Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty came up just short of Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record. The Penn State defense appeared singularly focused on stopping Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up, in Tuesday’s College Football Playoff matchup, and the Nittany Lions contained him with waves of defenders.
As a result, Jeanty finished with a season-low 104 rushing yards on 30 carries. Jeanty also lost a fumble along the sidelines. On the surface, it was a rough performance in the Fiesta Bowl. But don’t send Jeanty tumbling down draft boards just yet.
Jeanty repeatedly faced multiple Penn State defenders waiting for him at every turn. Despite the meager (for Jeanty) rushing total, the Boise State breakout star still managed to break 16 tackles, per PFF. In watching the game, it honestly felt like more than that. Boise also got away from using Jeanty as a receiver in this game, and he’s got dangerously polished receiving and run-after-catch skills that should have the NFL salivating.
It was not Jeanty’s best game, and it came on the biggest stage he’ll get to showcase his in-game skills. However, Jeanty remains firmly entrenched as the top running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft and one of the few legitimate first-round grades in a class that is thin in offensive skill position players across the board (except tight end).
Don’t just take my word for it…
Jeanty is a stud. Nothing tonight changes that opinion. He’s not a product of a weak schedule. I’m old enough to remember the Oregon game.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 1, 2025
Ima be honest, anyone who comes away from this game thinking Ashton Jeanty isn’t good is the least ball knower on the planet
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) January 1, 2025
When 126 yards from scrimmage is classed as your ‘bad game’ then you know you’ve been doing something right!
Ashton Jeanty is still THAT GUY 🔥
— Matt FF Dynasty 🏈 (@MattFFDynasty) January 1, 2025
