yards per game (45.75) and in turnover margin (+4). As we head deeper into November, Boise’s discipline and ball security are key factors to watch.
Maddux Madsen and Offensive Playmakers
The offense remains productive even when Jeanty has an “off” game. Against the Aztecs, Maddux Madsen threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with ten different players. This was his best statistical game, showing the Broncos can find production outside of Jeanty. The Broncos rank in the top five nationally in total offense (509 yards per game) and third in scoring (45.8 points per game).
Other playmakers are stepping up, like wide receiver LaTrell Caples, who posted 90 yards and three touchdowns against the Aztecs, and Cam Camper, who’s averaging 16.5 yards per catch with four touchdowns. Tight end Matt Lauter has also been key, with 26 receptions, 315 yards, and four touchdowns this season.
More Sports News
Strength of Schedule and the Oregon Loss
While some question Boise’s Group of Five competition, they currently rank 59th in Strength of Schedule according to ESPN. For perspective, they’re ahead of teams like Clemson, SMU, Notre Dame, Iowa State, and Indiana. Their only loss was to top-ranked Oregon—by just three points on a last-second field goal at Autzen Stadium. In that game, the Broncos outgained the Ducks, controlled time of possession, won the turnover battle, had more first downs, and a better third-down conversion rate. One could argue that if Heisman hopeful, Jeanty had gotten a few more touches, the result might have been different.
Regardless of perceptions, Boise is a strong one-loss team that has consistently handled its business this season. The Broncos and Danielson have proved that they’ve found ways to win when opponents focus on shutting down Jeanty. If they can win out and take the Mountain West title, not only should they be in the playoff conversation, but we may also see a playoff game on the blue turf come late December.
