Boise State Football: 3 takeaways from MWC blowout of New Mexico

2. Backfield by committee approach paid off for Boise State

George Holani did lead the way for the Broncos out of the backfield, getting seven carries for 73 yards over the course of the game. While he led the rushing stats for Boise State, they nevertheless relied on a committee approach to rack up the necessary yardage to fuel the blowout over the Lobos.

In addition to Holani, Robert Mahone was also back on the field for the Broncos as he eases his way back from injury. Mahone finished with three carries in limited action as he finished with 22 yards on the night. Andrew Van Buren also saw action, racking up 33 yards and adding a receiving touchdown out of the backfield.

In true Boise State tradition, the coaching staff also got a bit creative in how they got the ball into the hands of their playmakers. Wide receiver Octavius Evans punched in a 17-yard touchdown run to put the Broncos up 14-0 midway through the first quarter. Another receiver, John Hightower, also took a carry for 17 yards, Akilian Butler had a couple of carries, and Khalil Shakir was also incorporated into the running game (in addition to throwing a touchdown pass).

Getting the depth of contribution that they were able to generate against New Mexico is critical for an offense that lacks the type of feature back that was long a  staple in Boise. If the Broncos are going to play their way back to the New Year’s Six and a Cotton Bowl berth, they need the committee approach to keep producing results.