Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty played a pivotal role in securing the Broncos’ place in the College Football Playoff with an outstanding performance on Friday night. He carried the ball 32 times for 209 yards and scored a touchdown, leading his team to a 21-7 victory over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship game.
This remarkable display is a fitting conclusion to Jeanty’s Heisman Trophy-worthy season. His impressive stats, before the upcoming playoff games, include 344 carries, 2,497 rushing yards, an average of 7.3 yards per carry, and a total of 29 touchdowns.
As the Heisman Trophy award approaches, the competition appears to be concentrated between Jeanty and Colorado’s versatile player, Travis Hunter. Jeanty received substantial support on social media, with fans highlighting his exceptional season and drawing parallels to some of the greatest running back performances in college football history.
One notable comparison is with Melvin Gordon’s incredible 2014 season, which many fans believe should have secured him the Heisman Trophy. Instead, the award went to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, a decision that still resonates with fans today. Former Wisconsin running back Montee Ball expressed widespread sentiments, noting that the award “lost its legitimacy” when Gordon did not win.
Jeanty’s stellar campaign echoes Gordon’s storied season, suggesting that despite his extraordinary accomplishments, he may face a challenging path to the trophy. Still, the rising discussion around Jeanty’s performance emphasizes a growing recognition of his talent and contributions to the game.
In summary, Jeanty’s outstanding season has not only led Boise State to the playoff but has also sparked a crucial conversation about the recognition of elite running backs in college football. As the award approaches, many fans remain hopeful that the Heisman Trophy will acknowledge his extraordinary achievements, reflecting a potential shift in how running backs are regarded in the race for the prestigious honor.