A rout in Reno: Boise State gets chance to build ‘dependable depth’ vs. Nevada

Rachel Roberts, Ron Counts
Tom R. Smedes/AP

Injuries and a blowout win provided the perfect opportunity for a slew of backups and younger players on the Boise State football team Saturday night.

With the Broncos rolling past Nevada 41-3 at snowy Mackay Stadium, the fourth quarter saw a number of new faces take the field.

“It’s awesome. There’s guys that — because we’re only allowed to bring so many — there’s guys at home that we could have played tonight, too,” Boise State coach Andy Avalos said. “It’s great for them to get the experience not only because they work hard and to be able to get in the game, but it’s great for them to get the experience and build that dependable depth.”

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Here’s a look at some of the players who saw increased playing time or made their Boise State debuts against the Wolf Pack:

  • Andrew Simpson: The redshirt freshman linebacker played in place of injured starter Ezekiel Noa and contributed five total tackles, including an 8-yard sack.

  • Deven Wright: The junior filled in for injured edge Demitri Washington and recorded the first sack of his career in the first quarter.

  • Kaonohi Kaniho: Although he regularly sees playing time at cornerback, the redshirt sophomore blocked a field goal for the first time in his career, keeping Nevada off the board in the first quarter.

  • Maddux Madsen: The true freshman was the first quarterback off the bench, replacing starter Taylen Green on the Broncos’ final drive of the third quarter. Madsen completed 3-of-4 passes for 43 yards, including a long of 35, and had one carry for 1 yard.

  • Kaden Dudley: This receiver-turned-running back came in late to help the Broncos eat up the clock, totaling five carries for 12 yards.

  • Jaylen Clark: The redshirt sophomore cornerback took advantage of playing time for his first career fumble recovery, and he added a career-best three tackles.

  • Braxton Fely: The true freshman defensive lineman sprung the ball loose for Clark to pounce on and added two tackles of his own.

  • Ethan Mikita: The true freshman running back was one of five backs to take the field. He gained 3 yards on one touch.

  • Colt Fulton: The redshirt freshman was the fourth BSU quarterback to see playing time Saturday. He did not attempt a pass but did have one carry for 7 yards for a first down.

  • Tyler Crowe: The redshirt junior running back racked up a career-high 78 yards rushing on eight attempts, including a 46-yard run to start the team’s final scoring drive.

Broncos miss top pass rushers

Boise State was without its top two pass rushers Saturday.

Linebacker Ezekiel Noa and edge rusher Demitri Washington were both out, Boise State announced just before kickoff. They’re tied with a team-high 4.5 sacks apiece this season.

Both players were injured after they collided on the first play of last week’s loss to BYU. Noa returned to the game but wasn’t moving very well. Washington didn’t return.

The Broncos were also without left guard Garrett Curran for the second straight game. Ben Dooley, who returned from injury just last week, started in his place, and Kekaniokoa Holomalia-Gonzalez started at center.

Nose tackle Jackson Cravens, wide receiver Cole Wright and kicker Will Ferrin also were out with undisclosed injuries.

Quick hits

The Broncos wore white jerseys, white pants and white helmets. ... Team captains Scott Matlock and John Ojukwu were joined by center Holomalia-Gonzalez and linebacker DJ Schramm as game captains. ... Nevada won the coin toss and elected to defer. ... Boise State was led onto the field by running back Elelyon Noa, who carried the Dan Paul Hammer. ... Safety Rodney Robinson carried the American flag and tight end Kurt Rafdal carried the Bleed Blue flag. ... Redshirt freshman Eric McAlister tallied a career-high 70 yards receiving. ... Redshirt senior wide receiver Billy Bowens tied his career best with four receptions and had 67 receiving yards. His 31-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter marked the longest scoring reception by a Bronco this season. ... Boise State has outscored its conference opponents 50-10 on the road this season in the first half.

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