Eight games into the 2024 college football season, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is in the midst of a potentially historic campaign. The junior standout has been nothing short of phenomenal, racking up 20 touchdowns on 190 carries. With each game, he inches closer to cementing his name in the annals of college football history.
Boise State’s Stellar Season
The Boise State Broncos are currently leading the Mountain West standings with an impressive 10-1 record, showcasing a blend of powerful offense and solid defense. Quarterback Maddux Madsen has been efficient, throwing for 2,361 yards and 19 touchdowns while completing 62.8 percent of his passes. Wide receiver Cameron Camper has emerged as a critical target, leading the team with 738 receiving yards.
Ashton Jeanty has been the heartbeat of this offense, rushing for an incredible 2,062 yards at an average of 6.4 yards per carry, while scoring 38 touchdowns. The Broncos have demonstrated a formidable ground game, averaging 252 rushing yards per game. This offensive prowess has not only propelled them to the top of their conference but also positioned them as serious contenders for the College Football Playoff.
Chasing History: Jeanty’s Ambitious Goal
Jeanty has set his sights on breaking Barry Sanders’s NCAA single-season rushing record of 2,628 yards, a mark that has stood since 1988. Sanders’s record-breaking season remains one of the greatest individual performances in college football history, where he ran for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in just 11 regular-season games. Including the Holiday Bowl, Sanders’s total climbed to 2,850 rushing yards with 42 touchdowns.
To surpass Sanders’s record, Jeanty will need to maintain his exceptional performance as the season winds down. With Boise State likely to play in the Mountain West Championship Game and potentially a bowl game, he could have up to 17 games this season to chase this monumental achievement. This additional opportunity gives him a realistic shot at breaking the record, provided he continues to deliver strong performances.
Jeanty’s Current Performance
As it stands, Jeanty’s current total of 2,062 rushing yards already places him among the most prolific rushers in a single season. He is not just chasing Sanders’s rushing record; he is also on the brink of surpassing Sanders’s touchdown record of 37. With just one more big game, Jeanty could etch his name alongside one of the legends of the game.
Unlike Sanders, who played only 11 regular-season games, Jeanty has the advantage of additional opportunities. This could prove crucial as he aims to rewrite the record books. The excitement surrounding his potential to break these long-standing records adds a thrilling layer to the already electrifying atmosphere of college football this season.
Defensive Strengths: A Balanced Team
While the offense has garnered much of the attention, Boise State’s defense has also played a pivotal role in their success. Ty Benefield, a standout safety, has been a force on the defensive side, leading the team with 63 tackles and contributing two interceptions this season. The Broncos’ defense has consistently delivered, allowing the team to maintain a significant scoring margin, averaging 41.2 points per game.
The combination of a high-scoring offense and a resilient defense makes the Broncos a formidable opponent. As they continue to dominate the Mountain West Conference, the question remains: can they carry this momentum into the postseason and make a serious run for the College Football Playoff?
The Road Ahead for Boise State
As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Jeanty and the Broncos. With the Mountain West Championship Game approaching, the stakes are higher than ever. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Jeanty can maintain his incredible pace and achieve the records that have eluded so many before him.
The excitement surrounding Boise State football is palpable, and the potential for history to be made adds an extra layer of intrigue. Will Jeanty become the new face of college football history, or will he fall short of the legendary records set by Barry Sanders? As the season unfolds, one thing is certain: college football fans are in for an exhilarating ride.
With the combination of Jeanty’s talent, the Broncos’ strong season, and the potential for postseason glory, Boise State is not just a team to watch; they are a team poised to make history. The journey ahead promises to be thrilling, filled with anticipation and the hope of witnessing greatness on the field.
