Boise State’s standout running back Ashton Jeanty delivered a remarkable performance on Friday night, propelling the Broncos to a 21-7 victory over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship game. Jeanty carried the ball 32 times for a staggering 209 yards and scored a touchdown, solidifying his team’s place in the College Football Playoff.
This impressive outing adds to what many consider a Heisman Trophy-worthy season for Jeanty. To date, he has amassed 344 carries, totaling 2,497 rushing yards with an impressive average of 7.3 yards per carry, alongside 29 touchdowns. His stellar statistics have sparked conversations about his candidacy for college football’s most prestigious award, particularly in a competitive race against Colorado’s talented wide receiver and cornerback, Travis Hunter.
Social media was abuzz on Friday, with fans rallying behind Jeanty, drawing parallels between his season and the finest performances by a running back in college football history. Many observers point to Melvin Gordon’s 2014 season at Wisconsin, which is widely viewed as being deserving of the Heisman Trophy, but ultimately it went to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Montee Ball, another former Wisconsin running back, echoed sentiments from many fans last week, expressing that Gordon’s loss diminished the award’s credibility.
Jeanty’s extraordinary season now raises questions about whether history could repeat itself and leave him as the runner-up despite his impressive statistics. The parallels between his campaign and Gordon’s are hard to ignore, setting the stage for a captivating narrative in the Heisman race.
In summary, Jeanty is not only making waves in postseason play but is also drawing compelling comparisons to past seasons that highlight the sometimes unpredictable nature of college football awards. This story serves as a reminder of the incredible talents in the sport and the potential for Jeanty to leave a lasting legacy, regardless of the Heisman outcome.
As fans celebrate Jeanty’s achievements, it’s hopeful to see that this talented athlete has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the field in the College Football Playoff, further affirming his skill and dedication to the game.