Stewart Rushes for 89 Yards, Two Scores in Boise State Win
The junior running back replaced the injured Sire Gaines in the final period against Colorado State, carrying the ball nine times for 89 yards and two touchdowns.
By Aiko Nakamura ·
Harry Stewart rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to help Boise State beat Colorado State 64-38 on Saturday. The junior, who transferred from Kansas, accounted for all nine of his carries for at least three yards in the final 20 minutes of the game. His performance capped a 64-38 victory that gave the Broncos their highest point total in a road game since 1952.
Stewart arrived at Boise State this offseason knowing the backfield was crowded. The program already featured Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines, both of whom had established roles. Riley, the nation's leading rusher, played in the Colorado State game and finished with 300 all-purpose yards. Gaines, however, was out with an undisclosed injury, marking the second straight game he missed and the fourth of the season. Stewart had appeared in five of the Broncos' first eight games prior to Saturday, carrying the ball 18 times for 58 yards.
The opportunity for Stewart to shine emerged in the fourth quarter when Riley moved to the bench. Stewart's first run up the middle gained seven yards for a first down. He followed that with runs of six and three yards before breaking free on a 43-yard touchdown run on third-and-short. He added a second score on a six-yard run later in the period. All nine of his carries in the game resulted in a gain of three yards or more.
Coach Spencer Danielson said the offense blocked effectively for Stewart's long score, noting that the running back ran through the gap to reach the end zone. Danielson described the performance as a positive step for Stewart and fellow running back Juelz Goff, who also played in the game. The coach emphasized that both players need to continue growing and building confidence through consistent work.
Stewart credited the competition within the backfield for his development. He noted that competing daily with top talent pushes him to improve his skills. The junior said he joined Boise State specifically to test himself against established players like Riley and Gaines, believing the program's history of developing running backs offered a clear path to the next level of his career.
Boise State returns home Saturday to face Oregon State. The Beavers enter the game with a 5-4 record and a 3-2 mark in conference play. The status of Sire Gaines for that matchup remains unknown as the team continues to manage his injury. Boise State enters the contest with an 8-1 overall record and a 5-0 mark in the Pac-12.
Offensive coordinator Nate Potter praised Stewart's efficiency and explosiveness during the fourth quarter. Potter said he was pleased to see the hard work pay off for Stewart and to see Goff contribute as well. He described the performance as a key moment for building depth and confidence in the running back room ahead of the new test against Oregon State.
