STATESBORO, Ga. — Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty ran for a school-record six touchdowns and 267 yards as Boise State overcame Georgia Southern 56-45 in Saturday's season opener in Statesboro.
Spencer Danielson, who coached the Broncos’ final four games last season and went 3-1, picked up his first win without the interim tag. The outcome marked Boise State's first season-opening victory since 2020 and its first road win to start the season since 2019.
Jeanty averaged 13.8 yards per carry, the third-most in a game in school history. He gave Boise State its first points with a 77-yard score and finished his day with a 75-yarder that gave the Broncos a 42-37 lead 13 seconds after the Eagles had gone on top with 13 1/2 minutes left in the game.
Freshman running back Sire Gaines cemented the outcome with a 38-yard touchdown run and a 17-yard scoring reception. The seven rushing touchdowns were one short of the school record and the most since 2007.
Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen was 22-of-31 passing for 280 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Georgia Southern quarterback JC French was 28-of-50 passing for 323 yards and two scores and added a rushing touchdown.
Boise State led 28-9 with 2 1/2 minutes left in the first half before the Eagles scored the next 21 points. The teams exchanged the lead twice more before Jeanty scored his final touchdown.
The Broncos travel to Eugene to face No. 3 Oregon at Autzen Stadium at 8 p.m. MT Saturday, Sept. 7. The contest will air on Peacock.
