Bachmeier, Cobbs lead Boise State past UTEP, 54-13

Posted September 11, 2021 7:00 am

By JASON CHATRAW

Boise State safety Seyi Oladipo (23) reaches for the ball for an interception after Boise State cornerback Markel Reed (8) tipped the ball away from the hands of UTEP wide receiver Tyrin Smith (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner) The Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Hank Bachmeier threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, and Stefan Cobbs added a special teams touchdown and a 61-yard scoring reception as Boise State defeated UTEP 54-13 Friday night.

Boise State (1-1) gave first-year coach Andy Avalos his first win and the program's 20th straight home opening victory.

UTEP (2-1) appeared primed to put up a fight early despite being 25-point underdogs. But six turnovers along with a defense prone to yield big plays ultimately doomed the Miners.

With the score tied 3-3 in the first quarter, Cobbs wove through traffic after fielding a punt before breaking out of the swarming UTEP coverage team and racing 81 yards for a touchdown.

Bachmeier took over from there, hitting seven different receivers in leading the Broncos on six consecutive scoring drives.

Andrew Van Buren also rushed for a pair of touchdowns for the Broncos.

Quarterback Gavin Hardison led the Miners with 15-of-24 passing for 223 yards one touchdown and three interceptions.

THE TAKEAWAY

Boise State: The Broncos showed just how explosive their offense can be, something they will need if they intend to take down Oklahoma State next weekend. With 12 plays going for more than 15 yards, Boise State kept UTEP on its heels all night long. For a defense that's still coming together, the team's success this season in big games will hinge upon its ability to strike big and often.

UTEP: After falling behind quickly Friday night, the Miners abandoned their running game, the strength of their offense. They'll need to keep turnovers to a minimum and avoid falling behind early if coach Dana Dimel hopes to see success in conference play.

UP NEXT

UTEP will return to action at home against New Mexico on Sept. 25.

Boise State will host Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. on Sept. 18.

___

More AP college football: https://apnews.com/tag/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

Boise State running back George Holani (24) runs with the ball during the second half the team's NCAA college football game against UTEP on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner) The Associated Press

UTEP wide receiver Tyrin Smith (1) reaches for a pass as Boise State cornerback Markel Reed (8) and safety JL Skinner, right, close in during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner) The Associated Press

Boise State linebacker Ezekiel Noa (7) runs with the ball behind the blocking of safety Seyi Oladipo (23) after a fumble by UTEP during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Steve Conner) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.