BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Hank Bachmeier threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, and Stefan Cobbs added a special teams touchdown and a 61-yard scoring reception as Boise State defeated UTEP 54-13 Friday night.

Boise State (1-1) gave first-year coach Andy Avalos his first win and the program’s 20th straight home opening victory.

UTEP (2-1) appeared primed to put up a fight early despite being 25-point underdogs. But six turnovers along with a defense prone to yield big plays ultimately doomed the Miners.

With the score tied 3-3 in the first quarter, Cobbs wove through traffic after fielding a punt before breaking out of the swarming UTEP coverage team and racing 81 yards for a touchdown.

Bachmeier took over from there, hitting seven different receivers in leading the Broncos on six consecutive scoring drives.

Andrew Van Buren also rushed for a pair of touchdowns for the Broncos.

Quarterback Gavin Hardison led the Miners with 15-of-24 passing for 223 yards one touchdown and three interceptions.

THE TAKEAWAY

Boise State: The Broncos showed just how explosive their offense can be, something they will need if they intend to take down Oklahoma State next weekend. With 12 plays going for more than 15 yards, Boise State kept UTEP on its heels all night long. For a defense that’s still coming together, the team’s success this season in big games will hinge upon its ability to strike big and often.

UTEP: After falling behind quickly Friday night, the Miners abandoned their running game, the strength of their offense. They’ll need to keep turnovers to a minimum and avoid falling behind early if coach Dana Dimel hopes to see success in conference play.

UP NEXT

UTEP will return to action at home against New Mexico on Sept. 25.

Boise State will host Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. on Sept. 18.

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