Boise State football continues to impress this season, making a significant leap in the national rankings. The Broncos have climbed to No. 15 in the Associated Press (AP) Poll and risen to No. 19 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, marking their highest placement in these standings since 2019. This rise follows their 28-7 road victory against the University of Hawaii’s Rainbow Warriors, where their defense took control, limiting Hawaii to just seven points while racking up eight sacks.
Boise State’s surge in the rankings reflects a strong 2024 season thus far. With a 5-1 record and two conference victories under their belt, the Broncos are now in the conversation for postseason play. Their only loss came in a closely contested game against Oregon, where they fell 37-34 after Oregon hit a field goal as time expired. Despite this loss, Boise State has maintained its position as one of the nation’s top programs.
Offensively, Boise State ranks among the best in the country. The team currently boasts the third-highest scoring offense in the nation, averaging 46.8 points per game, and ranks third in total offense with 523.0 yards per game. These impressive numbers have contributed to their climb in the polls, with voters recognizing the strength of the Broncos’ offense. Leading the charge is standout running back Ashton Jeanty, who has been a key player in Boise State’s offensive success.
Defensively, the Broncos have shown significant improvement. Although the team struggled earlier in the season with pass defense, they bounced back against Hawaii, allowing just 279 total yards and holding the Rainbow Warriors to only 15 rushing yards. Boise State’s defense, under head coach Spencer Danielson, has been especially effective at getting to the quarterback, leading the nation in sacks with 4.83 sacks per game. The defense’s performance against Hawaii, particularly in the second half, helped secure the win and solidify the Broncos’ place in the Top 25.
The team now looks forward to the rest of the season, with hopes of continuing their climb in the rankings. Their next challenge will be on October 25 when they travel to Las Vegas to face UNLV. This matchup is critical as Boise State aims to maintain its momentum and continue its push toward a potential spot in the newly expanded College Football Playoff. Danielson has emphasized the importance of staying focused, acknowledging that every game from here on out is crucial.
For Boise State, being ranked in the AP Top 25 brings a level of prestige, especially as they currently hold the best win-loss percentage of any team ranked in the AP over the past 40 years. With their high-powered offense and steadily improving defense, the Broncos have put themselves in a strong position to compete for a conference title and more.
Boise State fans can look forward to seeing if their team can continue its “C.L.I.M.B.”—as the program refers to its path to success—in what could be a memorable 2
024 season.
