Ashton Jeanty Shines as Boise State Secures Mountain West Title and College Football Playoff Spot
BOISE, Idaho — The Boise State Broncos are heading to the College Football Playoff, and they have Ashton Jeanty to thank for it. On a chilly Friday night in Boise, Jeanty delivered a performance for the ages, rushing for a jaw-dropping 209 yards and a touchdown to lead No. 10 Boise State to a 21-7 victory over No. 19 UNLV. The win not only secured the Broncos their second straight Mountain West title but also punched their ticket to the CFP, a monumental achievement for the program.
Boise State (12-1, No. 10 CFP) is now in prime position to earn a first-round bye in the playoffs. If they maintain their ranking ahead of the Big 12 champion and finish as one of the four highest-ranked conference champions, the Broncos will be sitting pretty when the postseason begins. For a team that has consistently been a powerhouse in the Mountain West, this is a moment of validation on the national stage.
Jeanty’s Heisman Moment
All eyes were on Ashton Jeanty, and boy, did he deliver. With the spotlight firmly on him to make his case for the Heisman Trophy, Jeanty wasted no time electrifying the crowd. His 75-yard touchdown run was the stuff of legend, a play that left defenders in the dust and fans on their feet. It was his fifth touchdown run of 70 yards or more this season, tying the FBS single-season record set by none other than LaDainian Tomlinson. That’s right—Jeanty is now in the same conversation as one of the greatest running backs in college football history.
But Jeanty wasn’t done rewriting the record books. His performance on Friday night propelled him past 1981 Heisman winner Marcus Allen of Southern California to claim fourth place on the FBS single-season rushing list. And here’s the kicker: Jeanty is just 132 yards away from breaking Barry Sanders’ all-time record. Let that sink in for a moment. Barry. Sanders. The Oklahoma State legend’s record has stood the test of time, but Jeanty is knocking on the door.
More Records in Sight
Jeanty’s sixth 200-yard rushing game of the season also tied the most by an FBS player in a single season since 1996, according to ESPN Research. He’s now just two games shy of matching Marcus Allen’s record of eight 200-yard games in a season, set in 1981. If Jeanty keeps this pace, he could be rewriting history books for weeks to come.
Team Effort Seals the Deal
While Jeanty was the star of the show, Boise State’s victory was a team effort. Quarterback Maddux Madsen contributed with a touchdown pass and a rushing score, providing the Broncos with the balance they needed to overcome a tough UNLV squad. The Rebels (10-3, No. 20 CFP) came into the game with one of the most potent offenses in the nation, averaging 38.7 points per game. But Boise State’s defense rose to the occasion, holding UNLV to just seven points—their lowest output of the season. In fact, the Rebels hadn’t been held below 23 points all year until Friday night.
What’s Next for Boise State?
With the Mountain West title in hand and a CFP spot secured, the Broncos now turn their attention to the national stage. If they can maintain their ranking and secure a first-round bye, they’ll be in an excellent position to make a deep playoff run. And with Jeanty playing at an all-time level, anything seems possible for this team.
Key Takeaways
- Ashton Jeanty’s Dominance: 209 rushing yards, a 75-yard touchdown run, and multiple records in sight.
- Boise State’s Defense: Held UNLV to just seven points, well below their season average of 38.7.
- CFP Implications: Boise State is poised for a first-round bye if they remain one of the top four conference champions.
As the Broncos celebrate their Mountain West title, the college football world can’t help but marvel at the brilliance of Ashton Jeanty. With his name now etched alongside legends like LaDainian Tomlinson and Marcus Allen, Jeanty has cemented his place in history. The only question now is: How far can Boise State go in the playoffs? One thing’s for sure—this team, led by their record-breaking star, is ready to shock the world.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
