After rushing eight times for 43 yards in the first half, it appeared starting running back Willie Geter had found his stride again Saturday, after struggling the week before.

But his stride was lost after the coaches decided to hold him out of the second half after he sustained a toe injury in what would become a 49-14 Boise State win.

His sprained toe was called minor, and coach Dave Clawson said Geter likely would’ve played, had the team not already been losing 29-0 when the injury was discovered at halftime.

‘He probably could’ve played a little bit,’ Clawson said. ‘But just with the game and the score that it was, we just put him on ice and make sure we have him for next week.’

Geter was heavily involved with the offense in the first quarter as he gained 48 of the team’s 50 total offensive yards against the nation’s No. 8 team, despite only having a hand in a third of the team’s plays.

His highlights included several direct snaps out of a wildcat formation and an 18-yard gain on a pass early in the first drive. By the end of the half, Geter gained a total of 65 yards on 11 touches.

In the second half, senior Chris Bullock took the majority of carries early on, gaining 30 yards on nine tries before he was lifted in the fourth quarter in favor of true freshman John Pettigrew, who gained 24 yards on seven carries.

In other injury news, senior tight end Jimmy Scheidler did not play in Saturday’s game. He injured his right ankle last weekend against Marshall.

First timers

Three Falcons saw their first significant action late in the game against Boise State.

Freshman receiver Justus Jones made three catches for 37 yards, sophomore quarterback Aaron Pankratz completed five of 13 passes for 52 yards and Pettigrew had 65 total yards (24 rushing, 14 receiving and 31 on kick returns).

Freshmen Steven Dunlap and Chris Scheidt both made their first career receptions for seven yards each.

Phillips struggles

The Falcons could’ve held a brief lead against the Broncos Saturday had freshman Jerry Phillips made a 29-yard field goal on BG’s first drive.

But he shanked it wide left and has now missed three of his last four attempts, after starting the season a perfect 3-for-3.

Attendance

There were 22,396 fans in attendance for Saturday’s game.

‘It was a great atmosphere. I really want to thank the fans and the crowd,’ Clawson said. ‘Taking that field and seeing the stands packed was a neat experience for our team, and we’re disappointed we didn’t play better for them. Their support means a lot.”