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Boise State looks to keep alive BCS hopes

Nov 1, 2008 - 10:50 AM (11) Boise State (7-0) at New Mexico State (3-4), 7:00 pm EDT

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (Ticker) -- Boise State has its sights set on a second BCS bowl appearance in three seasons.

Now in sole possession of first place in the Western Athletic Conference, the 11th-ranked Broncos stay on the road this week to face New Mexico State on Saturday.

Ian Johnson, the hero in Boise State's 43-42 Fiesta Bowl upset of Oklahoma two years ago, ran for two scores in last week's 33-16 victory over San Jose State to give him a school-record 51 touchdowns. Johnson needs six TDs to tie the WAC record set by San Diego State's Marshall Faulk.

While Johnson still leads the Broncos (7-0, 3-0 WAC) in rushing with 429 yards and six touchdowns, his production is down from previous seasons (1,714 yards in 2006 and 1,041 yards in 2007).

Sophomore Jeremy Avery has rushed for 313 yards - although no touchdowns - and redshirt freshman quarterback Kellen Moore continues to play beyond his years.

Moore has passed for 1,835 yards with 15 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Against San Jose State, he completed 26-of-40 passes for 244 yards with two TDs and one pick.

Last week's win, Boise State's 49th in its last 51 WAC games, left the Broncos as the only team without a loss in conference play. Boise State in seeking its sixth WAC title in seven years.

The Broncos climbed one spot to No. 11 in the latest BCS standings, one behind fellow unbeaten Utah. To get an automatic bid into one of the five BCS games, Boise State must finish in the top 12.

New Mexico (3-4, 1-2) is reeling after last week's 20-14 loss to Idaho, which had dropped its previous 17 WAC games.

Chase Holbrook completed 37-of-47 passes for 324 yards and two interceptions for the Aggies, who were blanked in the second half.

Last season, New Mexico State was embarrassed in its visit to Boise, suffering a 58-0 loss. It allowed more than 600 yards and rushed for minus-19 yards.