The Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty has Barry Sanders rushing record in sight. Sanders set the record for most rushing yards in a single season back in 1988 when he rushed for 2,628 playing for Oklahoma State. The closest someone has ever come to breaking this record was Melvin Gordon when he played for Wisconsin. Gordon would take 14 games to even get the record within reach then would still fall 41 yards short of Sanders’ record.
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has come out of nowhere to take the country and the Heisman rankings by storm. Jeanty has already eclipsed 1,376 yards in just seven games. Yes, Jeanty still has a long way to go to break Barry Sanders record, but the pace Jeanty is going, it’s not impossible to think it’s well within his capabilities.
When it comes to the Heisman, Ashton Jeanty wasn’t even on the betting boards for someone to pick as a Heisman favorite. Nobody saw this historic season coming from this dominant Boise State back. Jeanty’s only real competition for the Heisman this season has been two-way superstar, Travis Hunter out of Colorado. Although, Miami quarterback Cam Ward has quietly been putting together a Heisman caliber season. Don’t be surprised when it comes down to these three when the finalists are named for college football’s most illustrious award.
Ashton Jeanty Leads Boise State Towards the Playoffs
Ashton Jeanty and the Boise State Broncos have only lost once this season, and that was to No. 1 ranked Oregon. Jeanty has begun to slow down in recent weeks, but that is expected. It would be impossible for him to keep his insane pace up for the entire season.
Fatigue will set in, as Jeanty is heavily utilized in Boise State’s offense. Opposing defense’s will also make limiting Jeanty’s opportunities a must in their weekly game plans. If a team can eliminate Jeanty from running all over them, it gives them a much better chance at stealing a win against the Broncos. The good news however, the remaining teams left for Boise State to face this season all rank in the bottom half for rush defense. This provides the opportunity for Ashton Jeanty to not only help secure Boise State a Mountain West Championship and Playoff position but also gives him the golden opportunity to chase down Barry Sanders elusive record.
Ashton Jeanty Chasing History
It’s hard to imagine if Jeanty isn’t able to eclipse Barry Sanders’ record this season we will ever see this record fall. Sanders’ record has stood the test of time for 35 years, Jeanty could prevent it from hitting 36 years. Jeanty is withing striking distance of this legendary record, put up by one of the best running backs to ever play the game at both the college and NFL level, in Barry Sanders. If Ashton Jeanty is able to break the single season rushing record and help lead Boise State on a playoff run. Expect Jeanty to be the first running back off the board in next year’s NFL Draft and expect him to be a first-round pick.
