When Boise State took the field on Saturday against Georgia Southern, not many expected a record performance to take place. But running back Ashton Jeanty put forward one of the best games by a player in recent memory.
Jeanty rushed for a school-record 267 yards and six touchdowns. His efforts helped the Broncos take down Georgia Southern and avoid an upset bid to open the season.
The final score was 56-45, showing that defense wasn’t much of a priority in the game. Jeanty broke multiple 70-yard plus touchdown runs in the game, including a career-long 77-yard run.
After the game ended, Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson had some interesting words about Jeanty to hype him up.
“Obviously, it goes without saying, but Ashton Jeanty is the best player in the country,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said. “That was on full display tonight.”
Jeanty was a preseason All-American and won the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year award in 2023. He became the first FBS player to score six touchdowns in a game since 2022.
This game launched a potential Heisman campaign for Jeanty, as he looks to help Boise State improve its national standing. His average on the ground in this contest was 13.4 yards within his 20 attempts.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 02: Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos runs onto the field prior to a game against the UNLV Rebels during the Mountain West Football Championship at Allegiant Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jeanty put on a show against Georgia Southern on Saturday.
Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images
But he knows that he can’t do it alone and shouted out the play of his offensive line after the win.
“I’ve got to shout out my O-line,” Jeanty said. “They opened up big, wide holes all game. I’ve got the easy part: Make some guys miss and go run to the end zone.”
Danielson praised his entire team for how they battled despite being on upset alert for the majority of the game.
“I’m proud of how our team battled,” Danielson said. “I’m proud of how they stayed in the fight, kept swinging, didn’t always go our way and sometimes it was self-inflicted, sometime they’re just things that happen in a game that you’ve got to respond to. That’s what I’m excited about as a coach. Week 1, when you can find a lot of things to clean up on film and still find a way to win the game? That’s what I’m proud of our team doing.”
If Jeanty can continue this type of production, he will make a compelling argument to win the Heisman. We can’t expect this level of impact to occur each week, but Jeanty cemented himself as one of the better running backs in the nation with his performance.
More news: Miami Taunts Gators, Dominates Florida on Road In Huge Week 1 Victory
