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This Boise State Bronco football team is bound to give you a heart attack.
Last week against Utah State, the team suffered it's worst loss in more than ten years with a 52-26 drubbing at the hands of the Aggies. The passing game wasn't there, and the Bronco running game was held to just 34 yards the whole evening. Some in Bronco Nation were panicking.
Well, calm down Virginia, because everything is going to be A-OK.
Boise State bounced back from that loss to slam Wyoming 34-14 on Saturday night at Bronco Stadium. Granted, most of Boise State's points came in the first half, but it was a nice bounce back win that puts the Broncos back in a three way tie for first place in the Mountain Division with Air Force and Utah State.
And one of the reasons for that win is because Jeremy McNichols ran like he was running from a freight train. He rushed for 166 yards and one touchdown. McNichols also added some receiving to his game, catching 7 balls for 36 yards and a score.
McNichols is McMoney.
McNichols makes this offense a whole lot better. Last week, other than Thomas Sperbeck, the Broncos looked lost in the woods against Utah State. The whole game, Brett Rypien was being chased by the Aggies linebackers and defensive linemen. The return of McNichols from injury gives Rypien a chance to not have to do everything.
This is the third straight game where McNichols has ran for 100 yards or better. On October 3rd against Hawaii, McNichols ran for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Two weeks ago against Colorado State, McMoney rushed for 104 yards and two scores. Having McNichols healthy is absolutely vital to the Broncos winning out the rest of the way.
And the beauty part is, McNichols is just a sophomore.
Boise State coach Bryan Harsin told the Idaho Statesman last month he was pleased with McNichols progress.
"He’s done a great job," coach Bryan Harsin said. "His best games are yet to come. He’s feeling it, just getting back there and carrying the ball. ... That second effort has become more explosive. He’s got a very good second effort. That’s where that power comes in, which we need to have success in the run game."
Since then, he has gotten even better.
Jeremy McNichols Stats-Boise State
| Rushing | Rushing | Rushing | Rushing | Receiving | Receiving | Receiving | Receiving | Scrimmage | Scrimmage | Scrimmage | Scrimmage | ||||||
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| *2014 | Boise State | MWC | FR | RB | 9 | 17 | 159 | 9.4 | 1 | 15 | 155 | 10.3 | 1 | 32 | 314 | 9.8 | 2 |
| 2015 | Boise State | MWC | SO | RB | 7 | 133 | 651 | 4.9 | 13 | 27 | 232 | 8.6 | 3 | 160 | 883 | 5.5 | 16 |
| Career | Boise State | 150 | 810 | 5.4 | 14 | 42 | 387 | 9.2 | 4 | 192 | 1197 | 6.2 | 18 | ||||
He is also very underrated as a receiving threat. Thus far in 2015, he has 232 yards for 3 touchdowns. He can be a double threat if need be. His quickness and hands make him one of the most dangerous players in all the Mountain West. If Brett Rypien can't find Sperbeck, Shane Williams-Rhodes or Chaz Anderson in the end zone, he can make sure to call on McNichols if need be.
iSportsweb.com thinks McNichols has all the makings of a college superstar.
"The sophomore has been a breakout player for Boise State keeping the momentum strong. McNichols has not disappointed in his college career and will continue to prove himself this season. "
It would be unfair to compare him to past Boise State running backs like Brock Forsey, Ian Johnson, D.J. Harper, Jay Ajayi and Doug Martin, but McNichols is making a nice statement in his first year as Boise State's premier back. McNichols looks to have another impressive outing against UNLV, who give up an average of 28 points a game. It helps McMoney get into the discussion and one of the best running backs in college football.
And Boise State's chances going forward.