Boise State may be headed into Saturday night’s showdown with Fresno State short-handed, and the injury list runs right through the heart of the offense.
The Broncos could be missing as many as four key players when they visit Valley Children’s Stadium for the 8:30 p.m. kickoff. Starting running back Dylan Riley and leading receiver Rasean Jones were both hurt in the fourth quarter of last week’s 37-18 win over Utah State, while starting receiver Cam Bates and No. 2 running back Sire Gaines did not play against the Aggies.
“The guys that got banged up in the game-Dylan, Rasean-still working through that,” Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said during Monday’s press conference. “We had med check yesterday, working through some stuff today. They are definitely on the mend, but where that looks like in regards to availability on Saturday, still working though.
“Cam Bates, Sire Gaines, (linebacker) Logan Brantley would be the three that really didn’t play this weekend. I’m in a positive mindset about it, but nothing yet in regards to if they’re going to be available to play this weekend.”
Boise State enters the rivalry game at 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the Pac-12, the same conference mark as Fresno State. The Bulldogs have taken the last three meetings in the Milk Can rivalry, including a 30-7 win on Boise State’s field last season.
Riley’s status matters most. The nation’s leading rusher limped off in the fourth quarter against Utah State, though he did return to the game. He has piled up 108 carries for 685 yards and five touchdowns this season.
Gaines has already missed the last two games after injuring his wrist in the fourth quarter of Boise State’s win over South Dakota. He’s the Broncos’ second-leading rusher with 45 carries for 234 yards and three total touchdowns.
If both Riley and Gaines can’t go, Boise State would lean on Harry Stewart III and Juelz Goff. Each has 41 rushing yards this season on limited opportunities.
“Harry did some good things on Saturday, he just has to be more consistent, but he did as the game went on,” Danielson said. “He got 27 plays in the game and for him, later on in the game, he got better. Now, we just can’t start as slow as he did, we have to come out firing.
“JG is more than capable. He’s got to have a great week of practice. So those two guys have to be ready to roll.”
Jones left the Utah State game in the fourth quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit. The true freshman leads Boise State with 23 catches for 359 yards and two total touchdowns.
Bates has added eight receptions for 59 yards and two touchdowns, and he also has a 72-yard punt return touchdown.
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Boise State Enters Fresno State Showdown With Pac-12 Control At Stake
Boise State heads into its matchup with Fresno State riding four straight wins and carrying real leverage in the Pac-12 race. The Broncos have settled into a groove on both sides of the ball, and Dylan Rileys emergence as the nations rushing leader has become one of the clearest reasons they have climbed into this position. With the standings tightening around them, this is the kind of game that can shape the rest of the league picture in a hurry.
Fresno State has long been one of the programs that can make life difficult in this spot, which only raises the stakes for Boise State on the road. Beyond the headline result, the game will also shine a light on how Boise State handles its personnel and coaching choices under pressure, because the margin for error narrows when control of the conference is on the line. A strong showing would deepen the Broncos hold on the race, while anything less keeps the door open for the pack behind them. [Read more 🡒]
Boise State Heads Into Fresno With Rivalry Pressure Building
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Danielson pointed to the need for better defensive consistency as Boise State tries to change the recent pattern. He also gave Fresno State its due, calling it a strong program backed by a passionate fan base, which is part of what makes this matchup feel bigger than a standard conference game. For Boise State, it is a chance to steady itself in a rivalry that has tilted the wrong way lately, and to do it in one of the more difficult settings on the schedule. [Read more 🡒]