Boise State 35, North Texas 32
The Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium played host to the Boise State Broncos and the University of North Texas Mean Green. Some members of the North Texas squad were meaner than others. For example, they attempted to start an altercation (and somewhat succeeded) at one point after Dalmas had a perfect, touchdown-saving tackle right into their sideline. Things got chippy again later after a late, out of bounds hit on Taylen. UNT’s interim head coach even decided to demonstrate his inability to keep a cool head in the post-game handshake by yelling at Coach Avalos (who was clearly not amused, but didn’t escalate things).
Despite all that, and a low scoring first half, the Broncos never really seemed like they weren’t in control of the game and they ultimately won.
Before the game, it was announced that a number of defensive starters would be out. Among them, JL Skinner, Demitri Washington, and Kaniho. Tyreque Jones was also on the sideline without a helmet on. Teubner and Clark filled in on the back end and largely played pretty well. Clark even capitalized when UNT’s QB threw a ball right at him, picked it off, and ran it 38 yards back the other way. The front 7 had some difficulty stopping the run as UNT’s running back, Ikaika Ragsdale, had 94 yards and 2 TDs. However, Matlock was Matlockian, DJ Schramm was all over, and Zeke Noa had a pick that he ran 52 yards with. He actually could have probably scored if he hadn’t tripped at the 15. That would have been even cooler for him. Regardless, it was a huge play and resulted in Boise State points.
Coverage units on special teams were a bit rough, but Jonah Dalmas put an end to a 46 yard return by UNT. And, aside from nearly inciting a riot on the UNT sideline for having the audacity to forcefully tackle the returner, Dalmas was also perfect on his kicks for the night. 2/2 on field goals and 3/3 on extra points. Also, special teamers were responsible for this fun play on a 2pt conversion. Take note of who both the thrower and the catcher are.
The defense and special teams weren’t exactly at their optimal strength in this game and it showed at times. On the bright side, it gave valuable experience to some guys that will probably get larger opportunities next year. The offense, however, was the component that was really worth writing home about–especially in the second half. Holani began the game at tailback and then inexplicably left after 7 carries. Jeanty then came in and his 178 yards anchored a rushing attack that eventually took over the whole game and helped set a Boise State record for most team rushing yards in a bowl.
The offense seemed a little out of sync to begin the game and Taylen even had an interception (that was thankfully overturned on a PI). They absolutely exploded in the third quarter, though. 22 points in 15 minutes. Jeanty was running with devastating power and he had at least three runs that were absolutely astounding with how he just refused to go down. He also added a TD.
Taylen, of course, never forgot how to run the ball. He’s just been developing his increasingly impressive passing game and hasn’t really needed to get mobile much, but he definitely did a bit of running around in this one…and it was awesome. He had 119 yards and two scores, but mixed in some elusive runs to really add some zazz to his production.
From the receiving corp, Latrell Caples had some really nice YAC plays and Eric MacAlister showed some vision and catch-and-run ability on Taylen’s lone passing TD.
The game was a nice way to end a season that went to unexpected places at times. The Broncos got to ten wins and collected their first bowl win since 2017 (and the first under Coach Avalos). The way the season ended and how the bowl played out will undoubtedly motivate the returning Broncos with things that can be improved upon, but if you’d told me this team would win 10 games after the gut punch in El Paso, I would have been highly skeptical. This season was about as good of a frown-turned-upside-down as you’re ever going to get.
Overall, it’s hard not to be proud of how this team turned things around and to not be excited for a very bright future–especially on offense. The schedule sets up to be a lot of fun next year and hopefully we’ll see you all when the 2023 season kicks off. Until then, and as always…
The broncos didn’t run all over anyone. Be honest about it folks. I’m a bronco fan and I realize it. Can you imagine if Boise played a good team? Scary. You barely beat a 7-5 conf usa team. Lets be realistic here. Having said that, congrats on 10 wins! Kudos to Fresno and the beat down of WaState and the PAC12. Big kudos to the beavers sending the gators and the sec home with a big fat “L”. Some toothless gators right now
Well I hate to sound like a contrarian, but rushing for over 300 yards is running all over your opponent.
Way to finish. Was glad to wake up this morning and see highlights of Green running on these guys. It was wide open in the first half. It’s too bad these guys felt the need to act like jerks. Based on their coaches behavior you can see why they think it’s okay.
Anybody know what happened in that after=game exchange between Avalos and the UNT coach?
I’d call this a satisfying cap to a strange season. Our defense didn’t show up the way I would have expected for this game. But I’d say the offense played up to their standard. I’m a bit worried about next year, though. Our defense is gonna lose a lot of dudes.
This was honestly kind of a preview of what the defense will look like next year, I think. Minus Scott Matlock and a couple others. Just because there were so many starters missing. That said, they got some experience last night and they will get more seasoning through spring and fall camp, as well as some reinforcements 👌
They have a bit tougher looking non conf schedule next year. Opening @ Washington and Memphis and UCF at home.
Yep. Going to be tough sledding early next year. This will be the true test of Avalos as a coach. If we are giving him a pass for Plough, no more passes should be allowed. Plough was too bad of a miss that we allowed to stick around for too long. I hope the AD doesn’t make the same mistake with Avalos.
A win is a win. Very proud of how this team pulled it together. North Texas coach was a real jerk and Andy a gentleman. How could he possibly defend anything that occured after the late hit on Green. And then there was the attempted itemidation of Dalmas after the TD saving tackle. I think Dalmas would have taken on the whole bench. That Dalmas is all heart. I don’t care what sport I’d be playing, he’d be my first pick. I think Andy has some choices this year. It may be the talent or it may be the coaching… Read more »