BOISE, Idaho – – Ashton Jeanty ran for 149 yards and two touchdowns, Maddux Madsen threw for 307 yards and four scores – both career highs – and No. 15 Boise State defeated San Diego State 56-24 on Friday night for its sixth straight victory .
Jeanty had his eighth consecutive 100-yard dash to break Jay Ajayi’s school record in 2014. The star running back struggled in the first half with 37 yards on 15 carries before rushing for 112 yards in the third quarter and sitting out the fourth. .
“We’re getting the kitchen sink thrown at us when it comes to stopping the run,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said. “But the throws that Maddux made in the box were what we needed.”
Madsen completed 24 of 32 passes without an interception for the Broncos (7-1, 4-0 Mountain West).
“Maddux played elite tonight and I still believe there is much more in store for him,” Danielson said. “I know there’s going to be some things he can grow in, but he played a big role tonight with what he did with the football and running for some first downs. I’m very proud of him.”
After Boise State scored on its first two possessions, A’Marion McCoy returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown to make it 21-0 late in the first quarter. The Broncos made it three straight possessions with a TD midway through the second.
The Broncos’ only loss was a 37-34 setback at now No. 1 Oregon on September 7. They have won three in a row for the first time against San Diego State (3-5, 2-1).
San Diego State coach Sean Lewis’ defense went all in to try to stop Jeanty early in the game, forcing Madsen to beat them with his arm.
“We did a good job of putting multiple hats in the box early, and they have a lot of weapons,” Lewis said. “I know Ashton Jeanty gets the lion’s share of the ink, and rightly so with his skills. But because of his power and the number of hats you have to deploy (to stop him), it opens you up and exposes you to other aspects like their throwing game, which they’ve done a good job with.
Latrell Caples led Boise State in receiving with 90 yards and three touchdowns on six catches. Cameron Camper had four catches for 50 yards.
Marquez Cooper had 94 yards and a TD on 16 carries for San Diego State. Danny O’Neil threw for 155 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
San Diego State: Despite a disappointing start to the season, the Aztecs still have a chance to become bowl eligible.
Boise State: While Jeanty has been the team’s undeniable star, the Broncos have shown they are not a one-trick pony when it comes to offense. Madsen, commanding an offense that amassed 541 total yards, looked comfortable in the pocket and used his feet to extend plays and pick up critical yards at key moments in the first half.
San Diego State: Hosts New Mexico on Friday night.
Boise State: Hosts Nevada on Nov. 9.
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