Boise State football coach attempts to insulate Broncos from hype that follows hot start

The hype surrounding the Boise State football program is the most it’s received in quite some time.

The Broncos are ranked No. 21 in the AP Top 25 — their highest ranking since 2020 — and are getting national attention thanks to Heisman Trophy-contending running back Ashton Jeanty. The junior’s latest showing saw him rush for 259 yards and four touchdowns Saturday in a 45-24 victory over previously unbeaten Washington State.

The lone loss for Boise State (3-1) this season was a 37-34 setback at Oregon on a last-second field goal, after the Broncos led at halftime and were up 34-27 in the fourth quarter. The Ducks are ranked No. 6 in the nation.

The fan base has responded to Boise State’s success. The first three home games of the season — this week’s contest against Utah State completes the homestand — were sold out weeks ago. The student section for the Utah State game was sold out by noon Monday, marking the second straight week that’s occurred.

With the spotlight shining heavily upon the blue and orange, first-year head coach Spencer Danielson wants just one thing: to block it out.

“When you’re successful, you fight the pats on the back, to where the easy thing to do is then become very comfortable and relaxed with your prep, because everyone’s telling you you’re doing a great job,” Danielson said Monday. “The only reason you’re doing a good job is because of how you prepped and how you worked. And the second you take your foot off the gas, that will catch you.”

The Broncos became accustomed to being a “team to beat” many years ago, particularly under head coach Chris Petersen. They consistently were in the Top 25 and they won three Fiesta Bowls from 2007 to 2014. From 2002 to 2012, they were 129-15, and they’ve reached double digits in victories 17 times this century.

“Every time we play someone, we’re going to get their best,” Danielson said.

The way the season has started, Boise State is back in the national college football consciousness. Danielson acknowledged that it’s difficult to block out all of the chatter about the team, because it comes not just from media, but also from family and friends.

That’s why his preferred tactic is to be “clear and concise” with his players — no matter how well Boise State played the prior game, the focus has to be on getting better.

“Regardless of what people on the outside think, regardless of what maybe some other voices into our players feel, this is what we need you to improve and grow on,” Danielson said of his approach.

Boise State, the defending Mountain West Conference champion, will open league play at 5:05 p.m. Saturday at Albertsons Stadium against Utah State (1-3), which had a bye last week. The Aggies’ most recent game was a 45-29 loss to Temple on Sept. 21.

Boise State vs. Utah State

When: 5:05 p.m. Saturday

Where: Albertsons Stadium (36,363, Turf)

TV: Fox Sports 2 (Eric Collins, Spencer Tillman)

Radio: KBOI 670 AM/KTIK 93.1 FM/Sirius XM Ch. 160 or 201 (Bob Behler, Pete Cavender)

Records: Boise State 3-1; Utah State 1-3

Series: Boise State leads the series 23-5

Vegas line: Boise State by 26 points

Weather: High of 81 degrees, low of 55 degrees, humidity 28%, mainly sunny, 0% chance of rain