Boise State’s standout running back Ashton Jeanty played a crucial role in securing the Broncos’ entry into the College Football Playoff with an impressive 32 carries for 209 yards and a touchdown, leading the team to a 21-7 victory over UNLV in the Mountain West championship game on Friday night.
This remarkable performance capped off what has been a Heisman Trophy-worthy season for Jeanty. Excluding the upcoming playoff games, his season statistics boast 344 carries, an impressive 2,497 rushing yards at an average of 7.3 yards per carry, and a staggering 29 touchdowns.
The race for the prestigious Heisman Trophy appears to be a head-to-head contest primarily between Jeanty and Travis Hunter, a multifaceted athlete from Colorado who excels as both a wide receiver and cornerback. Following Jeanty’s standout performance, social media erupted with support for his candidacy, with many drawing parallels between his season and the legendary performances seen in college football history.
Wisconsin football fans are likely reminded of Melvin Gordon’s 2014 season, a year widely regarded as one of the best by a running back, yet Gordon controversially lost the Heisman Trophy to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Montee Ball, a notable figure in college football, expressed sentiments widely shared among fans last week, declaring that the award “lost its legitimacy” when Gordon didn’t win.
The comparisons between Jeanty’s current season and Gordon’s performance in 2014 raise questions about the voting process and criteria for the prestigious accolade. Despite the uncertainties surrounding award outcomes, Jeanty’s season has undeniably placed him in elite company, and the spotlight on his achievements offers hope for a shift in recognition for exceptional players like him.
As fans eagerly await the announcement of the Heisman winner, Jeanty’s remarkable journey this season demonstrates not just his talent, but also the evolving narrative surrounding college football excellence. The upcoming College Football Playoff also presents an opportunity for Jeanty to further enhance his legacy.