SAN DIEGO (AP) – Alexander Mattison ran for 128 yards and a touchdown and Boise State’s defense kept star running back Rashaad Penny in check to beat No. 19 San Diego State 31-14 on Saturday night.
Penny was limited to 53 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. It was his first game under 100 yards rushing this season for the Aztecs (6-1, 2-1 Mountain West).
Avery Williams returned a punt 53 yards for Boise State’s first touchdown, and less than two minutes later, Kekaula Kaniho returned a fumble by SDSU quarterback Christian Chapman 34 yards for a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.
It was the start of an overwhelming performance for Boise State (4-2, 2-0) on defense. The Broncos had 12 tackles for a loss, including four sacks, and San Diego State didn’t cross the 50-yard line until the middle of the second quarter.
Brett Rypien threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jake Roh to put the Broncos up 21-0 in the second quarter. Rypien completed 11 of 19 passes for 72 yards.