Boise State's star running back, Ashton Jeanty, faced a tough night as his team fell to Penn State 31-14 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, was held to a season-low 104 yards on 30 carries, struggling to find running room against Penn State's stout defense.
Despite finishing the season with an impressive 2,601 rushing yards, Jeanty fell just short of the FBS single-season record set by Barry Sanders in 1988. Penn State's defense, led by a disruptive D-line and solid tackling, managed to contain Jeanty and prevent him from reaching the record.
Throughout the game, Jeanty faced challenges as Boise State fell behind early, forcing them to rely more on the passing game. Quarterback Maddux Madsen threw for 304 yards and a touchdown but also had three interceptions, contributing to the team's struggles.
Jeanty's performance in the Fiesta Bowl moved him to second on the single-season rushing chart, surpassing notable names like UCF's Kevin Smith and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon. Despite a late surge in the fourth quarter, including a 26-yard gain, Boise State was unable to overcome Penn State's lead.
Reflecting on the game, Jeanty acknowledged the team's shortcomings, including turnovers and the inability to establish a consistent running game. However, he expressed pride in the team's overall season, which included 12 wins and a second consecutive Mountain West title.
Boise State coach Spencer Danielson commended the team for re-establishing the program's standard and serving as a beacon for the country. While the loss marked the end of a dream season for Jeanty and the Broncos, their achievements and legacy remain a source of pride for the team and their supporters.
