Running back Ashton Jeanty, however, is doing his fair share to keep the express going.
Jeanty's performance has been Heisman-worthy for the Broncos (2-2). Breaking tackles, eluding defenders, running with style, and catching passes, Jeanty is delivering on all levels for Boise State.
Part of the reason for an extended workload is injuries to running backs George Holani and Tyler Crowe, and an offseason injury to top receiver Latrell Caples. These have also contributed to why the offense is struggling to find its footing.
With Holani and Crowe out, and Jambres "Breezy" Dubar possibly still getting acclimated to the entire playbook, offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has had to adjust. A plan for the three-headed monster of Jeanty, Holani, and quarterback Taylen Green has been temporarily put on hold. The ground game of these three were projected to spearhead a frightening ground game.
Opposing teams have had a year to game plan for Green's effect in the running game, slowing down this aspect of his game.
Thankfully, Hamdan and Boise State have the multi-faceted Jeanty at their disposal.
Plowing the opposition
Four games into Boise State's season, Jeanty has done more than simply improve on an impressive freshman year.
Jeanty has burst out of the gates in both the running and receiving game, making him a dual threat. So much, in fact, that Jeanty leads the nation in all-purpose yards.
Against San Diego State last Friday, Jeanty had perhaps the best performance of his young career. It was an effort (205 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 receptions for 49 yards) that garnered Jeanty Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Jeanty averaged 8.9 yards per carry and was a force all game in the Broncos 34-31 victory.
This came a week after, despite a three-touchdown performance, Jeanty had trouble with a handful of fumbles against North Dakota.
For the season, Jeanty has 73 carries for 407 yards, good for 13th-best in the nation. He has scored six touchdowns on the ground and added another two through the air. Jeanty's 18 receptions and 285 yards are good for second-best on the team.
Jeanty gave fans and the program a glimpse of his true ability in last season's bowl game against North Texas, where he ran for 178 yards and a touchdown. This capped off a freshman year where Jeanty finished with 821 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
Carrying the load so far, Jeanty has been a delight, with help beginning to crop up as the meat of the season approaches.
Offense coming together
In losses against the 7th-ranked Washington Huskies and UCF, it appeared Jeanty was the most productive option in the receiving game for Green. While Jeanty did have nine receptions for 206 yards and two scores in these games, Stefan Cobbs and Eric McAlister contributed as well.
Cobbs had 10 receptions for 124 yards and one touchdown in those games and McAlister had seven catches for 69 yards against the Huskies.
After a quiet game in the loss to the Knights, McAlister erupted in the last two games.
Stretching the field with deep routes, while also turning short passes into long gains, McAlister has proven himself to be reliable. In the last two games, the redshirt sophomore has 11 catches for 233 yards and two scores.
McAlister leads the Broncos with 20 catches, 328 yards, and three touchdowns.
Green, after starting the year 28-58 with three touchdowns and two interceptions, has been better the last two games (30-51, 1 int, 2 TDs). And indications are the freedom for Green to run is growing, whether by design or on his own. He carried the ball 11 times against the Aztecs and has scored two touchdowns in the last couple of games.
Boise State's offensive line has been strong this season and the offense game plan is getting smoothed out. Production has followed and, even with (hopefully) Holani's return soon, I don't foresee Jeanty moving down the depth chart. It's clear he's option one and, even if the workload lessens thanks to contributions from others, Jeanty's production will not, giving him a clear path to a Mountain West Player of the Year award come season's end.
photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
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