LOGAN, Utah — On a day when quarterback Kellen Moore had one of his toughest games, the Boise State running game was there to provide plenty of support.

The Broncos ran for a season-high 323 yards Friday in their 52-21 win over Utah State, paced by Doug Martin's 121 yards and Jeremy Avery's 116.

"I'm kind of bigger, he's kind of the slasher," Martin said. "It's pretty nice to have that one-two punch."

Martin scored four touchdowns (17, 2, 1, 6 yards) and Avery added two scores (9, 32 yards).

Boise State had 20 rushing yards in the first quarter, but once the running backs got comfortable, it was tough to slow them down.

"Being a running back, it's good to have rhythm, getting play after play, getting a feel for the game, it's a big advantage for us," Martin said.

After a 2008 season where the Broncos finished 54th in the nation in rushing, due in part to a logjam at running back, Boise State has been able to establish Martin and Avery into a comfort level where both have been able to thrive.

"We're always so proud of our running backs for sharing the ball like they do," Boise State coach Chris Petersen said.

Martin and Avery were the only healthy running backs with double-digit carries entering the game, as freshman Matt Kaiserman broke his leg last Saturday against Idaho and D.J. Harper tore his ACL in September at Fresno State.

"We've slowly been losing a few, so it's good we've got those two and just let them roll," Moore said.

Seldom-used junior Jarvis Hodge added 46 yards on seven carries in the fourth quarter, and receiver Titus Young had 37 yards on two carries. He could've been the third 100-yard rusher, as he had an 80-yard touchdown run called back in the third quarter because of a penalty.

Moore was 15-of-29 passing for 233 yards. His 51.7 completion percentage was a career low.

"It's not just about Kellen and the receivers," Petersen said. "I think the O-line played well, I think the backs were running hard. If we can get that balance, it makes us tougher to defend."

Shoemaker out for regular season

Boise State sophomore receiver Tyler Shoemaker will have hernia surgery today and will miss the rest of the regular season.

Boise State sports information director Max Corbet said Shoemaker may return for the team's bowl game. The Mountain View High graduate was tied for third on the team with 21 receptions. He has 345 yards and two touchdowns this season.

McClellin shows athleticism

As a standout at Marsing High, Shea McClellin was the 2A WIC Player of the Year on offense and defense his senior year in 2006.

The Broncos recruited him because of his athleticism, and he showed it Friday. The sophomore had four tackles (two for loss) and a sack. He also dropped back in coverage and made a diving interception on Utah State's first drive.

"That was pretty good," Jeron Johnson said.

Brotzman boots career long

Junior kicker Kyle Brotzman lined up for a 47-yard field goal with 1 minute, 37 seconds to go in the third quarter, but a delay of game flag pushed it back 5 yards.

No problem.

Brotzman belted it through the uprights for a career-long 52-yarder, which was his only field-goal attempt of the game.

News and notes

Austin Pettis was held without a touchdown catch for the first time this season. ... Moore's one touchdown pass was his lowest total since he had one against Oregon on Sept. 3. ... Jeron Johnson had 14 tackles to lead the Broncos, while Billy Winn had 1.5 sacks. ... Boise State had 13 tackles for loss, Utah State had one. ... Running back Drew Wright, a 2008 Vallivue High graduate, had his first career carry in the fourth quarter. Wright had two carries for 5 yards.