BOISE, Idaho — Boise State leaned heavily on its defense and some dazzling kick returns by freshman Avery Williams to hold off Troy 24-13 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.
Williams, who walked on last season and earned a scholarship during fall camp, scored an 81-yard touchdown on his first touch. On Troy's first punt of the game, Williams broke two tackles and stiff-armed a third before racing untouched the rest of the way. Williams finished with 172 kick return yards.
With the victory, the Broncos avoided their first loss in a home-opener since falling to Washington State 41-20 in 2001.