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Ashton Jeanty: Running back makes history as he continues an outstanding season
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Ashton Jeanty: Running back makes history as he continues an outstanding season



CNN

Running back Ashton Jeanty continued his standout, historic season on Friday, setting a single-season school record and helping No. 13 Boise State Broncos to a 42-21 win over San Jose State on Saturday.

Jeanty rushed for 159 yards and three touchdowns, bringing his season totals to a record 1,893 rushing yards in just 10 games and 256 carries, surpassing Jay Ajayi’s previous record in 2014 of 1,823 yards over 14 games and 347 attempts.

Such has been his consistency that Jeanty has recorded a rushing game of over 100 yards for the 10th straight game – a record in the Mountain West Conference.

This string of performances has put him firmly in contention for the Heisman Trophy, awarded at the end of each season to the most outstanding player in college football.

A running back hasn’t claimed the award since University of Alabama great and four-time NFL Pro Bowler Derrick Henry won it in 2015.

“He’s the best football player in the country,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson told reporters after the game. “He is also a great leader and an elite person.”

“He’s our team leader,” Danielson added. “I know it’s unusual for your best leader to also be your hardest worker and for a guy to love his team and his teammates to love him.”

Ashton Jeanty gives fans a high five after Boise State's win.

Boise State’s win all but guaranteed its spot in the Mountain West championship game, which, if the school achieves it, means Jeanty will have even more chances to add to his total and possibly even break Barry Sanders’ legendary FBS record one season to improve. 2,628 yards he posted in 1988.

Currently, Boise State is 9-1 on the season and 6-0 in the Mountain West.

The Broncos’ spot in the championship game would have been secured had UNLV lost to San Diego State later on Saturday, but the Rebels won 41-20, meaning Boise State will have to wait for a confirmed spot.

The Broncos trailed 14-0 early in the second quarter but reoriented after holding San Jose State just two yards out on fourth down. They responded with a 92-yard scoring play orchestrated by quarterback Maddux Madsen, who completed it by rushing four yards for a touchdown.

Although San Jose State regained the lead just after halftime, Boise State went on a 42-7 run to seal the victory, aided by three touchdowns from Jeanty.

“It means a lot,” Jeanty told reporters afterward when asked about the school’s single-season record. “All the running backs of the past are great and amazing, but it is a big deal to me to maintain the legacy and tradition of running backs at Boise State.”