BOISE, Idaho -- Boise State coach Bryan Harsin hasnt hesitated to call for featured running back Jeremy McNichols to get the ball 40 times in a game.On Friday night, Harsin found hes got another talented running back in Alex Mattison. And hes only a freshman.McNichols ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns, Mattison had a career-high 100 yards rushing on 18 carries and one touchdown, and No. 24 Boise State beat San Jose State 45-31.The Broncos (8-1, 4-1) had two players over 100 yards on the ground in one game for the first time since Nov. 8, 2014, against New Mexico.(Giving Mattison more carries) was predetermined on our part, Harsin said. We knew he was ready for his opportunity. But its not just about running the ball. Its also about being able to protect the quarterback in different looks.McNichols cant carry the ball like he has every single game. Were trying to spread the wealth a little big among those guys.San Jose State (3-7, 2-4), looking to get consecutive wins for the first time this season, finished with 495 yards of offense behind Kenny Potters 23-of-36 passing for 278 yards.After suffering a gut-wrenching loss last week to Wyoming on a safety in the waning minutes of the game, Boise State looked sluggish in the first quarter as it held a 7-6 lead.However, the Broncos got the spark they needed with a little razzle dazzle. On fourth-and-12 from their 37, Broncos punter Sean Wale took the snap and raced 29 yards for a first down.Finally after four years, I had a chance to do something so I had to make the most of it, Wale said. It was my one chance to shine, and I certainly wasnt sliding. But I didnt really know what to do once I got into the open field.Three plays later, Mattison scored on a 19-yard run to extend Boise States lead to 14-6.It couldve been a stop on downs for us if wed been able to make the play, Spartans coach Ron Caragher said. But we didnt and it changed the momentum of the game.I was very proud of this teams response after last weeks loss, Harsin said. We have to stay focused on what we can control and try to go out and play our best each and every week.San Jose State kept the pressure on Boise State, edging within 14-13 with 10 minutes remaining in the first half. But that was as close as the Spartans would get as the Broncos took control of the game.Boise State learned a powerful lesson last week, and they got back to running the football and controlling the line of scrimmage behind their big offensive line, Caragher said.Boise State, which finished with 517 total yards of offense, had a season-high 298 yards rushing. McNichols performance was his seventh 100-plus yard game this season and fourth in a row.Malik Roberson led the Spartans on the ground with 109 yards and a touchdown, his second 100-yard game of the season.TAKEAWAYSSan Jose State: The loss squelched the Spartans chances of becoming bowl eligible, but they still have a chance to finish strong after a 1-5 start. Their final two opponents, Air Force and Fresno State, have combined for only two conference wins.Boise State: The Broncos no longer control their own fate in the Mountain division, but the victory keeps their hopes alive. They still need either Wyoming to lose two games or New Mexico to win out to win the division.UP NEXTSan Jose State: The Spartans take a week off before returning home to host Air Force on Nov. 19.Boise State: The Broncos will take travel to Hawaii next Saturday in a conference tilt.POLL IMPLICATIONSBoise State lost 11 spots in the poll last week after losing to Wyoming but shouldnt fall any farther this week. However, San Jose State isnt an opponent thats likely to greatly improve the Broncos standing among voters either.WALE OF A QUOTEWale was proudly showing off a big bruise on his right arm in the post-game press conference that he received when he was tackled on the fake punt play that resulted in a first down. However, he admitted he wouldnt want to get tackled every week like that. I respect those guys who get hit like that. I couldnt do it. I got a little bruise. Ill probably be at treatment tomorrow and get right.---More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.orgTom Brady Jersey . Capitals head coach Adam Oates said Ovechkin was injured in the first period against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday and clarified it was not a head injury. Custom New England Patriots Jerseys . 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Its the second straight game Bell has scored in extra time for Kelowna, which beat the Brandon Wheat Kings 6-5 on Friday, and he now has four game-winning goals on the season.The Western Force have signed?Wallaby hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.The 31-year-old -- who has played 140 Super Rugby matches over 10 years -- will bolster the Forces frontrow stocks as the club look to make a mark on the competition in 2017.Polota-Nau is renowned for his set piece efficiency, fearless ball-carrying and has also established himself as one of the most ferocious tacklers in the world.Polota-Nau says he is excited to have signed with the Force and is eager to get his preseason underway.Im really excited to sign with the Western Force for 2017, he said.There were a few big decisions for me to make that have led to me lining up with the Force for next year. The decision to stay in Australia also came down to the opportunity of playing for the Wallabies again. I think it is really important we make the most of our time in the gold jersey because I think it is something to be proud of.The Super Rugby veteran also believes the Western Australian side could cause a stir next year.I think the Western Force have some really good strengths and Im surprised they hhavent made the most of them.dddddddddddd. In my time at the Tahs the Force have been our bogey team so if we can enhance that and make it consistent for 2017 I think we will be a team to watch.Western Force coach Dave Wessels says Polota-Nau is a massive signing for the club and will bring an enormous amount of experience to his side.Its fantastic to have a player of Tatafus experience, he said. Hes not only a very good rugby player, in my opinion one of the best in the business, but hes also a really good guy.Hes shown a real willingness to want to come here and engage with the community and be part of the Sea of Blue, and I think thats exactly the sort of person that we want as part of our group.You havent played 140 games of Super Rugby and 68 test matches unless youre pretty special. So its great to have him as a part of the Western Force and is another very good acquisition for us. Were pleased to have attracted another high-profile player to our part of the world. ' ' '
