The 12th-ranked Boise State Broncos faced a challenging matchup against the Wyoming Cowboys in Week 13, narrowly escaping with a 17-13 victory on the road. Despite the win, the Broncos displayed a less-than-stellar performance, relying heavily on the talents of Heisman Trophy hopeful running back Ashton Jeanty to secure the win.
Game Summary: Boise State vs. Wyoming
The game was a true nailbiter, with both teams fighting hard for every yard. The Broncos (10-1, 7-0 MWC) are now heading to the Mountain West Conference Championship Game and are in a prime position to contend for one of the 12 College Football Playoff spots. On the other hand, the Cowboys (2-9, 2-5) have struggled throughout the season but nearly pulled off an upset that would have made waves in the college football landscape.
Offensive Performance Analysis
Boise State managed to record 15 first downs but struggled on third down conversions, finishing just 1-of-10 and failing on both fourth down attempts. The Broncos scored 17 points on 352 total yards, with 167 yards coming through the air and 185 yards on the ground, averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry. However, the passing game raised some eyebrows, as quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 14 of 26 passes for only 167 yards, averaging just 6.4 yards per attempt. For Boise State to maintain their momentum, improvements in the passing game will be essential.
In contrast, the Wyoming Cowboys had a respectable outing offensively, tallying 13 points on 319 total yards, which included 203 passing yards and 116 rushing yards. They recorded 14 first downs and showcased a more effective passing strategy, averaging 7.5 yards per pass. The Cowboys’ discipline was notable, committing only three penalties for a mere 20 yards, which is a significant factor in close games.
Key Players and Stats
Ashton Jeanty was undoubtedly the star of the game for Boise State, rushing for 169 yards on 19 carries and scoring one touchdown. His ability to break tackles and gain significant yardage was crucial for the Broncos’ success. In addition to Jeanty, Jambres Dubar contributed with a 2-yard rushing touchdown that ultimately sealed the game for Boise State.
On the other side, Wyoming’s Kaden Anderson threw for 116 yards and one touchdown, connecting with Justin Stevenson for a 5-yard score. Harrison Waylee led the ground game for the Cowboys, rushing for 69 yards on 16 carries. These performances highlighted the resilience of Wyoming’s offense, even in a losing effort.
Scoring Breakdown
The game unfolded with a series of pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s how the scoring went down:
- 11:43 1Q: John Hoyland 54 Yard Field Goal | 3-0 Wyoming
- 3:40 1Q: Ashton Jeanty 61 Yard Rushing TD | 7-3 Boise State
- 9:36 2Q: Kaden Anderson 5 Yard Passing TD to Justin Stevenson | 10-7 Wyoming
- 0:00 2Q: Jonah Dalmas 24 Yard Field Goal | 10-10
- 9:03 4Q: John Hoyland 35 Yard Field Goal | 13-10 Wyoming
- 5:02 4Q: Jambres Dubar 2 Yard Rushing TD | 17-13 Boise State
These moments encapsulated the intensity of the game, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their fighting spirit.
Box Scores: A Closer Look
Let’s delve into the box scores for both teams to get a clearer picture of their performances.
Boise State Broncos
-
Quarterback: Maddux Madsen
- Completions/Attempts: 14/26
- Passing Yards: 167
- Touchdowns: 0
- Interceptions: 0
-
Rushing:
- Ashton Jeanty: 19 carries, 169 yards, 1 TD
- Jambres Dubar: 5 carries, 22 yards, 1 TD
-
Receiving:
- Cameron Camper: 5 receptions, 73 yards
- Kicking:
- Jonah Dalmas: 2-2 extra points, 1-2 field goals, long of 24 yards
Wyoming Cowboys
-
Quarterbacks:
- Kaden Anderson: 9 completions on 14 attempts, 116 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
- Evan Svoboda: 6 completions on 13 attempts, 87 yards
-
Rushing:
- Harrison Waylee: 16 carries, 69 yards
- Jamari Ferrell: 11 carries, 38 yards
-
Receiving:
- Justin Stevenson: 4 receptions, 82 yards, 1 TD
- Jaylen Sargent: 4 receptions, 86 yards
- Kicking:
- John Hoyland: 1-1 extra points, 2-3 field goals, long of 54 yards
Looking Ahead
As the Broncos prepare for the Mountain West Championship, they will need to address their offensive inconsistencies, especially in the passing game, to compete effectively against stronger opponents. Meanwhile, Wyoming must regroup and find a way to build on their performance as they head into their season finale. Can they turn their near-upset into a springboard for future success? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: college football never fails to deliver excitement and drama!
