The Boise State Broncos followed up their most complete performance of the season, with their most complete performance of the season, and it’s not even close. With contributions from all three phases of the game, the broncos put this one away early, and coasted to an easy, 56 – 21 victory.
OFFENSE
Jaylon Henderson continues to impress as a “third-string” quarterback. While he came in under 200 yards passing, he was 16 of 28 with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added 45 yards on the ground, at 6.4 yards per carry.
Robert Mahone looks as though he still has a nagging injury, carrying the ball only twice, but scoring once. True freshmen George Holani is tearing it up in Mahone’s absence however, really giving Bronco Nation something to look forward to a least a couple more years of. Holani had 178 yards on the ground, averaging 11.1 yards per attempt, including two touchdowns.
In back to back weeks, George Holani has averaged over 10 and 11 yards per carry. That is impressive and shows Holani is improving as well as the offensive line. The offense accounted for six touchdowns, including one coming from the Statue of Liberty!
DEFENSE
With the score tied 7-7 in the first quarter, Jalen Walker picked off Jordan Love and took it to the house, making a statement for the Defense the Aggies would see all night. This wasn’t the lowest points the Defense has held an opponent to this season but running up a 42-7 halftime lead makes it easy to get other players some playing time.
The defense did allow 428 yards, albeit against a very good QB, but added a fumble recovery, and won the time of possession, and turnover battles! Is that the first time the Broncos have won the turnover battle this year? I think it might be!
SPECIAL TEAMS
One thing I think is apparent this year is that the special teams play is gradually improving every week! The difference in the play from the beginning of the season until now, is astonishing when compared.
This speaks to the coaching these players are receiving, as well as to the players themselves, and their ability to “buy-in” to the process. Coach Harsin has spoke a few times, at least earlier this year, about how he felt some guys just weren’t getting it yet. From the outside looking in, it appears that they are all starting to get it now.
The special teams did not have any flubs, or errors, so to speak of (that I can remember anyway), while averaging nearly 40 yards per punt. To top it all off, special teams added a punt return touchdown on great blocking, and amazing running by Avery Williams!
FINAL THOUGHTS
It sure is nice to see the Broncos really starting to bring it all together this time of year. As we hear coaches say quite often, you are either getting better or you are getting worse, and these Broncos are absolutely getting better.
This was a must-win situation in a hostile road environment and this team left no doubt behind that they are the class of the division! This win ensures not only the division for the Broncos, but also that they will host the Mountain West Championship game at Albertsons Stadium!
There is however, one more road game at Colorado State that these Broncos will need to take care of, if they want to keep their larger aspirations alive.
Here’s to 1-0 next week!
Hope to see you all on The Blue for the Mountain West Championship!
