Boise State’s defense allowed nine plays of 40 or more yards during its two games, ranking last in FBS entering the week. The big-play issues cropped up again on Saturday as South Dakota connected on passing plays of 29, 40, 46 and 59 yards. The 59-yarder went for a touchdown, cutting Boise State’s lead to 24-21 late in the third quarter.
Well, folks, Boise State has done it again! They managed to escape South Dakota with a 38-24 victory that had us all on the edge of our seats. If you thought the Broncos were going to stroll through this game with an easy win, think again. This match had all the drama of a soap opera—minus the overly dramatic music, of course. So, let’s break down the key takeaways from this thrilling encounter.
1. Riley’s Rushing Rampage
First up, we need to talk about the standout star of the game: Riley. With a staggering 198 yards on the ground, he was like a freight train barreling down the field. Honestly, if you blinked, you might have missed him zooming past defenders like they were standing still. His two late touchdowns were the cherry on top of this rushing sundae, sealing the deal for the Broncos. If he keeps this up, he may just start charging for autographs after the games.
2. The Late-Game Surge
Let’s be real—if you’re a fan of Boise State, you probably had your heart in your throat during the final moments of the game. The Broncos scored two late touchdowns that turned the tide in their favor. It was the kind of finish that makes you want to throw your nachos in the air and hug the nearest person (preferably one who shares your love for the team). It’s almost like they were playing a game of ‘who can give their fans the most heart palpitations.’ Spoiler alert: Boise State won.
3. Defensive Dilemmas
Now, while we’re all celebrating the win, let’s not ignore the defensive hiccups that made this game a little too close for comfort. The Broncos’ defense seemed to have a few lapses, allowing South Dakota to score in ways that had fans scratching their heads. It’s like watching a magician reveal his tricks—nobody wants to see the ball just waltz into the end zone unchallenged. If Boise State wants to keep winning, they’ll need to tighten up that defense. Or at the very least, hire a few more capable magicians.
4. The Importance of Momentum
Finally, let’s talk about momentum. Boise State seemed to have it in the bag—until they didn’t. The game had its ups and downs, and it’s clear that maintaining momentum is crucial. When the Broncos were firing on all cylinders, they looked unstoppable. But when the momentum shifted to South Dakota, it was like watching a car skidding on ice. It’s a reminder that in football, just like in life, you’ve got to keep your foot on the gas and not let up.
In conclusion, Boise State’s 38-24 win over South Dakota was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of the team. As they gear up for their next matchup, let’s hope they take these lessons to heart. And who knows? Maybe next time we’ll get a game that doesn’t require us to have a stress ball on hand. Until then, let’s keep cheering for our Broncos and hope they continue to deliver the excitement we crave—preferably with a little less nail-biting involved!
Inspired by: “Boise State escaped South Dakota with a 38-24 win – here are 4 takeaways” (r/Sport)