Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty delivered an outstanding performance on Friday night, leading the Broncos to a 21-7 victory over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship game. His impressive statistics, including 32 carries for 209 yards and one touchdown, not only secured Boise State a place in the College Football Playoff but also highlighted Jeanty’s remarkable season.
With the season nearing its end, Jeanty’s impressive record stands at 344 carries for 2,497 rushing yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry and scoring 29 touchdowns. His performance has sparked discussions about his candidacy for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, setting up a competitive race between him and Colorado standout Travis Hunter. Social media has seen an outpouring of support for Jeanty, with many drawing comparisons between his season and some of the best in college football history.
A notable comparison is made to Melvin Gordon’s 2014 season at Wisconsin, which many believe was deserving of the Heisman but ultimately went to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Montee Ball, a former player, voiced sentiments shared by many in the collegiate football community, suggesting that the award lost integrity when Gordon didn’t win it. This historical context has raised concerns that Jeanty’s outstanding achievements could be overshadowed, mirroring the unfortunate outcome for Gordon.
In conclusion, Jeanty’s exceptional season has positioned him at the forefront of the Heisman race, with a legacy yet to be defined. As the College Football Playoff approaches, his performance will continue to be scrutinized and celebrated, with hope that he will receive the recognition he deserves.
This season has the potential to be a turning point not only for Jeanty but also for the narrative surrounding runnings backs and the Heisman Trophy, which could pave the way for future athletes in the same position to receive the recognition they earn.