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#3 Boise state vs #9 Marshall quarterfinals (PLAYOFFS 1)
11 months ago - 1/17/2025 6:41 PM GMT-3
Game Preview: #3 Boise State (12-1) vs. #9 Marshall (11-2)
Kickoff Time: 10:00 PM EST
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The primetime playoff spotlight shines on the #3 Boise State Broncos as they take on the #9 Marshall Thundering Herd in a late-night showdown. Boise State, the Mountain West champions, is riding a wave of momentum following a dominant 49-35 win over South Alabama in the first round. Meanwhile, Marshall pulled off a gritty 41-34 victory against Florida Atlantic, showcasing their ability to win close games.
Both teams excel in different areas—Boise State boasts an explosive offense and a stout defense, while Marshall relies on a punishing ground game and a resilient defense. This matchup will likely come down to who can impose their style of play on the other.
Team Overviews
Boise State Broncos (12-1)
• Head Coach: Andy Avalos
• Offense: 38.9 points per game (8th nationally)
• Defense: 18.4 points allowed per game (12th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Taylen Green: 3,500 passing yards, 30 TDs, 6 INTs; 800 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs
• RB Ashton Jeanty: 1,400 rushing yards, 16 TDs
• WR Eric McAlister: 1,200 receiving yards, 14 TDs
• LB DJ Schramm: 110 tackles, 4 sacks
Boise State has been a model of consistency, combining a dynamic offense with a defense that thrives on shutting down the run. Quarterback Taylen Green is the centerpiece of this team, a dual-threat weapon who keeps defenses guessing. Running back Ashton Jeanty has also been a revelation, giving the Broncos balance on offense.
Defensively, Boise State has been one of the nation’s best at stopping the run, allowing just 108 yards per game. Linebacker DJ Schramm leads a disciplined unit that will be tasked with containing Marshall’s rushing attack.
Marshall Thundering Herd (11-2)
• Head Coach: Charles Huff
• Offense: 32.7 points per game (26th nationally)
• Defense: 21.3 points allowed per game (19th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Cam Fancher: 2,800 passing yards, 20 TDs, 7 INTs
• RB Rasheen Ali: 1,600 rushing yards, 18 TDs
• WR Charles Montgomery: 900 receiving yards, 7 TDs
• DE Owen Porter: 14 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
Marshall’s offense revolves around running back Rasheen Ali, one of the most productive backs in the country. Ali’s ability to churn out tough yards and break big plays has been the foundation of Marshall’s success. Quarterback Cam Fancher is efficient and steady, making key throws when needed.
Defensively, the Thundering Herd thrive on creating pressure and forcing turnovers. Defensive end Owen Porter is a game-wrecker off the edge and will be crucial in slowing down Taylen Green’s scrambling ability.
Key Matchups
1. Taylen Green vs. Marshall’s Pass Rush
• Boise Advantage: Green’s mobility makes him tough to sack, and his ability to escape pressure could neutralize Marshall’s strength. The Thundering Herd must find a way to keep him contained in the pocket.
2. Rasheen Ali vs. Boise State’s Run Defense
• Boise Advantage: The Broncos excel at stopping the run, and Ali will face one of the toughest front sevens he’s seen all season. If Ali can break through for big gains, it will open up the play-action game for Marshall.
3. Red Zone Efficiency
• Both teams have strong offenses, but the winner will likely be the team that turns red zone trips into touchdowns rather than field goals.
Keys to the Game
Boise State Broncos
1. Pressure Fancher: Forcing Marshall into passing situations will allow Boise’s defense to get after the quarterback.
2. Establish the Run: Jeanty needs to keep the offense balanced and wear down Marshall’s defense.
3. Control the Tempo: Boise thrives when they dictate the pace of the game, especially with Green running the offense.
Marshall Thundering Herd
1. Feed Rasheen Ali: Ali needs a big game to keep Marshall’s offense on schedule and Boise’s offense off the field.
2. Create Turnovers: The Herd’s defense must force takeaways to create extra opportunities for their offense.
3. Limit Explosive Plays: Boise has several playmak
Kickoff Time: 10:00 PM EST
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN
Introduction
The primetime playoff spotlight shines on the #3 Boise State Broncos as they take on the #9 Marshall Thundering Herd in a late-night showdown. Boise State, the Mountain West champions, is riding a wave of momentum following a dominant 49-35 win over South Alabama in the first round. Meanwhile, Marshall pulled off a gritty 41-34 victory against Florida Atlantic, showcasing their ability to win close games.
Both teams excel in different areas—Boise State boasts an explosive offense and a stout defense, while Marshall relies on a punishing ground game and a resilient defense. This matchup will likely come down to who can impose their style of play on the other.
Team Overviews
Boise State Broncos (12-1)
• Head Coach: Andy Avalos
• Offense: 38.9 points per game (8th nationally)
• Defense: 18.4 points allowed per game (12th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Taylen Green: 3,500 passing yards, 30 TDs, 6 INTs; 800 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs
• RB Ashton Jeanty: 1,400 rushing yards, 16 TDs
• WR Eric McAlister: 1,200 receiving yards, 14 TDs
• LB DJ Schramm: 110 tackles, 4 sacks
Boise State has been a model of consistency, combining a dynamic offense with a defense that thrives on shutting down the run. Quarterback Taylen Green is the centerpiece of this team, a dual-threat weapon who keeps defenses guessing. Running back Ashton Jeanty has also been a revelation, giving the Broncos balance on offense.
Defensively, Boise State has been one of the nation’s best at stopping the run, allowing just 108 yards per game. Linebacker DJ Schramm leads a disciplined unit that will be tasked with containing Marshall’s rushing attack.
Marshall Thundering Herd (11-2)
• Head Coach: Charles Huff
• Offense: 32.7 points per game (26th nationally)
• Defense: 21.3 points allowed per game (19th nationally)
• Key Players:
• QB Cam Fancher: 2,800 passing yards, 20 TDs, 7 INTs
• RB Rasheen Ali: 1,600 rushing yards, 18 TDs
• WR Charles Montgomery: 900 receiving yards, 7 TDs
• DE Owen Porter: 14 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
Marshall’s offense revolves around running back Rasheen Ali, one of the most productive backs in the country. Ali’s ability to churn out tough yards and break big plays has been the foundation of Marshall’s success. Quarterback Cam Fancher is efficient and steady, making key throws when needed.
Defensively, the Thundering Herd thrive on creating pressure and forcing turnovers. Defensive end Owen Porter is a game-wrecker off the edge and will be crucial in slowing down Taylen Green’s scrambling ability.
Key Matchups
1. Taylen Green vs. Marshall’s Pass Rush
• Boise Advantage: Green’s mobility makes him tough to sack, and his ability to escape pressure could neutralize Marshall’s strength. The Thundering Herd must find a way to keep him contained in the pocket.
2. Rasheen Ali vs. Boise State’s Run Defense
• Boise Advantage: The Broncos excel at stopping the run, and Ali will face one of the toughest front sevens he’s seen all season. If Ali can break through for big gains, it will open up the play-action game for Marshall.
3. Red Zone Efficiency
• Both teams have strong offenses, but the winner will likely be the team that turns red zone trips into touchdowns rather than field goals.
Keys to the Game
Boise State Broncos
1. Pressure Fancher: Forcing Marshall into passing situations will allow Boise’s defense to get after the quarterback.
2. Establish the Run: Jeanty needs to keep the offense balanced and wear down Marshall’s defense.
3. Control the Tempo: Boise thrives when they dictate the pace of the game, especially with Green running the offense.
Marshall Thundering Herd
1. Feed Rasheen Ali: Ali needs a big game to keep Marshall’s offense on schedule and Boise’s offense off the field.
2. Create Turnovers: The Herd’s defense must force takeaways to create extra opportunities for their offense.
3. Limit Explosive Plays: Boise has several playmak
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