Running back Ashton Jeanty began his 2024 Heisman campaign with resounding authority on Saturday afternoon.
Behind an offensive line in sync all day, Jeanty ran for 267 yards and six touchdowns, both school records, in helping the Boise State Broncos in a 56-45 victory over the Georgia Southern Eagles.
In a game that featured over 1100 total yards and a back-and-forth second half of huge plays, it was Jeanty whose star shone brightest.
Jeanty started the day with a two-yard loss and from that point on, mostly everything was gravy for the junior running back. Touchdown runs of 77 (in the first quarter) and 75 yards (4th quarter) were among the highlights, with the 75-yard score coming one play after the Eagles had taken a 37-36 lead.
Jeanty showed off speed, balance, and control in running into the record books. The previous school record of five rushing scores was held by three players. And Jeanty's yards broke a single-game record of 261 previously held by Cedric Minter.
In racking up 651 total yards, the offense of Boise State was locked in for most of the game. Helped overcome a defense who struggled and looked lost at times.
Boise State Broncos: Light the scoreboard
The spotlight was firmly on Jeanty, and the rest of the Boise State offense did their best to join in on the fun. Including true freshman Sire Gaines.
Aside from a late fumble after a big run (one recovered by Austin Bolt), Gaines played beyond his years in his first college game. Gaines was the primary backup to Jeanty and carried the ball 12 times for 110 yards. He scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. One on a 38-yard run and the other a 17-yard reception.
Quarterback Maddux Madsen was also in the spotlight, winning the camp competition over Malachi Nelson. Madsen showed off his skills, with a little hiccup early in the game.
Madsen started by completing his first five passes but followed that up with a one for six stretch, ending with an interception. But Madsen righted the ship, including back-to-back passes totaling 89 yards to Cameron Camper and Latrell Caples.
Madsen finished 22-31 for 280 yards and one touchdown to go along with the interception.
Eight different receivers caught passes for the Broncos. Caples finished with five for 81 yards and Camper had three for 78.
The offensive line did not allow a sack and paved the way for the Broncos rushing for 371 yards. And while Jeanty had a record-setting day, averaging 13.4 yards per carry, he might have seen more rest had it not been for a defense that had trouble stopping Georgia Southern in the middle quarters.
Missing: Defense for Boise State
It was often a tale of the good, the bad, and the ugly for the Boise State defense throughout the game. Credit can be given to the Eagles for mixing things up. Whether it was the game plan or lack of execution, after week one there is a lot left to be desired for this unit.
Things did not start off so shaky, with the Broncos swarming and creating turnovers. Boise State forced four fumbles on the day, recovering one. Plus, they had four sacks, creating some nice pressure.
But Boise State had trouble getting Georgia Southern off the field. The Eagles were 12 of 19 on third down attempts, with Boise State tightening up in the fourth quarter after the Broncos had retaken the lead.
Penalties, too, were a problem. As a team, Boise State had eight for 90 yards. Not all fingers can be pointed to the defense in this department but a couple of pass interference calls and a roughing the passer kept drives alive for the Eagles.
The secondary, a unit with depth and experience, was one I thought would play better. They were fantastic in run support but had some trouble in the passing game, with Eagles quarterback JC French throwing for 321 yards.
Ty Benefield led the Broncos with nine tackles. Jeremiah Earby was the culprit in the interference calls but had seven tackles, a tackle for loss, and one forced fumble.
Andrew Simpson played well, forcing two fumbles and collecting four tackles and a sack.
The defense certainly had its struggles. With it being the first game, it was a good chance to work out the kinks and the nerves. Especially with a huge game next Saturday. Though not on the same level, the offense of Georgia Southern provided a glimpse of what the Oregon Ducks will do (who are having struggles over their own, leading at the time of this writing only 14-0 midway through the third quarter against Idaho).
In some ways, it was better to be engaged with a game down to the wire in week one, rather than a simple cakewalk. Boise State will be better prepared for next week's huge road game, and I am looking forward to see what Ashton Jeanty (and the rest of the Bronco offense) showcases to the nation.
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