3 Boise State players who are crucial for Broncos to keep their CFP hopes alive ft. Ashton Jeanty

As the Boise State Broncos continue their run toward the first expanded College Football Playoff, some players matter more than others. The 7-1 Broncos, with their only loss coming by three points at top-ranked Oregon, have built up a powerful team.

Twelfth-ranked Boise averages 45.8 points per game. Here are three players who are key for BSU as it approaches the CFP.

3 Boise State players who are crucial for Broncos to keep its CFP hopes alive

Bronco coach Spencer Danielson has celebrated many moments with Ashton Jeanty this year. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#3, Kage Casey, OT

Offensive linemen generally only get noticed when they fail, whether a big penalty or a costly play allowed. But Casey is that rare specimen who gets noticed for the right reasons. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Casey is a mammoth left tackle. He was second-team All-Mountain West as a freshman, and this season, he's doing a great job leading Boise's line.

Casey and the Bronco offensive line have allowed just seven sacks on the season. Only five teams in the nation have allowed fewer sacks, and two of those are service academies that utilize run-heavy offenses. Boise's running game is averaging almost 6.9 yards per carry as well, thanks in part to Casey and a tremendous offensive line.

#2, Maddux Madsen, QB

The preseason expectation was that USC transfer Malachi Nelson, who was a massive get for the Broncos, would end up winning the quarterback job. But nobody told Madsen, who played well as a freshman with 1,191 yards and nine scores before he suffered a season-ending injury.

This season, Madsen has been even better. He's completing 62% of his passes for 1,789 yards with 17 touchdowns against just two interceptions. Only three teams have thrown fewer interceptions than Boise, and, again, Army is one of those teams. Madsen makes plenty of big plays and avoids negatives.

#3, Ashton Jeanty, RB

In case you've been living under a rock, Jeanty isn't just the most explosive player on the Broncos. He might be the most explosive player in the entire sport of college football. A legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, Jeanty is blowing away the field on rushing stats this season.

In eight games, Jeanty has 190 carries for 1,525 yards and 20 touchdowns. Jeanty is fourth nationally in carries. But he's 246 yards ahead of the second-highest rushing total. His 20 touchdowns also lead the nation, and his 8.03 yards per carry is the best among players with more than 83 rushing attempts on the season.

Jeanty is absolutely electrifying and has also been very consistent. His lowest rushing total on the season was 127 yards, which he gained on just 11 carries against FCS Portland State. On the other hand, he already has three 200-yard games. He's the key component in the BSU attack.

What do you think of the Broncos' top stars? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!

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