Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty is heading into the Fiesta Bowl with a chip on his shoulder. After expressing his belief that he should have won the Heisman Trophy, Jeanty now has the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent against one of the nation’s toughest run defenses. The Broncos will face favored Penn State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, and Jeanty is eager to prove his critics wrong.
Chasing Greatness: The Stakes for Jeanty
A trip to the Orange Bowl isn’t the only thing at stake for Jeanty on Tuesday. The junior running back is on the brink of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season FBS rushing record. With a chance to etch his name into college football history, Jeanty is poised to make a significant impact in Arizona.
Jeanty needs 132 yards to surpass Sanders’ record of 2,628 rushing yards, and just 131 yards to tie it. Given his impressive performance this season, it seems like a reachable goal. Jeanty has consistently run for over 125 yards in every game, with his only two games under that mark being a night where he had limited carries due to a commanding lead.
Ashton Jeanty’s Remarkable Stats
Let’s take a closer look at Jeanty’s eye-popping statistics as he heads into this critical matchup. Through Boise State’s Mountain West championship win over UNLV, Jeanty has put up some impressive numbers:
| Games | Att. | Rush yards | Rush TD | Yards/att. | Rec. | Rec. yards | Rec. TD |
| 13 | 339 | 2,497 | 29 | 7.3 | 20 | 116 | 1 |
Jeanty’s standout 205-yard performance in the Mountain West title game brought his season totals to 2,497 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns. Currently, he ranks fourth on the single-season rushing list, trailing only legends like Barry Sanders, Melvin Gordon, and Kevin Smith.
The Challenge Ahead: Penn State’s Defense
However, Jeanty faces a formidable challenge against Penn State’s defense. The Nittany Lions are known for their stingy run defense, allowing just 3.1 yards per carry, which ranks 13th among all FBS programs. They have also limited opponents to an average of only 0.5 rushing touchdowns per game, behind only Iowa and Nebraska.
While Jeanty has proven he can perform at an elite level, the question remains: can he maintain his average of 192.1 rushing yards against such a tough opponent? The pressure will be on him, as Penn State is likely to focus heavily on stopping him.
Barry Sanders’ Record: A Historic Benchmark
To understand the significance of Jeanty’s pursuit, we must look back at Barry Sanders’ remarkable 1988 season. Sanders ran for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns, shattering the previous record held by Marcus Allen. His average of 7.6 yards per carry and his Heisman Trophy win are testaments to his extraordinary talent.
Interestingly, Sanders’ 1988 season did not include bowl game stats, as those were not counted toward a player’s season totals until 2002. However, if you include his Holiday Bowl performance, Sanders finished with an unofficial total of 2,850 yards and 42 touchdowns.
Comparing Jeanty and Sanders: A Look at Their Stats
When examining Jeanty’s numbers in comparison to Sanders, it’s clear that both players have had outstanding seasons. Here’s a breakdown of their statistics:
| Barry Sanders (1988) | Stat | Ashton Jeanty (2024) |
| 11 | Games | 13 |
| 344 | Carries | 339 |
| 2,628 | Rushing yards | 2,497 |
| 37 | Rushing TD | 29 |
| 7.6 | Yards per carry | 7.3 |
| 19 | Receptions | 20 |
| 106 | Receiving yards | 116 |
| 0 | Receiving TD | 1 |
While Sanders’ season appears to have the edge, Jeanty’s performance is nothing short of remarkable. He has played two more games than Sanders but is only 131 yards shy of his total. With just one touchdown separating him from becoming the sixth player in FBS history to score 30 rushing touchdowns in a season, Jeanty has a lot to play for.
The Road Ahead: Jeanty’s Legacy in the Making
If Jeanty can surpass that 131-yard mark against Penn State, he will officially hold the record. However, many fans may still remember Sanders’ incredible performance in a game that didn’t count at the time but would today. This could lead to debates about the legitimacy of Jeanty’s record.
As the Fiesta Bowl approaches, all eyes will be on Jeanty. Will he rise to the occasion and make history? The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable. With so much on the line, fans can’t help but wonder: can he conquer the challenge and solidify his place among the greats?
