Boise State sophomore running back Ashton Jeanty rushed for a career-high 205 yards and scored two touchdowns as Boise State defeated San Diego State, 34-31, at Snapdragon Stadium Friday.

The Broncos (2-2, 1-0 Mountain West) overcame a slow offensive performance after generating only 26 yards in the opening quarter. After allowing an early score on the second Aztec drive, Boise State evened the score early in the second quarter on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Taylen Green to Eric McAlister.

The Aztecs (2-3, 0-1) responded with a field goal two minutes later to take a 10-7 lead, but Jeanty exploded for a 58-yard rushing touchdown on the next possession to give the Broncos a 14-10 lead. San Diego State responded with a touchdown of its own, but Dalmas hit a 29-yard field goal to even the score as the two teams entered the locker room tied at 17.

Dalmas started the scoring in the second half with a 27-yard field goal to give the Blue and Orange a 20-17 lead. The Boise State defense notched its second turnover of the game on the ensuing drive when Ahmed Hassanein, allowing Jayden Virgin to recover. The turnover set up a short field, resulting in a 10-yard rushing touchdown from Green as the Broncos extended their lead to double digits.

San Diego State's Jaylon Armstead scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter to bring the Aztecs within three points, but Jeanty scored his second touchdown of the day with 2:02 remaining to give the Broncos a two-possession lead. An Aztec touchdown with 42 seconds left wasn't enough as Boise State opened conference play with a win.

Top Broncos

  • Ashton Jeanty rushed for a career-high 205 yards and scored two touchdowns. That rushing total is the most of any Mountain West player this year and the third-most of any player in the country this season.
  • Taylen Green threw for 162 yards and a touchdown while running for 25 yards and adding a 10-yard score.
  • Eric McAlister caught five passes for 90 yards, including a a 39-yard touchdown pass from Green.
  • Marco Notarainni led the Broncos in tackles for the second-straight game, finishing with eight.

Notables

  • The win marks the 24th consecutive conference-opening win for the Broncos. Boise State moves to 60-14 all-time in conference-openers, including a perfect 13-0 in the Mountain West.
  • Jeanty is the first Bronco to rush for over 200 yards in a game since Alexander Mattison rushed for 200 yards exactly on Dec. 1, 2018 against Fresno State.
  • The sophomore running back also accounted for 12 of the team's 19 first downs.
  • Jonah Dalmas finished the game with 128 career points after touchdowns scored. He currently ranks fifth in school history.

What's Next

Boise State plays its final regular season non-conference game at Memphis, traveling to play the Tigers on Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. MT.